sometimes literal) magic of first-year orientation at fictional Rolland College. Some protagonists, who are diverse in race and sexual orientation, partake in the scheduled fun—games, live concert, scavenger hunt, student org fair—while others find adventure at parties, off campus, or in the dorms. They say goodbye to overbearing but beloved parents, greet new roommates, join clubs, and form friendships (or more). They bring with them a range of experiences and interests: There are former child actors hoping to reinvent themselves, athletes and marching band members, student workers and those on financial aid, an international student, a “townie” who opts out of college, a queer girl who looks forward to being in community for the first time. While most of the stories are realistic, a few take surprising turns into paranormal fantasy or science fiction, ensuring something for everyone in a collection that captures the chaos and sense of possibility that come with starting college. (Age 14 and older)

Sixteen acclaimed authors—including a National Book Award nominee, a New York Times best-selling novelist, and a beloved actress—join forces for a cross-genre YA anthology of linked short stories about the first days of college.

Jilly cannot believe her parents keep showing up at all of her orientation events. (Except, yes, she can totally believe that.) Isaac wants to be known as someone other than the kid who does magic and has an emotional support bunny. Lilly is stuck working at the college bookstore during orientation (but maybe new friends are closer than they appear). Hira, meanwhile, just wants to retire from ghost hunting once and for all, but a spirit in the library’s romance section has other ideas. For their sophomore effort, the contributing editors behind the critically acclaimed Battle of the Bands admit us to opening day at a fictional college, with a collection that makes an ideal high school graduation gift or “summer-before” read. This colorful array of stories spans genres and moods—from humorous to heartfelt to ghostly—tackling with sensitivity, humor, and warmth what it feels like to take those first shaky steps into adulthood.

With stories by:
Adi Alsaid * Anna Birch * Bryan Bliss * Gloria Chao * Jennifer Chen * Olivia A. Cole * Dana L. Davis * Kristina Forest * Lauren Gibaldi * Kathleen Glasgow * Sam Maggs * Farah Naz Rishi * Lance Rubin * Aminah Mae Safi * Eric Smith * Phil Stamper