Many things can pierce – sharpened stakes, fencing swords, cat's claws, short stories, ideas, earrings, and love, to name just a few. This collection of eleven penetrating stories, gathered from my contributions to YA anthologies, contains some of my favorite pieces, including a slapstick account of a young man sent on a mortifying mission by the girl he loves, a tale about the mysteries of faith and belief, and a comedy of errors where a Transylvanian immigrant arouses suspicion in the darkness of the Alaskan winter. I've had the pleasure of writing short stories for the best anthologists in the YA world. Now, I have the pleasure of sharing those stories with my readers in one sharp collection.About the author:David Lubar attributes his passion for short stories to his short attention span and his lack of typing skills. He has written 27 books for teens and young readers. He also worked as a video-game programmer and designer, back in the old days when eight pixels was good enough for everyone. His books include Hidden Talents, Punished, Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, Dunk, My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie book #1), and the Weenies story collections, which have sold more than two million copies.

Book #1 (Lust) in Jess C Scott's SINS07 "seven deadly sins" series--a teenage version of Dirty Dancing meets Punk'd.Summary: 17-year-old Suzie Q, smart kid and closet dance enthusiast, travels with a classmate to a world-class city for an internship program. She finds herself undeniably attracted to the suave hip-hop instructor, Jo.Zee, who recruits her into a dance fitness DVD he is producing. When Suzie sees (or thinks she sees) the real Jo.Zee, she must decide if she will trust him...or her instincts.Genre: Contemporary Fiction / YA with adult crossover appeal / 65,000 words.* SINS07 is a series featuring lighthearted tales that explore each of the seven sins in order, beginning with lust.* Score: 4.50 / 5 - A Reviewer Top Pick at Night Owl Reviews!Praise/Reviews:"Loved the playful voice, and going through Suzie Q's journey. Laced with humor, it tickled me throughout. A fun, satisfying read--liked the twist at the end! Keep the series coming." -- Jason Ancona, author of C.Y.A "The voice is very relatable...I was hooked, and Chester won [my] affections!"-- Vanessa Di Gregorio, former intern @ The Rights Factory"[The dance portions were] so vividly described thatit was as good as watching a movie."-- Review @ My Love Affair With Books, August 2010"[1: The Intern] turned out to be one of the best books I've ever read. The Intern gets 2 thumbs up from me. And thank you very much for writing it."-- Kimberly S., via email, September 2010"I'm glad the author's going the light-hearted route with this. We need more comedy in YA."-- Jennifer Hoffine, blog tour comment, September 2010Excerpt:There's even a freakin' roof garden at the top level. It gives an alluring, brilliant view of the city nightscape. Roxeth is a grand city, awesome by day but even more spectacular at night."This is so beautiful." I'd like to turn a little to face Jo.Zee, another "view" for my eyes, that wouldn't be too much of a bad thing. I'm lingering, breathing deeply, just because he smells so good. He isn't stinky in the turnoff kind of way--it's a sweet, natural, hint-of-a-sweat boy smell. I think I'd like this even more than if he were fresh out of the shower."I love rooftops," Jo.Zee says, taking in the city skyline. "It's nice dancing high above the crowd. Takes you to new heights."I ask if he's ever danced on top of a building before."Many times...but never with somebody else."Author Bio:Jess's literary work has appeared in a diverse range of publications, such as Word Riot, ITCH Magazine, and The Battered Suitcase. She is currently working on the SINS07 series, as well as The Cyberpunk Elven Trilogy. As a writer, Jess focuses on substance over short-term success with current fads and marketing hype. Visit her website for free samples and more! jessINK.com=====* If you enjoyed The Intern, be sure to check out Teen Guide to Sex and Relationships (co-authored by Jess C Scott and NYC teacher, Matt Posner).

Eric, Rob and Anthony's sailing adventure goes horribly wrong when a life-threatening injury occurs. Emergency surgery is required, but can the boys rise to the challenge?

Caitlyn, 15, a Paranormal, is on the run with her mom, trying to stay one step ahead of the ParaTroopers who would enslave her just like anyone who has powerful psychic abilities. Attempting to have somewhat of a normal life, Caitlyn and her mom hide in plain sight, living in a seedy hotel in a big city, where Caitlyn hopes to blend in by enrolling at the local high school. She secretly fights back against government oppression by blogging about equal rights for all Paras, protecting herself by signing them Teen Para. When she discovers her long ago kidnapped brother Daniel at school she s elated, but is saddened to find he s controlled by the government ParaTroopers as a Para-slave. As Para Cleansing Day nears, increasing numbers of Paras are turned in to the authorities and things grow tenser and more dangerous, especially at school. When a group robs a bank and threatens Normals, the shadow of guilt is cast on Teen Para. A killer, the Para Reaper, secretly goes hunting for Paras to drain the life out of them. Despite everything, Caitlyn befriends a Normal girl, Rachel, who is a Para sympathizer, and falls for a cute classmate, Alex, also a Normal, who always makes her feel so good whenever he s around. But it s not safe for Paras to date Normals, and it would put Caitlyn in grave danger of being discovered. When ParaTroopers crack down at school after several Paras are discovered, Caitlyn finds herself under increasing scrutiny. Fearing for Caitlyn, her mom is anxious to pack up and bolt, but Caitlyn s growing attachments make her reluctant to leave. Will she evade capture, or will she be caught and turned into a Para Slave? And just who is trying to frame her? A tautly written, suspenseful thrill ride, Hunted will keep readers on the edge of their seats. VOYA 4Q 4P review:"Cheryl Rainfield writes a masterful dystopian fantasy novel with a gripping plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.  The story is well written and steadily paced.  Caitlyn is a daring, headstrong protagonist with enough grit to be an army of one.  Supporting characters are multi-dimensional, garnering emotional attachment from the reader.  Daniel and other secondary characters symbolize the ignorance of hatred and the persecution of people because they are different.  Rainfield's dynamic story expands on the themes of sexuality, racism, human rights and oppression.  The first in a planned series, this is a thought-provoking tale that amplifies the reader's awareness of controversial issues.  This is a marvelous read for those teens who loved The Hunger Games."--Laura Panter.CM Magazine review:"Cheryl Rainfield has provided young adults with an outstanding science fiction novel. There are familiar teenage themes such as romance and relationships as well as fitting in when you're the new kid in a high school. But Hunted goes far beyond this. It is a novel full of tension and suspense as the action begins on the first page and keeps pressing right until the end. ... Caitlyn is a strong female protagonist who never loses sight of what she must do to not only save her fellow Paras from destruction but also to save all of the Normals who are sympathizers for her cause. ...  Hunted is not the science fiction of spaceships and aliens but something much more subtle and so close to realistic that it is frightening. Perhaps there are no Paras in society as we know it, but we still struggle with people who are seen to be somehow different from societal norms. ... Rainfield asks many tough questions, but deciding what you truly believe in and then being willing to stand up and fight for it is the real centrepiece of this novel. Highly Recommended."