The Turning Place: Stories of a Future Past

Fearful of mankind’s growing space exploration, an alien race known as the Chlordians wipes out nearly all of the planet’s carbon-based life forms. Life on Earth is forever changed after the ＂Chlordian sweep,＂ not only on account of the struggle for physical survival but also because of a shift in attitudes. Survivors experience a form of enlightenment that leads them away from competitive, destructive impulses and toward unity with all life. Ultimately, the catastrophic attack ushers in a new era of cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Written from the perspective of a far-distant civilization, these nine ＂Stories of a Future Past＂ offer optimistic, thought-provoking perspectives on the possibilities for our planet’s evolution. Even readers who are not already science fiction fans will be intrigued by these imaginative tales. Chosen as a Junior Literary Guild selection, The Turning Place is an outstanding book for young adults.

Jean E. Karl (1927-2000) was the founder and head editor of the Atheneum and Aladdin publishing imprints. She edited many Newbery- and Caldecott-winning books, wrote several fiction and nonfiction titles, and was President of the Children’s Book Council.