2011 Hugo Nominee: Short Story - "Ponies" by Kij Johnson (Tor.com, November 17, 2010)

Like last year, Kij Johnson's story is very short, dark and intriguing. With a story this short, I don't think I can really talk about it without spoiling it. I'll just say that it's a twisted combination of My Little Pony, Mean Girls, and "Harrison Bergeron." In other words, we have a violent depiction of conformity with a special emphasis on the social pressures that girls face to give up unique talents and interests in order to gain acceptance from their peers. It's sharp, stinging satire, and I imagine that most girls would sympathize. But, I think it lacks both the provocative grab and the emotional depth of "Spar."

Grade: B+