Collected by Judy Blume to benefit the National Coalition Against Censorship, the stories in PLACES I NEVER MEANT TO BE are funny, wise and sad. The short story format gives the reader a fast and enjoyable way to revisit favorite authors and try out some new ones.

In these original stories, the protagonists share a similar dilemma. They are trapped in places they never meant to be: stuck in a basement with a nasty cheerleader, frozen on a baseball field with a sadistic coach. I especially enjoyed "Ashes" by Susan Beth Pfeffer about a girl who must chose between her dreamer father and practical mother after they divorce. And Paul Zindel's "Love and Centipedes" is a funny and cruel revenge tale.

This book is not only a collection of masterful tales, but also a plea against censorship since all of these authors have battled censorship in their careers. Most of the writers agree with a parent's right to choose what material is appropriate for their own children, but they also feel that there is a time when parents need to step back and allow their children to simply read. Especially when it comes to fiction. A story, particularly a story dealing with controversial issues, can be helpful when a teen, or an adult for that matter, is faced with difficult issues. It can help by showing a character whose life is similarly affected and can be a way of affirming that "I'm not the only one." Knowing that we are not alone makes us stronger.

This is a wonderful collection of short stories by some of the best writers of young adult fiction. Give it a try.

  --- Reviewed by Cassia Van Arsdale

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