Monster Moon Rising

From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes a spine-tingling middle grade horror anthology edited by Ellen Oh. When a blood moon rises, creatures from folklore awaken across the world and twelve kids must confront the monsters of their nightmares before it’s too late. Featuring a foreword by bestselling author Soman Chainani!

When the blood moon rises, the monsters come out and twelve kids must face what lurks in the dark.

An African American boy desperate for the year’s hottest shoes uncovers a terrifying extraterrestrial truth. A Trinidadian girl watches in horror as her grandmother sheds her skin and becomes a fiery Caribbean vampire. A Hawaiian boy discovers a mysterious shell on the beach that comes with a horrible price. A Japanese yōkai girl sets out to claim her first human soul until she realizes she may be the prey.

Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this anthology features award-winning authors Samira Ahmed, Tracey Baptiste, Shakirah Bourne, Huda Fahmy, Lamar Giles, Donna Barba Higuera, Malia Maunakea, Ellen Oh, Dan Poblocki, Kristen Simmons, Ronald L. Smith, and Susan Tan. These chilling stories, including one graphic story, draw on different cultural folklore and explore identity, friendship, and family—leaving readers wary of what goes bump in the night.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs