A science fiction compilation inspired by the polar regions will be released in the next few months. It is called POLARIS: A Celebration of Polar Science, is part of a series called Tales from the Wonder Zone, and is edited by by Julie E. Czerneda and illustrated by Jean-Pierre Normand. We will be publishing blogs here by the different authors, asking what inspired them and what their story is about. This project, described below, is part of the IPY International Youth Steering Committee (project 168).
- Nine original science fiction stories based on the science and technology used to understand and explore polar regions on Earth and elsewhere.
- Includes the award-winning story from the International Polar Year Student Writing Competition, and an introduction by the IPY Youth Steering Committee.
- Tales from the Wonder Zone is an award-winning series of original science fiction based on curriculum science topics, intended for school use as well as trade.
From understanding climate change on Earth to the search for life within the ice of Mars or Europa, polar science has never been more central to unraveling the secrets of our past, present and future. Polaris uses the speculation and imagination of science fiction to explore polar science itself. Where might it take us? What might certain discoveries mean? And at what cost do we take the frozen poles for granted? Award-winning editor Julie E. Czerneda presents nine science fiction stories that explore these themes, vetted for their science content as well as writing, including one by internationally renowned author Stephen Baxter and the winning student story from the International Polar Year Student Writing Competition.
A celebration of science and creativity. A thoughtful, provocative look at what the future may hold for all of us. Polaris is an unforgettable trip to the domain of ice and snow.
Published by Star Ink Books, an imprint of Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Markham Ontario.
ISBN 978-0-889995-372-7. Canadian Release January 2007; US Release May 2007. Available for order at any time from Fitzhenry & Whiteside.
