Thomsen, Brian M., ed. Novel ideas: science fiction.

THOMSEN, Brian M., ed. Novel ideas: science fiction. Penguin, DAW. 321p. c2006. 0-7564-0353-7. $7.50. JSA *

Behind many good SF novels are riveting short stories. Seven well-respected short stories are included in this anthology. Probably the most well-known choice is Card's "Ender's Game," which shows how young people's gaming expertise can have international consequences. Willis's "Fire-Watch" provides a time travel analysis of the salvation of St. Paul's Cathedral during WW II, a story that led to her Doomsday Book. Varley's "Air Raid" notes how people were kidnapped and transported to a new planet; this story was expanded into Millennium. McCaffrey's "Lady in the Tower" combines mind and heart in outer space, and lays the groundwork for The Rowan. Brin's "The Postman" shows the power of the uniform. Bear's "Blood Music" traces the evolution of biochips. Kress's "Beggars in Spain" offers an interesting allegory about discrimination, focusing on the genetically engineered sleepless population. This one-volume compendium of leading short stories provides a rare opportunity for readers to sample a variety of SF subgenres. Dr. Lesley Farmer, Lib. Svcs., CSULB, Long Beach, CA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.