"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."--Amazon

The (unhealthy) breakfast club / Monica Roe -- Hole of Dark Kill Hallow / Rod Costello -- A border kid comes of age / David Bowles -- Fish and fences / Veeda Bybee -- Close enough / Nora Shalaway Carpenter -- Whiskey and champagne / S. A. Cosby -- What home is / Ashley Hope Pérez -- Island rodeo queen / Yamile Saied Méndez -- Best in show / Tirzah Price -- Praise the Lord and pass the Little Debbies / David Macinnis Gill -- Cabin / Nasůgraq Rainey Hopson -- Black nail polish / Shae Carys -- Secret menu / Veeda Bybee -- Pull up a seat around the stove / Joseph Bruchac -- Home waits / Estelle Laure