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Voyagers: The Third Ghost
Journey into the past…
Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong?
Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!
Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong?
Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!
168 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
About the author
Yvonne Ventresca
11 books555 followersYvonne Ventresca writes thrilling novels and short stories that explore topics like deadly diseases, gaslighting, and hauntings.
Her latest short story, "The Third Ghost," won the eponymous honor for the middle grade anthology VOYAGERS: THE THIRD GHOST (for ages 9-12).
Her young adult novel, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (Sky Pony Press, 2016) won a National IPPY Gold Medal for YA fiction in 2017. Justine Magazine said "This one will keep you guessing" and according to BuzzFeed, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES "definitely won't disappoint."
Yvonne's debut YA novel, PANDEMIC, won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. "This fast read will appeal to fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s LIFE AS WE KNEW IT," Booklist said.
Her other works include short stories selected for anthologies along with two nonfiction books.
Yvonne holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. You can learn more about her at YvonneVentresca.com, where she also features resources for teen writers.
Her latest short story, "The Third Ghost," won the eponymous honor for the middle grade anthology VOYAGERS: THE THIRD GHOST (for ages 9-12).
Her young adult novel, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (Sky Pony Press, 2016) won a National IPPY Gold Medal for YA fiction in 2017. Justine Magazine said "This one will keep you guessing" and according to BuzzFeed, BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES "definitely won't disappoint."
Yvonne's debut YA novel, PANDEMIC, won a Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. "This fast read will appeal to fans of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s LIFE AS WE KNEW IT," Booklist said.
Her other works include short stories selected for anthologies along with two nonfiction books.
Yvonne holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. You can learn more about her at YvonneVentresca.com, where she also features resources for teen writers.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2020
VOYAGERS
THE THIRD GHOST
This Anthology has some spooky stories so you might want to read them with the lights on. The authors did a beautiful job with their individual work. You’ll meet some very interesting characters, especially if you like ghosts.
THE THIRD GHOST
By Yvonne Ventresca
In the first story, THE THIRD GHOST, we meet Lewis who is worried as he gets ready to sneak out in the middle of the night and leave his not quite thirteen-year-old sister alone, since their mom works the late shift at the train depot. He goes there to watch for her, but he smells smoke, and his troubles are just beginning.
THE GHOSTS OF POMPEII
By Sherry Ellis
In this story, we meet again the adorable characters, Squirt and Bubba, from the author’s book Bubba and Squirt’s Dig to China. Here, the kids dig a hole with a magical shovel Grandpa gave them and it can take him anywhere he wants to go. How about to Italy for pizza? Squirt has reasons why they shouldn’t go. Bubba won’t listen. So, they soon are off on another adventure. All he wants is pizza, but they discover a lot more. I learned some history, too.
THE BLIND SHIP
By Bish Denham
A twelve-year-old boy named Jacques is off to visit his father on an island in the Caribbean. His mother gives him a journal to describe his journey. But he doesn’t expect what happens on the ship that puts his life in danger?
DARE, DOUBLE DARE
By Louise MacBeath Barbour
Eleven-year-old Sara and twelve-year-old Kelsey double dare each other when they go to explore what’s behind the forbidden door. And what do they find on the other side? More than they expected. A dare and a double-dare sure can cause a lot of excitement.
RETURN TO CAHOKIA
By L. T. Ward
It’s spring and Tonalli, her mama, and siblings are returning home after being away for eight months. Father has to stay behind with his brother. So the family travels above the clouds. Sounds interesting, if a bit scary, right? They brave storms, clouds, and lightning. They sleep in the thin white fluff of the clouds. So, travel along with the family to see what happens. Will they arrive home safely? Or does danger lie ahead of them? Enjoy the read.
FEATHERED FIRE
By Roland Clarke
This is a story about war and a girl named Vasey, who has goats. Her older sister, Kalyna, was a pilot that the Germans feared, along with her female comrades that they called Night Witches. The sad thing is her parents had been executed. And Vasey tells a tale about the rare Firebird girl named Maryushka, an an evil sorcerer. You sure want to read this interesting story.
THE ORCHARD
By Beth Anderson Schuck
Eleven-year-old Nels lives in a Utah community where she’s not really wanted. She takes care of six orchards and the trees. Her papa lost his life in a flood and his body was never found. The trees talk to Nels. When school starts Miss Falk is the teacher and I love her description. She really tries to teach her students, but being a former teacher myself I have to laugh when she sees a parade approaching the schoolhouse. I’m not telling.
SIMON GRAY AND THE YAMAMBA
By Charles Kowalski
Oyuki and Simon were born with the ability to see ghosts and spirits. They tried to escape by sea, and in 1620 they signed up as cabin boy, but the ship wrecked and they became castaways, then fugitives on their way to the English trading post. Along the way they find a fox caught in a trap and also meet some interesting people and what do you think they discover?
A WORLD OF TROUBLE
By Rebecca Douglass
Mattie Mae Scott is in a world of trouble, and it’s her daddy’s fault. It’s raining, flooding. Eleven-year-old Mattie and her best friend Gordon are trying to move the logs jamming into the creek. They should have stayed home instead of going to see the aeroplane at the fair. Now, how do they get out of this mess? Luckily, they have General, the horse, with them. Can they get home safely? And can they pretend they’ve been home all the time?
WINTER DAYS
By Katharina Gerlach
Tim and Katie are about to cross the border with their mother and father. Father tells them not to talk. Mother is afraid they’ll be sent to prison. Will they make it safely to their destination, or will Mother’s fear come true. A story that will keep you holding your breath to see what happens to this family.
Enjoy these ten stories. Happy Reading.
THE THIRD GHOST
This Anthology has some spooky stories so you might want to read them with the lights on. The authors did a beautiful job with their individual work. You’ll meet some very interesting characters, especially if you like ghosts.
THE THIRD GHOST
By Yvonne Ventresca
In the first story, THE THIRD GHOST, we meet Lewis who is worried as he gets ready to sneak out in the middle of the night and leave his not quite thirteen-year-old sister alone, since their mom works the late shift at the train depot. He goes there to watch for her, but he smells smoke, and his troubles are just beginning.
THE GHOSTS OF POMPEII
By Sherry Ellis
In this story, we meet again the adorable characters, Squirt and Bubba, from the author’s book Bubba and Squirt’s Dig to China. Here, the kids dig a hole with a magical shovel Grandpa gave them and it can take him anywhere he wants to go. How about to Italy for pizza? Squirt has reasons why they shouldn’t go. Bubba won’t listen. So, they soon are off on another adventure. All he wants is pizza, but they discover a lot more. I learned some history, too.
THE BLIND SHIP
By Bish Denham
A twelve-year-old boy named Jacques is off to visit his father on an island in the Caribbean. His mother gives him a journal to describe his journey. But he doesn’t expect what happens on the ship that puts his life in danger?
DARE, DOUBLE DARE
By Louise MacBeath Barbour
Eleven-year-old Sara and twelve-year-old Kelsey double dare each other when they go to explore what’s behind the forbidden door. And what do they find on the other side? More than they expected. A dare and a double-dare sure can cause a lot of excitement.
RETURN TO CAHOKIA
By L. T. Ward
It’s spring and Tonalli, her mama, and siblings are returning home after being away for eight months. Father has to stay behind with his brother. So the family travels above the clouds. Sounds interesting, if a bit scary, right? They brave storms, clouds, and lightning. They sleep in the thin white fluff of the clouds. So, travel along with the family to see what happens. Will they arrive home safely? Or does danger lie ahead of them? Enjoy the read.
FEATHERED FIRE
By Roland Clarke
This is a story about war and a girl named Vasey, who has goats. Her older sister, Kalyna, was a pilot that the Germans feared, along with her female comrades that they called Night Witches. The sad thing is her parents had been executed. And Vasey tells a tale about the rare Firebird girl named Maryushka, an an evil sorcerer. You sure want to read this interesting story.
THE ORCHARD
By Beth Anderson Schuck
Eleven-year-old Nels lives in a Utah community where she’s not really wanted. She takes care of six orchards and the trees. Her papa lost his life in a flood and his body was never found. The trees talk to Nels. When school starts Miss Falk is the teacher and I love her description. She really tries to teach her students, but being a former teacher myself I have to laugh when she sees a parade approaching the schoolhouse. I’m not telling.
SIMON GRAY AND THE YAMAMBA
By Charles Kowalski
Oyuki and Simon were born with the ability to see ghosts and spirits. They tried to escape by sea, and in 1620 they signed up as cabin boy, but the ship wrecked and they became castaways, then fugitives on their way to the English trading post. Along the way they find a fox caught in a trap and also meet some interesting people and what do you think they discover?
A WORLD OF TROUBLE
By Rebecca Douglass
Mattie Mae Scott is in a world of trouble, and it’s her daddy’s fault. It’s raining, flooding. Eleven-year-old Mattie and her best friend Gordon are trying to move the logs jamming into the creek. They should have stayed home instead of going to see the aeroplane at the fair. Now, how do they get out of this mess? Luckily, they have General, the horse, with them. Can they get home safely? And can they pretend they’ve been home all the time?
WINTER DAYS
By Katharina Gerlach
Tim and Katie are about to cross the border with their mother and father. Father tells them not to talk. Mother is afraid they’ll be sent to prison. Will they make it safely to their destination, or will Mother’s fear come true. A story that will keep you holding your breath to see what happens to this family.
Enjoy these ten stories. Happy Reading.
May 13, 2020
The amazing thing about themed anthologies is that, while there's a single theme, the stories are incredibly varied. In the case of Voyagers: The Third Ghost, not only are the stories varied, but each is well-crafted and engaging. Among the ten included, there are ghosts, dangerous boarder crossings, brave counter-revolutionaries of WWII, some tragic history of early Caribbean days, and U. S. barnstorming days of the twenties. All take the reader on a short, but rewarding journey.
May 21, 2020
What do slave ships, ghosts, time travel, Pompeii, WWII, aeroplanes, and the Iron Curtain have in common?
They all appear in this absolutely fantastic collection of short stories by the Insecure Writer's Support Group.
"Voyagers" is an appropriate title for this collection, since most of the stories involve a journey of some kind. A journey across the sea. A journey across the border. A journey back in time. A journey to the afterlife.
But they're not just physical journeys. These are journeys away from innocence, away from safety, toward understanding, toward acceptance, toward redemption.
The genres vary, but for the most part these are works of historical fiction. Thus, there's a story about a young boy traveling aboard a slave ship to meet his father, a story about a Ukrainian girl whose sister flies with the Night Witches (an all-female bomber regiment in WWII), and a story about a family who tries to cross the Iron Curtain to spend the holidays with family.
But many of these stories have a little something else thrown in. Thus, there's a story about two travelers who encounter a Yamamba (a mythical Japanese creature) in the mountains, a story about a young orchardist who talks to trees, and a story about a boy in the 1980s who keeps seeing ghosts.
By turns intriguing, gripping, funny, and poignant--these are masterfully told stories by a first-rate group of writers. Their imaginative powers put me through the whole spectrum of emotions:
Shivers ("The Third Ghost", "Simon Grey and The Yamamba")
Amusement ("The Ghosts of Pompeii," "Dare, Double Dare")
Horror ("The Blind Ship")
Awe ("Return to Cahokia")
Joy ("The Orchard")
Suspense ("A World of Trouble")
Tears ("Feathered Fire," "Winter Days")
A shout-out to those last two, which I found unexpectedly moving--especially "Feathered Fire." The story of a Ukrainian girl reunited with her sister, interwoven with the Russian legend of The Firebird, was absolutely beautiful and a masterclass in storytelling.
And I can't resist a final shout-out to "Return to Cahokia." This story of the Native American weather gods returning to their summer home was unique and powerful in its imagery. I enjoyed reveling in the vivid, richly woven world the author has created.
In short, this is a great collection of short pieces that are fun to read but lend themselves to pondering. A hearty round of applause to all the authors who contributed to this spellbinding tapestry of stories.
They all appear in this absolutely fantastic collection of short stories by the Insecure Writer's Support Group.
"Voyagers" is an appropriate title for this collection, since most of the stories involve a journey of some kind. A journey across the sea. A journey across the border. A journey back in time. A journey to the afterlife.
But they're not just physical journeys. These are journeys away from innocence, away from safety, toward understanding, toward acceptance, toward redemption.
The genres vary, but for the most part these are works of historical fiction. Thus, there's a story about a young boy traveling aboard a slave ship to meet his father, a story about a Ukrainian girl whose sister flies with the Night Witches (an all-female bomber regiment in WWII), and a story about a family who tries to cross the Iron Curtain to spend the holidays with family.
But many of these stories have a little something else thrown in. Thus, there's a story about two travelers who encounter a Yamamba (a mythical Japanese creature) in the mountains, a story about a young orchardist who talks to trees, and a story about a boy in the 1980s who keeps seeing ghosts.
By turns intriguing, gripping, funny, and poignant--these are masterfully told stories by a first-rate group of writers. Their imaginative powers put me through the whole spectrum of emotions:
Shivers ("The Third Ghost", "Simon Grey and The Yamamba")
Amusement ("The Ghosts of Pompeii," "Dare, Double Dare")
Horror ("The Blind Ship")
Awe ("Return to Cahokia")
Joy ("The Orchard")
Suspense ("A World of Trouble")
Tears ("Feathered Fire," "Winter Days")
A shout-out to those last two, which I found unexpectedly moving--especially "Feathered Fire." The story of a Ukrainian girl reunited with her sister, interwoven with the Russian legend of The Firebird, was absolutely beautiful and a masterclass in storytelling.
And I can't resist a final shout-out to "Return to Cahokia." This story of the Native American weather gods returning to their summer home was unique and powerful in its imagery. I enjoyed reveling in the vivid, richly woven world the author has created.
In short, this is a great collection of short pieces that are fun to read but lend themselves to pondering. A hearty round of applause to all the authors who contributed to this spellbinding tapestry of stories.
January 28, 2021
This book is an interesting concept because not only does it introduce 10 emerging authors in a skillful publicity angle, but contains unique stories that redefine traditional historical fiction by including magical elements from time travel to talking trees. Voyagers was super fun to read and I hope that you read it, too when this book is released next month!
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This story was suspenseful and epic! I loved the twist at the end and the careful foreshadowing. Now I can't wait to read her first book, Pandemic!
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
This is based on Ellis' main book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China. This story was very unique in the fact that it was not only historical fiction, but mixed in elements from fantasy and scifi novels, like ghosts and time travel. Part of it was also really funny!
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I appreciate the morals of the young boy, viewing African Americans as humans and not slaves. The story is inspirational and highlights some of the terrors of slavery. This was a bizarre, wonderful story with the Opthalimia dilemma. The Blind Ship was very suspenseful and fun!
4. Dare, Double Dare by
The genetic aspect of the magical ability to time travel was intriguing. I enjoyed the diversity with French being frequently spoken. Dare, Double Dare is also educational, as before I did not know about the Habitation at Port-Royal.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
The plot was super creative! I loved imagining the children creating weather and changing lives. It sounds like such a giant responsibility, being Weather Gods, and I enjoyed the abundance of painful emotion, but also hope and happiness from the characters. Return to Cahokia stands out with its Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe and their Nahuatl language. The village is thought to have demised due to extreme weather (https://www.pnas.org/content/116/12/5461), so I love the mixing of mythology and historical fiction.
6. Feathered Fire by Ronald Clarke
Feathered Fire is my favorite story of them all. The mythical legend of the Zharptica (firebird) partnered with a powerful, inspirational female heroine in the middle of a war zone made this story epic! I loved the symbolism of the firebird and the central idea of being "reborn" from the flames, free and safe after this war.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
The Orchard is the most beautiful story, a calming bliss that nature can provide. In the story, Nels is a girl who has a unique connection with nature, who can hear the trees speak to her. I found the idea lovely.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
I read Kowalski's Simon Grey and the March of a Thousand Ghosts, so I was very excited to read a sequel of sorts! I was not disappointed. It had the perfect balance between creepy and funny. This short story was cute, satisfying, and educational in Japanese folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
I didn't necessarily enjoy this one as much as the previous stories, as it sent conflicting messages- on one hand, it is bad to sneak out of your house and travel without your parents at such a young age, but on the other hand without these kids, this disaster would have been a whole lot worse. However the dilemma of saving themselves and their homes from drowning was interesting to read about- I was definitely holding my breath by the end!
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
While taking place in Germany, the concept is still very relatable with border conflicts. I enjoyed the themes of family and the ideals of having the brightness in humanity inside everyone. I loved the description of almost freezing to death- I almost felt as if I was!
See this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This story was suspenseful and epic! I loved the twist at the end and the careful foreshadowing. Now I can't wait to read her first book, Pandemic!
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
This is based on Ellis' main book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China. This story was very unique in the fact that it was not only historical fiction, but mixed in elements from fantasy and scifi novels, like ghosts and time travel. Part of it was also really funny!
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I appreciate the morals of the young boy, viewing African Americans as humans and not slaves. The story is inspirational and highlights some of the terrors of slavery. This was a bizarre, wonderful story with the Opthalimia dilemma. The Blind Ship was very suspenseful and fun!
4. Dare, Double Dare by
The genetic aspect of the magical ability to time travel was intriguing. I enjoyed the diversity with French being frequently spoken. Dare, Double Dare is also educational, as before I did not know about the Habitation at Port-Royal.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
The plot was super creative! I loved imagining the children creating weather and changing lives. It sounds like such a giant responsibility, being Weather Gods, and I enjoyed the abundance of painful emotion, but also hope and happiness from the characters. Return to Cahokia stands out with its Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe and their Nahuatl language. The village is thought to have demised due to extreme weather (https://www.pnas.org/content/116/12/5461), so I love the mixing of mythology and historical fiction.
6. Feathered Fire by Ronald Clarke
Feathered Fire is my favorite story of them all. The mythical legend of the Zharptica (firebird) partnered with a powerful, inspirational female heroine in the middle of a war zone made this story epic! I loved the symbolism of the firebird and the central idea of being "reborn" from the flames, free and safe after this war.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
The Orchard is the most beautiful story, a calming bliss that nature can provide. In the story, Nels is a girl who has a unique connection with nature, who can hear the trees speak to her. I found the idea lovely.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
I read Kowalski's Simon Grey and the March of a Thousand Ghosts, so I was very excited to read a sequel of sorts! I was not disappointed. It had the perfect balance between creepy and funny. This short story was cute, satisfying, and educational in Japanese folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
I didn't necessarily enjoy this one as much as the previous stories, as it sent conflicting messages- on one hand, it is bad to sneak out of your house and travel without your parents at such a young age, but on the other hand without these kids, this disaster would have been a whole lot worse. However the dilemma of saving themselves and their homes from drowning was interesting to read about- I was definitely holding my breath by the end!
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
While taking place in Germany, the concept is still very relatable with border conflicts. I enjoyed the themes of family and the ideals of having the brightness in humanity inside everyone. I loved the description of almost freezing to death- I almost felt as if I was!
See this review and more at pagesforthoughts.blogspot.com!
May 16, 2020
I might be a bit prejudice as I am one of the contributing authors. That said, until I received my copy of the anthology I had not read any of the other stories and had no idea what to expect. What a delight to have my story included in this diverse and unique group. There's bound to be something for everyone. My personal favorite is Return to Cahokia. The writing and storytelling float and move with the grace of the gods who walk among the clouds.
Here's my short take on each story.
The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
A boy discovers that tragedy leads healing.
The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
A desire for pizza leads to crazy romp in Pompeii.
The Blind Ship by Bish Denham (my contribution)
A journey on a slave ship leads to a change in attitude.
Dare, double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
A forbidden, secret room leads to adventure in the 1600s.
Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
The migration of Aztec gods lead to weather.
Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
The Russian Resistance leads two sisters a way into freedom.
The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
The magic of nature leads from isolation to inclusion.
Simon Gray and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
A Japanese fairy tale, very like Hansel and Gretel, leads to bravery.
A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Disobeying their parents leads two friends into a dangerous rescue.
Winter Days by Katharine Gerlach
A Cold War border crossing leads to a deeper family connection.
Here's my short take on each story.
The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
A boy discovers that tragedy leads healing.
The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
A desire for pizza leads to crazy romp in Pompeii.
The Blind Ship by Bish Denham (my contribution)
A journey on a slave ship leads to a change in attitude.
Dare, double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
A forbidden, secret room leads to adventure in the 1600s.
Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
The migration of Aztec gods lead to weather.
Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
The Russian Resistance leads two sisters a way into freedom.
The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
The magic of nature leads from isolation to inclusion.
Simon Gray and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
A Japanese fairy tale, very like Hansel and Gretel, leads to bravery.
A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Disobeying their parents leads two friends into a dangerous rescue.
Winter Days by Katharine Gerlach
A Cold War border crossing leads to a deeper family connection.
May 15, 2020
Voyagers, The Third Ghost is a collection of short, historical fiction pieces written by ten different authors. These pieces were entries in a contest sponsored by the Insecure Writers Support Group and were selected by a panel of agents, authors, and editors.
Each story is unique in its own way. Some are somber like The Blind Ship which recounts a harrowing journey of slaves across the ocean. Some have great twists like the Third Ghost. And others are humourous like The Ghosts of Pompeii. Many contain elements of magic and the supernatural. All have young protagonists who give readers a look into the past.
Young readers will find a variety of stories that require little time to read and allow them to experience the writing styles of different authors. They may even find an author whose work they wish to read more of. Recommended for middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction.
Each story is unique in its own way. Some are somber like The Blind Ship which recounts a harrowing journey of slaves across the ocean. Some have great twists like the Third Ghost. And others are humourous like The Ghosts of Pompeii. Many contain elements of magic and the supernatural. All have young protagonists who give readers a look into the past.
Young readers will find a variety of stories that require little time to read and allow them to experience the writing styles of different authors. They may even find an author whose work they wish to read more of. Recommended for middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction.
May 17, 2020
I love Yvonne Ventrusca’s writing. Her YA books are among my favorites: PANDEMIC (published in 2014, is an eerie foreshadowing of current times) and BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (published in 2016, is a perfect paranormal read for a pandemic). As a contributor to the new anthology, VOYAGERS: THE THIRD GHOST (Dancing Lemur Press, LLC), Yvonne continues exploring the fantastical with her suspenseful short story, The Third Ghost. Lewis is the ever intrepid thirteen-year-old. He sneaks out at midnight every night, leaving his sister alone, to shadow his mother safely home from work. But this night, he chances on a boy with a cat and a girl on the tracks. It turns out, there’s more to these encounters. It’s an intense character-study, reminiscent of one of my favorite 1999 movies.
There are ten stories included in this collection for middle grade readers. Exploring variations on the theme of voyages, the genres expand across the speculative, from ghost stories to time travel to the historical. Another favorite is the depiction of the harrowing transatlantic voyage taken the enslaved in THE BLIND SHIP, written by Bish Denham. All short stories are excellent reads and I look forward to reading more from these authors.
There are ten stories included in this collection for middle grade readers. Exploring variations on the theme of voyages, the genres expand across the speculative, from ghost stories to time travel to the historical. Another favorite is the depiction of the harrowing transatlantic voyage taken the enslaved in THE BLIND SHIP, written by Bish Denham. All short stories are excellent reads and I look forward to reading more from these authors.
May 8, 2020
[I received an electronic review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
This is a collection of short stories ranging from fantasy (ghosts) to science fiction (time travel) to history (slave ship). I think this would be a great collection for developing readers. There's not a long time commitment to read one story. The topics and characters are interesting and there is enough weirdness to keep a reader turning pages to figure out what is going on. Some kids will plow through the whole collection while others might read one story and set the book aside and pick it up again later to try another.
This is a collection of short stories ranging from fantasy (ghosts) to science fiction (time travel) to history (slave ship). I think this would be a great collection for developing readers. There's not a long time commitment to read one story. The topics and characters are interesting and there is enough weirdness to keep a reader turning pages to figure out what is going on. Some kids will plow through the whole collection while others might read one story and set the book aside and pick it up again later to try another.
May 6, 2020
Let me start with a disclaimer: I am one of the authors of the Insecure Writers Support Group 2020 anthology: "Voyagers: The Third Ghost." I have reviewed the stories of my fellow authors. The stories are unique, varied, and excellent! I enjoyed them all.
Yvonne Ventresca: "The Third Ghost”
Yvonne's story is suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of courage and love. Lewis, almost thirteen, regularly sneaks out of his apartment at night, leaving his younger sister sleeping alone while he follows his mother home from the Hoboken train terminal where she works. Torn between leaving Christina unprotected and worrying about his mother's safety, he sets out on this night, a night filled with danger and extraordinary encounters. He suddenly receives a strange message: Danger. Burning. Fire! Forgetting his mother, Lewis races for home to try to save his sister. The ending is not what I expected!
Sherry Ellis: "The Ghosts of Pompeii"
The lengths a boy will go to for authentic Italian pizza! Bubba's mother told him that the best pizza is in Italy, and he heads there with his reluctant older sister Squirt. No worries ~ They have a magical vortex that will transport them wherever they want to go. Unfortunately they land in a dangerous place where a ghost warns them Mount Vesuvius is about to erupt. Can Bubba and Squirt warn people in time to evacuate before the volcano blows? Can they escape themselves? This funny twosome will delight readers!
Bish Denham: “The Blind Ship"
This harrowing tale of a journey on a slave ship related by twelve-year-old Jacques Romaigne stays with you. Jacques sets out from Le Havre, France to join his father on their sugar cane plantation in Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. At first the voyage is an adventure for young Jacques, but it quickly turns dangerous after the ship picks up a cargo of Negro slaves from the West African coast. When a devastating disease strikes the crew and passengers, their survival is doubtful, and Jacques is forever changed.
Louise MacBeath Barbour: “Dare Double Dare"
It's impossible to objectively review my own story, because I've spent so much time and effort bringing it to its published form. I feel proud of my story, and I'm looking forward to further adventures with Sara and Kelsey.
L.T. Ward: "Return to Cahokia" This story about the journey of Warm Weather gods from their winter home in the south to their summer home in the north was fresh and imaginative. It was fascinating to accompany Tonalli and her family as they traveled across the clouds to Cahokia and to see how their progress affected the weather. In pre-Columbian times Cahokia was the largest urban settlement north of Mexico City. Today its culture is known through its archaeological ruins near St. Louis, Missouri. Seeing the weather from a pre-Columbian perspective was fun and informative. The story’s unexpected ending inspired me to learn more about Cahokia’s culture and mythology.
Roland Clarke: "Feathered Fire"
What hope is there for a better future for Vasy, a 12-year-old goatherd near the Soviet-Nazi front during WWII? Her parents were executed, and she is alone except for her sister Kalyna and the woman who took them in after her parents' deaths. Kalyna is a Soviet pilot with the feared Nachthexen, the Night Witches, and flies nightly raids against the Nazis. Vasy must travel through the night forest evading the Nazis to carry a message to the Soviet Red Army leaders. Accompanied by her goat Zoya and carrying a hoopoe bird feather, Vasy faces her fears and seeks her future in this suspenseful story that draws on the legend of Zharptica, the Firebird.
Beth Anderson Schuck: "The Orchard"
"We're not like the others," Della says to Nels. No they certainly aren't. Della is a 30-year-old spinster in Junction, Utah, and Nels is an 11-year-old orphan working as an orchardist in the remote community. Over the spring and summer, Della tries to befriend Nels and to convince her to attend the local school where Della will be the new teacher in the fall. During this time Della discovers that Nels has a special gift that connects her with nature and her dead father. This is a mystical story that explores the lives of two strong and independent females in the canyon lands of Utah in 1910. Misfits in the community, they must help each other or fail.
Charles Kowalski: "Simon Grey and the Yamamba"
This story has the feel of a horror movie, one where you yell at the characters, "Don't do that!" You just know things are going to go from bad to worse. Cabin boy Simon Grey has a special gift, the ability to see ghosts. The only place he can escape them is at sea. Unfortunately, he finds himself shipwrecked in a strange, dangerous, and haunted Japan in 1620. He meets Oyuki, the daughter of an English sailor-turned-samurai, and together they struggle to stay alive and return home. When fleeing the Shogun's agents they face a fork in their road. First bad decision ~ They take a shortcut over a mountain at twilight. Second bad mistake ~ They stop at an isolated house. Third bad mistake ~ You'll just have to read this suspenseful fantasy to find out!
Rebecca M. Douglass: "A World of Trouble"
“We’re in so much trouble, Mattie,” her best friend Gordon remarks. Life-threatening trouble. Mattie and Gordon have to miss seeing their first aeroplane at the Conconully fair. Mattie must take care of the family farm while her family goes to the fair, and Gordon’s father would never take his family on such a trip. The night before the fair, the friends concoct a plan that will allow them to see the aeroplane fly and to handle their necessary chores at home without their parents discovering that they snook off to the fair. What happened on their lark was scary and suspenseful. Will disobedience and errors in judgment cost them their live
Katharina Gerlach: "Winter Days"
Twelve-year-old Katie’s father is a Republikflüchtling, a former resident of the German Democratic Republic who left to study forestry in West Germany prior to the building of the German-German border. When he returns to East Germany on a Christmas visit with his family many years later, they are trapped by a blizzard beyond the date of their scheduled return. This delay and her father’s past may result in the imprisonment of Katie and her family. This story is filled with winter cold and great fear that had me racing through the pages to its end.
Yvonne Ventresca: "The Third Ghost”
Yvonne's story is suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of courage and love. Lewis, almost thirteen, regularly sneaks out of his apartment at night, leaving his younger sister sleeping alone while he follows his mother home from the Hoboken train terminal where she works. Torn between leaving Christina unprotected and worrying about his mother's safety, he sets out on this night, a night filled with danger and extraordinary encounters. He suddenly receives a strange message: Danger. Burning. Fire! Forgetting his mother, Lewis races for home to try to save his sister. The ending is not what I expected!
Sherry Ellis: "The Ghosts of Pompeii"
The lengths a boy will go to for authentic Italian pizza! Bubba's mother told him that the best pizza is in Italy, and he heads there with his reluctant older sister Squirt. No worries ~ They have a magical vortex that will transport them wherever they want to go. Unfortunately they land in a dangerous place where a ghost warns them Mount Vesuvius is about to erupt. Can Bubba and Squirt warn people in time to evacuate before the volcano blows? Can they escape themselves? This funny twosome will delight readers!
Bish Denham: “The Blind Ship"
This harrowing tale of a journey on a slave ship related by twelve-year-old Jacques Romaigne stays with you. Jacques sets out from Le Havre, France to join his father on their sugar cane plantation in Point-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. At first the voyage is an adventure for young Jacques, but it quickly turns dangerous after the ship picks up a cargo of Negro slaves from the West African coast. When a devastating disease strikes the crew and passengers, their survival is doubtful, and Jacques is forever changed.
Louise MacBeath Barbour: “Dare Double Dare"
It's impossible to objectively review my own story, because I've spent so much time and effort bringing it to its published form. I feel proud of my story, and I'm looking forward to further adventures with Sara and Kelsey.
L.T. Ward: "Return to Cahokia" This story about the journey of Warm Weather gods from their winter home in the south to their summer home in the north was fresh and imaginative. It was fascinating to accompany Tonalli and her family as they traveled across the clouds to Cahokia and to see how their progress affected the weather. In pre-Columbian times Cahokia was the largest urban settlement north of Mexico City. Today its culture is known through its archaeological ruins near St. Louis, Missouri. Seeing the weather from a pre-Columbian perspective was fun and informative. The story’s unexpected ending inspired me to learn more about Cahokia’s culture and mythology.
Roland Clarke: "Feathered Fire"
What hope is there for a better future for Vasy, a 12-year-old goatherd near the Soviet-Nazi front during WWII? Her parents were executed, and she is alone except for her sister Kalyna and the woman who took them in after her parents' deaths. Kalyna is a Soviet pilot with the feared Nachthexen, the Night Witches, and flies nightly raids against the Nazis. Vasy must travel through the night forest evading the Nazis to carry a message to the Soviet Red Army leaders. Accompanied by her goat Zoya and carrying a hoopoe bird feather, Vasy faces her fears and seeks her future in this suspenseful story that draws on the legend of Zharptica, the Firebird.
Beth Anderson Schuck: "The Orchard"
"We're not like the others," Della says to Nels. No they certainly aren't. Della is a 30-year-old spinster in Junction, Utah, and Nels is an 11-year-old orphan working as an orchardist in the remote community. Over the spring and summer, Della tries to befriend Nels and to convince her to attend the local school where Della will be the new teacher in the fall. During this time Della discovers that Nels has a special gift that connects her with nature and her dead father. This is a mystical story that explores the lives of two strong and independent females in the canyon lands of Utah in 1910. Misfits in the community, they must help each other or fail.
Charles Kowalski: "Simon Grey and the Yamamba"
This story has the feel of a horror movie, one where you yell at the characters, "Don't do that!" You just know things are going to go from bad to worse. Cabin boy Simon Grey has a special gift, the ability to see ghosts. The only place he can escape them is at sea. Unfortunately, he finds himself shipwrecked in a strange, dangerous, and haunted Japan in 1620. He meets Oyuki, the daughter of an English sailor-turned-samurai, and together they struggle to stay alive and return home. When fleeing the Shogun's agents they face a fork in their road. First bad decision ~ They take a shortcut over a mountain at twilight. Second bad mistake ~ They stop at an isolated house. Third bad mistake ~ You'll just have to read this suspenseful fantasy to find out!
Rebecca M. Douglass: "A World of Trouble"
“We’re in so much trouble, Mattie,” her best friend Gordon remarks. Life-threatening trouble. Mattie and Gordon have to miss seeing their first aeroplane at the Conconully fair. Mattie must take care of the family farm while her family goes to the fair, and Gordon’s father would never take his family on such a trip. The night before the fair, the friends concoct a plan that will allow them to see the aeroplane fly and to handle their necessary chores at home without their parents discovering that they snook off to the fair. What happened on their lark was scary and suspenseful. Will disobedience and errors in judgment cost them their live
Katharina Gerlach: "Winter Days"
Twelve-year-old Katie’s father is a Republikflüchtling, a former resident of the German Democratic Republic who left to study forestry in West Germany prior to the building of the German-German border. When he returns to East Germany on a Christmas visit with his family many years later, they are trapped by a blizzard beyond the date of their scheduled return. This delay and her father’s past may result in the imprisonment of Katie and her family. This story is filled with winter cold and great fear that had me racing through the pages to its end.
August 17, 2021
Short stories are not one of my automatic choices to read, but I am so so glad that I bought this anthology after hearing some friends mention the title. It was fun to read the works of some new (to me) authors and enjoy their imaginative stories. This paperback anthology has ten stories, and my two favorites were "The Orchard" by Beth Anderson Schuck and "The Third Ghost' by Yvonne Ventresca. Anderson Schuck's story could lead to some interesting discussions with middle grade readers about times that they have enjoyed nature or felt a special kinship with animals or even plants.
May 11, 2020
Review 5 stars
Every one of these stories was different in style, historical period, use of plot elements, and varied appearances of the unexpected from folklore to time travel. Ten marvellous reads and not just for Middle Age readers as this finicky retiree can attest. This anthology kept me reading from cover to cover with minimal breaks.
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This poignant story set in 1981 kept me riveted through to the twist at the end, even though I sensed it coming – although, the foreshadowing was subtle and hidden. Yvonne Ventresca makes the costly tragedy of arson elicit our concerns for justice with powerful descriptions. The emotions pulled me through the journey, and her beautiful crafting of words had me in tears by the end of The Third Ghost.
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
The humour mixed with the historical morsels was entertaining. Bubba and Squirt are fun characters with wonderful banter – I loved the sticking-out tongues. The pizza thread is tasty too. The mix of elements from ghosts to time travel worked well and were neatly blended into this delicious treat.
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I related to this dark and emotional story as I grew up with abolitionist ancestors – so a conscience. Bish Denham has crafted a powerful and moving tale based on real historical events recorded by the twelve-year-old boy. Her youngster’s ability to see ‘Negros’ as humans and not slaves was rare but motivational. Tragically the terrors of slavery still exist.
4. Dare, Double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
Kids goading each other into an adventure provides a neat opening hook for this intriguing time travel tale. The story makes skilful use of 1600s Canada with its mix of French and Mi’kmaq culture, including language. These are neatly integrated, and a glimpseof history is included that few know about.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
In Return to Cahokia we are treated to heavenly magic with siblings creating weather - the Warm Weather Gods. L.T. Ward paints an atmospheric journey through her vibrant use of the sky, clouds, rain, wind, and sun. This story brings to life the rich Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe blending mythology and archaeological fact.
6. Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
Feathered Fire is my own creation so all I will add is it proved a worthwhile challenge merging history - heroic Soviet airwomen and tragic Ukrainian dilemmas during World War II - with the legends of the Zharptica (Firebird) a rich vein in Slavic folklore.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
Beth Schuck has crafted an alluring story in The Orchard where nature flourishes in the face of disbelief. For me as a dedicated Green, I was captivated by Nels with her special connection to trees and other creatures. Dryads must be as real as portrayed here, even if most of us are blind to their blessings. A favourite among so many.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
Although Japan with its extensive and deep culture are unfamiliar, Charles Kowalski brings his 1620s setting to life, balancing wonderful descriptions, living folklore – some scary – testing trials, and historical nuggets. Yet even this legendary monster echoes Western nightmares – the universality of folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Back when aeroplanes were a once in a lifetime encounter, sneaking off to see one at a young age makes sense – sometimes. Throw in an impending disaster from floodwater, and you have Rebecca Douglass’s tension ramped A World of Trouble. The dilemma at its heart involves a realistic race against time.
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
Having seen the Iron Curtain between West and East Germany, I connected to this gripping tale of crossing that border and getting trapped on the wrong side. With her German roots, Katharina Gerlach has captured the family fears emanating from the greyness of the East and the father’s past. The use of ‘gray’ to colour everything is masterly as is the sense of cold becoming deep snow. However, humanity must shine through.
Every one of these stories was different in style, historical period, use of plot elements, and varied appearances of the unexpected from folklore to time travel. Ten marvellous reads and not just for Middle Age readers as this finicky retiree can attest. This anthology kept me reading from cover to cover with minimal breaks.
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This poignant story set in 1981 kept me riveted through to the twist at the end, even though I sensed it coming – although, the foreshadowing was subtle and hidden. Yvonne Ventresca makes the costly tragedy of arson elicit our concerns for justice with powerful descriptions. The emotions pulled me through the journey, and her beautiful crafting of words had me in tears by the end of The Third Ghost.
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
The humour mixed with the historical morsels was entertaining. Bubba and Squirt are fun characters with wonderful banter – I loved the sticking-out tongues. The pizza thread is tasty too. The mix of elements from ghosts to time travel worked well and were neatly blended into this delicious treat.
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I related to this dark and emotional story as I grew up with abolitionist ancestors – so a conscience. Bish Denham has crafted a powerful and moving tale based on real historical events recorded by the twelve-year-old boy. Her youngster’s ability to see ‘Negros’ as humans and not slaves was rare but motivational. Tragically the terrors of slavery still exist.
4. Dare, Double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
Kids goading each other into an adventure provides a neat opening hook for this intriguing time travel tale. The story makes skilful use of 1600s Canada with its mix of French and Mi’kmaq culture, including language. These are neatly integrated, and a glimpseof history is included that few know about.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
In Return to Cahokia we are treated to heavenly magic with siblings creating weather - the Warm Weather Gods. L.T. Ward paints an atmospheric journey through her vibrant use of the sky, clouds, rain, wind, and sun. This story brings to life the rich Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe blending mythology and archaeological fact.
6. Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
Feathered Fire is my own creation so all I will add is it proved a worthwhile challenge merging history - heroic Soviet airwomen and tragic Ukrainian dilemmas during World War II - with the legends of the Zharptica (Firebird) a rich vein in Slavic folklore.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
Beth Schuck has crafted an alluring story in The Orchard where nature flourishes in the face of disbelief. For me as a dedicated Green, I was captivated by Nels with her special connection to trees and other creatures. Dryads must be as real as portrayed here, even if most of us are blind to their blessings. A favourite among so many.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
Although Japan with its extensive and deep culture are unfamiliar, Charles Kowalski brings his 1620s setting to life, balancing wonderful descriptions, living folklore – some scary – testing trials, and historical nuggets. Yet even this legendary monster echoes Western nightmares – the universality of folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Back when aeroplanes were a once in a lifetime encounter, sneaking off to see one at a young age makes sense – sometimes. Throw in an impending disaster from floodwater, and you have Rebecca Douglass’s tension ramped A World of Trouble. The dilemma at its heart involves a realistic race against time.
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
Having seen the Iron Curtain between West and East Germany, I connected to this gripping tale of crossing that border and getting trapped on the wrong side. With her German roots, Katharina Gerlach has captured the family fears emanating from the greyness of the East and the father’s past. The use of ‘gray’ to colour everything is masterly as is the sense of cold becoming deep snow. However, humanity must shine through.
May 16, 2020
Review 5 stars
Every one of these stories was different in style, historical period, use of plot elements, and varied appearances of the unexpected from folklore to time travel. Ten marvellous reads and not just for Middle Age readers as this finicky retiree can attest. This anthology kept me reading from cover to cover with minimal breaks.
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This poignant story set in 1981 kept me riveted through to the twist at the end, even though I sensed it coming – although, the foreshadowing was subtle and hidden. Yvonne Ventresca makes the costly tragedy of arson elicit our concerns for justice with powerful descriptions. The emotions pulled me through the journey, and her beautiful crafting of words had me in tears by the end of The Third Ghost.
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
The humour mixed with the historical morsels was entertaining. Bubba and Squirt are fun characters with wonderful banter – I loved the sticking-out tongues. The pizza thread is tasty too. The mix of elements from ghosts to time travel worked well and were neatly blended into this delicious treat.
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I related to this dark and emotional story as I grew up with abolitionist ancestors – so a conscience. Bish Denham has crafted a powerful and moving tale based on real historical events recorded by the twelve-year-old boy. Her youngster’s ability to see ‘Negros’ as humans and not slaves was rare but motivational. Tragically the terrors of slavery still exist.
4. Dare, Double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
Kids goading each other into an adventure provides a neat opening hook for this intriguing time travel tale. The story makes skilful use of 1600s Canada with its mix of French and Mi’kmaq culture, including language. These are neatly integrated, and a glimpseof history is included that few know about.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
In Return to Cahokia we are treated to heavenly magic with siblings creating weather - the Warm Weather Gods. L.T. Ward paints an atmospheric journey through her vibrant use of the sky, clouds, rain, wind, and sun. This story brings to life the rich Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe blending mythology and archaeological fact.
6. Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
Feathered Fire is my own creation so all I will add is it proved a worthwhile challenge merging history - heroic Soviet airwomen and tragic Ukrainian dilemmas during World War II - with the legends of the Zharptica (Firebird) a rich vein in Slavic folklore.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
Beth Schuck has crafted an alluring story in The Orchard where nature flourishes in the face of disbelief. For me as a dedicated Green, I was captivated by Nels with her special connection to trees and other creatures. Dryads must be as real as portrayed here, even if most of us are blind to their blessings. A favourite among so many.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
Although Japan with its extensive and deep culture are unfamiliar, Charles Kowalski brings his 1620s setting to life, balancing wonderful descriptions, living folklore – some scary – testing trials, and historical nuggets. Yet even this legendary monster echoes Western nightmares – the universality of folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Back when aeroplanes were a once in a lifetime encounter, sneaking off to see one at a young age makes sense – sometimes. Throw in an impending disaster from floodwater, and you have Rebecca Douglass’s tension ramped A World of Trouble. The dilemma at its heart involves a realistic race against time.
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
Having seen the Iron Curtain between West and East Germany, I connected to this gripping tale of crossing that border and getting trapped on the wrong side. With her German roots, Katharina Gerlach has captured the family fears emanating from the greyness of the East and the father’s past. The use of ‘gray’ to colour everything is masterly as is the sense of cold becoming deep snow. However, humanity must shine through.
Every one of these stories was different in style, historical period, use of plot elements, and varied appearances of the unexpected from folklore to time travel. Ten marvellous reads and not just for Middle Age readers as this finicky retiree can attest. This anthology kept me reading from cover to cover with minimal breaks.
1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This poignant story set in 1981 kept me riveted through to the twist at the end, even though I sensed it coming – although, the foreshadowing was subtle and hidden. Yvonne Ventresca makes the costly tragedy of arson elicit our concerns for justice with powerful descriptions. The emotions pulled me through the journey, and her beautiful crafting of words had me in tears by the end of The Third Ghost.
2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
The humour mixed with the historical morsels was entertaining. Bubba and Squirt are fun characters with wonderful banter – I loved the sticking-out tongues. The pizza thread is tasty too. The mix of elements from ghosts to time travel worked well and were neatly blended into this delicious treat.
3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham
I related to this dark and emotional story as I grew up with abolitionist ancestors – so a conscience. Bish Denham has crafted a powerful and moving tale based on real historical events recorded by the twelve-year-old boy. Her youngster’s ability to see ‘Negros’ as humans and not slaves was rare but motivational. Tragically the terrors of slavery still exist.
4. Dare, Double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour
Kids goading each other into an adventure provides a neat opening hook for this intriguing time travel tale. The story makes skilful use of 1600s Canada with its mix of French and Mi’kmaq culture, including language. These are neatly integrated, and a glimpseof history is included that few know about.
5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
In Return to Cahokia we are treated to heavenly magic with siblings creating weather - the Warm Weather Gods. L.T. Ward paints an atmospheric journey through her vibrant use of the sky, clouds, rain, wind, and sun. This story brings to life the rich Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe blending mythology and archaeological fact.
6. Feathered Fire by Roland Clarke
Feathered Fire is my own creation so all I will add is it proved a worthwhile challenge merging history - heroic Soviet airwomen and tragic Ukrainian dilemmas during World War II - with the legends of the Zharptica (Firebird) a rich vein in Slavic folklore.
7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
Beth Schuck has crafted an alluring story in The Orchard where nature flourishes in the face of disbelief. For me as a dedicated Green, I was captivated by Nels with her special connection to trees and other creatures. Dryads must be as real as portrayed here, even if most of us are blind to their blessings. A favourite among so many.
8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski
Although Japan with its extensive and deep culture are unfamiliar, Charles Kowalski brings his 1620s setting to life, balancing wonderful descriptions, living folklore – some scary – testing trials, and historical nuggets. Yet even this legendary monster echoes Western nightmares – the universality of folklore.
9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
Back when aeroplanes were a once in a lifetime encounter, sneaking off to see one at a young age makes sense – sometimes. Throw in an impending disaster from floodwater, and you have Rebecca Douglass’s tension ramped A World of Trouble. The dilemma at its heart involves a realistic race against time.
10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
Having seen the Iron Curtain between West and East Germany, I connected to this gripping tale of crossing that border and getting trapped on the wrong side. With her German roots, Katharina Gerlach has captured the family fears emanating from the greyness of the East and the father’s past. The use of ‘gray’ to colour everything is masterly as is the sense of cold becoming deep snow. However, humanity must shine through.
June 15, 2020
I've finally managed to finis reading the book (my story is the last one and I won't say anything about it because I loved through it. Trying to judge it would be unfair).
I really loved the stories in this book even though I was able to tell the end for some long before it came about. But then, I'm a seasoned reader and a writer and a dreaded know-it-all which means that I very often know what's going to happen in books or films, ad then find the result rather boring.
With these stories, though, there was never a boring moment. Even if you're a seasoned reader, these stories feel absolutely authentic and are a lot of fun to read. And this anthology is aimed a middle school children. They will surely devour the book without ever realizing that they're ingesting history. That's the best way to learn.
My favorite was about the girl who talked to trees (but them I'm a studied forester so that was no surprise), but the one about the Night Witches or the one with the boy trying to save his sister were truly enchanting too ... heck, there wasn't a single story in this collection that I disliked. They were all that good.
Highly recommended.
I really loved the stories in this book even though I was able to tell the end for some long before it came about. But then, I'm a seasoned reader and a writer and a dreaded know-it-all which means that I very often know what's going to happen in books or films, ad then find the result rather boring.
With these stories, though, there was never a boring moment. Even if you're a seasoned reader, these stories feel absolutely authentic and are a lot of fun to read. And this anthology is aimed a middle school children. They will surely devour the book without ever realizing that they're ingesting history. That's the best way to learn.
My favorite was about the girl who talked to trees (but them I'm a studied forester so that was no surprise), but the one about the Night Witches or the one with the boy trying to save his sister were truly enchanting too ... heck, there wasn't a single story in this collection that I disliked. They were all that good.
Highly recommended.
August 12, 2020
For transparency of this review, I am one of the authors for 'Voyagers: The Third Ghost.' My review is about the other nine works.
I loved this short story collection! The diversity of genres and subjects made for a wonderful book. I'm typically a YA or adult fiction reader. I also love non-fiction and historical. Even though the stories in here are middle grade, I was hooked on each one. They're fascinating stories that delve into worlds I usually don't seek out, but now, I want more.
The Third Ghost - History in New Jersey that took place in my lifetime, but that I hadn't known about. Made for a very relatable story.
The Ghosts of Pompeii - An interesting twist that teaches about a lesser known historical moment.
The Blind Ship - I learned about a medical condition I'd never heard about before while revealing a dark side of a known regrettable history.
Dare, Double Dare - A speculative fictional tale that crosses cultures and time.
Return to Cahokia - no comment
Feathered Fire - Folklore that weaves itself around an underappreciated feminist movement.
The Orchard - A teacher supporting and accepting a fantastical child while living in the early 20th century Midwest.
Simon Grey and the Yamamaba - A horror story wrapped around an ethical tale.
A World of Trouble - An intended adventure detours into an unexpected one with gripping action.
Winter Days - A story of life for one family during the East and West Germany era.
I do have my favorites out of the collection, but really, I don't have a negative comment about any of these stories. They're age appropriate for young readers while interesting enough to engage the oldest ones. I highly recommend reading 'Voyagers: The Third Ghost.'
I loved this short story collection! The diversity of genres and subjects made for a wonderful book. I'm typically a YA or adult fiction reader. I also love non-fiction and historical. Even though the stories in here are middle grade, I was hooked on each one. They're fascinating stories that delve into worlds I usually don't seek out, but now, I want more.
The Third Ghost - History in New Jersey that took place in my lifetime, but that I hadn't known about. Made for a very relatable story.
The Ghosts of Pompeii - An interesting twist that teaches about a lesser known historical moment.
The Blind Ship - I learned about a medical condition I'd never heard about before while revealing a dark side of a known regrettable history.
Dare, Double Dare - A speculative fictional tale that crosses cultures and time.
Return to Cahokia - no comment
Feathered Fire - Folklore that weaves itself around an underappreciated feminist movement.
The Orchard - A teacher supporting and accepting a fantastical child while living in the early 20th century Midwest.
Simon Grey and the Yamamaba - A horror story wrapped around an ethical tale.
A World of Trouble - An intended adventure detours into an unexpected one with gripping action.
Winter Days - A story of life for one family during the East and West Germany era.
I do have my favorites out of the collection, but really, I don't have a negative comment about any of these stories. They're age appropriate for young readers while interesting enough to engage the oldest ones. I highly recommend reading 'Voyagers: The Third Ghost.'
June 22, 2020
It's been a long time since I've read a collection of various genre stories that had me so overwhelmed with emotion at the end, and the fact that it's a middle-grade collection still boggles my mind. If I were still in the classroom, I would ask all my kid's parents to seriously consider having their kids read this book. While some of the stories are light, most are deep and or emotionally intense, but still perfectly suited for young readers to grasp the depth of the concepts and themes presented. There isn't one story in this collection I wouldn't give an individual 5-star rating too. With that said, "The Blind Ship" and "Winter Days" have still stuck with me days after finishing the collection. Kudos to each of these authors, the IWSG, and the Dancing Lemur Press for releasing such an amazing book. I will read this again before the year ends.
The Third Ghost
The Ghosts of Pompeii
The Blind Ship
Dare, Double Dare
Return to Cahokia
Feathered Fire
The Orchard
Simon Grey and the Yamamba
A World of Trouble
Winter Days
Highly recommended to anyone but especially young readers, with parent approval.
The Third Ghost
The Ghosts of Pompeii
The Blind Ship
Dare, Double Dare
Return to Cahokia
Feathered Fire
The Orchard
Simon Grey and the Yamamba
A World of Trouble
Winter Days
Highly recommended to anyone but especially young readers, with parent approval.
June 15, 2020
An entertaining collection of short stories spanning genres of fantasy, science fiction, and history. All will take you on a voyage. Funny moments to spooky moments. They are short and easy to read so won't take a lot of time. Great to read in any situation that requires you to wait, and you want to past the time in escape, in this new climate of civilization that we are now living in. Highly recommend.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
June 22, 2020
I've struggled to read during 2020's pandemic, so this collection of short stories was ideal for getting me back into the habit again. Few were from my normally selected genre, nevertheless I found the tales to be enjoyable reads. A wide variety from a ghost story to science-fiction via the famed Soviet Night Witches. Enjoyable!
May 19, 2022
A paranormal anthology that’s got something for everyone. Stories from ghosts to a Firebird. The tales take the reader into the past and offer fascinating glimpses of history in the process.
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