On Sale: 11/12/2019
ISBN: 9781641290463
312 Pages, Ages 14-18
This modern, groundbreaking YA anthology explores the complexity and beauty of interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships where differences are front and center.
When people ask me what this anthology is about, I’m often tempted to give them the complicated answer:
It’s about race, and about how being different from the person you love can matter but how it can also not matter.
It’s about Chinese pirate ghosts, Black girl vigilantes, colonial India, a flower festival, a garden of poisons, and so, so much else.
Honestly, though?
I think the answer’s much simpler than that.
Color outside the Lines is a collection of stories about young, fierce, brilliantly hopeful people in love.
—Sangu Mandanna, editor of Color outside the Lines
Color Outside The Lines
“A missing piece in the puzzle of YA lit.”—Ms. Magazine
“A brilliantly compiled YA anthology about teens ‘of all colors’ in multicultural and LGBTQ+ relationships, standing up for their beliefs, for each other, and for themselves . . . These gloriously steadfast teens refuse to be voiceless, and their astounding ambition commands us to listen.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“Filled to the brim with romantic, transcendent short fiction . . . Not only are the characters diverse, but the narratives they inhabit are, too, as the collection celebrates stories that fall within the sf and fantasy world as well as the contemporary fiction genre. These writers bring their rich talents to this book as they make it clear just how beautiful love is, regardless and because of race. By curating a collection filled with authentic characters of color and diverse storylines, Mandanna encourages writers and readers alike to take chances and truly color outside the lines in YA.”—Booklist, Starred Review
“In her editing debut, Mandanna produces a stunning collection of refreshing stories about love and identity among diverse young people . . . Each well-crafted story feels like a pearl, and strung together, they create something beautiful and unique. Featuring couples who are queer, interracial, or both, this an anthology that beautifully reflects the multifaceted reality of our world.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A YA anthology with a fabulous roster of contributors that will transport you out of your life for a little bit and also give you hope.”—Book Riot
“Color Outside the Lines has my whole heart . . . It’s a kaleidoscope of voices that illuminate how much we need more diverse literature and just how important these voices are. These authors put so much soul into these stories and it transpires beautifully onto the page.”—The Nerd Daily
“Multi-genre short stories filled with romance and diverse characters who cross boundaries. Representing interracial and cross-cultural relationships, this anthology takes readers to new worlds . . . The discussions of identity, and messages of cultural acceptance and recognition of inequality are well executed. Readers who enjoy romance and exploring questions of community and belonging will find much to savor in this collection.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This anthology of short stories about love will attract readers from all walks of life . . . Different genres are explored, including historical, supernatural, fantasy, magical realism, and realistic fiction, which keeps the stories unique and the book easy to read. A first purchase for libraries supporting or in need of diverse books.”—School Library Journal