[REVIEW] Fresh Ink: Anthology, edited by Lamar Giles of We Need Diverse Books

We Need Diverse Books™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. They've published a few anthologies with different themes, all with diverse stories. 

In Fresh Ink: Anthology, readers are exposed to diverse authors from various cultural backgrounds. Some authors are award-winning, well-known writers, while others are new to me.

The stories are unique and "fresh." Each story is authentic in its voice and representation. I genuinely enjoyed nearly all of the stories, which is a rarity in a short story collection. 

The book contains stories from a wide range of authors, each with their own unique style and voice. What makes this collection so special is the authentic representation of various cultures and identities. Every story in the collection was excellent and really enjoyable, making it a great read for anyone who appreciates good storytelling.

The anthology features stories with Black, Korean, Japanese, Indigenous, Filipino, Iranian, AAPI, Latinx, Muslim, Queer, Trans, Undocumented, and biracial representation, by #ownvoices authors. This diversity of voices ensures that there is something here for everyone. The stories are thought-provoking, entertaining, and at times heart-wrenching, making it a great read for both teens and adults.

Marginalized identities are often underrepresented in literature, despite how important it is for young people to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This anthology is an excellent resource for teachers to include in their middle school and high school classrooms and for parents to give to their teens.

Overall, I highly recommend Fresh Ink, An Anthology, to anyone who loves a good story and wants to experience the rich diversity of voices in YA literature. I give this book four out of five stars and think it's a must-read for anyone who wants to broaden their perspective and understanding of the world.