The Plastic Age/Kids' Sci-Fi Anthology

Cafe Society
1

I swear that I remember reading a short story when I was a little kid (elementary school, early or mid 1980s) that I think was called “The Plastic Age” (no, it’s not the book by Percy Marks). I don’t remember much, except that lots of stuff was made of plastic, and at the end, to my horror, the main character and family had also – GASP – turned to plastic! I am virtually certain that I read this story in an anthology of sci-fi short stories. Further, I am virtually certain that it was part of a series of anthologies of science fiction stories aimed at children. I recall a grey cover, with the illustrations on front done in white, red, and black.

Did I totally hallucinate this? Did such a story and/or such a series of books exist? Could I buy them on eBay or something? I’m sure reading them now, I’d be horribly disappointed, but the nostalgia is starting to overwhelm me, and my internet searches have uncovered nothing. Nothing!

2

Hi, it’s 11 years since your post, but I just found it. I’m searching for the same thing, I’m afraid - no leads, either. But wanted to let you know that you didn’t dream it, for sure!

3

Is this it?

Here’s the book cover.

4

I think you are looking for Howard Goldsmith’s “The Plastic Age”, first published in “Adrift In Space: And Other Stories” in 1974. Link to book and small sample from story.

5

You got the cover-I got the quote. I’ll split the cred with you 50/50. :smiley:

6

Wow - first lead(s) in years! Can’t tell you how excited I am. Not sure if that’s the one - it’s been at least 30 years since I first read it - but I’m ordering a copy now. Will let you know.

7

BTW, @RealityChuck, I’m in Albany!

8

Big deal-This is The SDMB. Give us a couple of hours and we’ll tell you where Amelia Earhart is hiding out. :smiley: