This anthology of stories from acclaimed authors examines the thought-provoking issues of gun violence, gun-control, and gun ownership. From a boy whose low self-esteem is impacted when a gun comes into his possession to a student recalling a senseless tragedy that befell a favorite teacher, from a realistic look at hunting to a provocative look at a family that defies stereotypes, each emotional story stirs the debate to new levels. The juxtaposition of guns and their consequences offers moving tales, each a reminder of how crucial the question of guns in our society is, and the impact they have on all of us.

Introduction / Michael Cart -- Prologue: a culture of guns... with comments from sons / Marc Aronson, Will Weaver, Chris Crutcher -- Roach / Waler Dean Myers -- Embraced by raven arms / Tim Wynne-Jones -- Shoot / Gregory Galloway -- The bodyguard: a fable / Ron Koertge -- Fight or flight / Alex Flinn -- Certified deactivated / Chris Lynch -- Love packs heat / Eric Shanower -- The dragon / Francesca Lia Block -- The babysitters / Jenny Hubbard -- The battle of Elphinloan / Elizabeth Wein -- Dark hobby / Edward Averett -- The gunslinger / Peter Johnson -- Heartbreak / Joyce Carol Oates.