First published 2015
This anthology brings together fifty-five accomplished writers who donated their work to support PROTECT, the lobbying arm of the National Association to Protect Children. The collection spans 600 pages and includes fiction across all genres, poetry, visual art, essays, and memoirs. Notable contributors include Andrew Vachss, Joyce Carol Oates, Harlan Ellison, David Morrell, Laird Barron, Joe R. Lansdale, and Joelle Charbonneau. Each piece addresses the urgent mission of safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse. Stories range from Vachss's "Plan B" to Oates's "Deceit," from Ellison's "Croatoan" to de Lint's "Freak." The anthology channels creative energy toward real-world impact, as all proceeds fund PROTECT's advocacy work. This organization has secured legislative victories including the Circle of Trust Act and established the HERO Corps, which employs wounded veterans to help law enforcement track online predators. The collection transforms literary talent into protective action.
Genres: fiction, anthologies, crime, social-issues, non-fiction, activism
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, social-commentary
608 pages · Paperback · Goombah Gumbo Press
Content warnings: child-abuse, sexual-assault