Rural Voices

Think you know what rural America is like? Discover a plurality of perspectives in this enlightening anthology of stories that turns preconceptions on their head.

Gracie sees a chance of fitting in at her South Carolina private school, until a “white trash”–themed Halloween party has her steering clear of the rich kids. Samuel’s Tejano family has both stood up to oppression and been a source of it, but now he’s ready to own his true sexual identity. A Puerto Rican teen in Utah discovers that being a rodeo queen means embracing her heritage, not shedding it. . . .

For most of America’s history, rural people and culture have been casually mocked, stereotyped, and, in general, deeply misunderstood. Now an array of short stories, poetry, graphic short stories, and personal essays, along with anecdotes from the authors’ real lives, dives deep into the complexity and diversity of rural America and the people who call it home.

Fifteen extraordinary authors—diverse in ethnic background, sexual orientation, geographic location, and socioeconomic status—explore the challenges, beauty, and nuances of growing up in rural America. From a mountain town in New Mexico to the gorges of New York to the arctic tundra of Alaska, you’ll find yourself visiting parts of this country you might not know existed—and meet characters whose lives might be surprisingly similar to your own.

Featuring contributors: David Bowles, Joseph Bruchac, Veeda Bybee, Nora Shalaway Carpenter, Shae Carys, S. A. Cosby, Rob Costello, Randy DuBurke, David Macinnis Gill, Nasugraq Rainey Hopson , Estelle Laure, Yamile Saied Méndez, Ashley Hope Pérez, Tirzah Price, Monica Roe

About the Editor

Nora Shalaway Carpenter is a graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program and is the author of the young adult novel The Edge of Anything and the picture book Yoga Frog. Previously, she worked as associate editor of Wonderful West Virginia magazine and has been a certified yoga teacher since 2012. Originally from West Virginia, Nora Shalaway Carpenter currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, three young children, and the world's most patient dog and cat.