If you’re looking for a fantastic introduction to the short story form, this anthology should definitely be on your list. The stories range in setting and genre from dystopian futures, to family holidays, to murder mysteries. While the writing in each story is a joy to read, each writer has used their own techniques and styles to bring their story to life. Each story has more than one moment where a reader can sit back and think “Wow!” This year’s winning effort, ‘Blue 4eva’ by Saba Sams, is all about the delicacies of family and friendship but seen through the eyes of 12-year-old Stella. Sams embodied this age perfectly, allowing us to view things as Stella does (while we’re also aware of things that Stella can’t possibly be). The feeling of being both involved in a character’s inner thoughts, while also being able to zoom out, is a great experience. KM

Introduced by Elizabeth Day, published by Comma Press