Youth

"Youth" by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around two young boys, Red and Slim, who discover two strange creatures they believe could be key to starting their circus adventure. The story explores themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the contrast between youth and adulthood. In the plot, the boys, captivated by their desire for adventure, find small extraterrestrial beings after hearing mysterious thunderous noises. They become engrossed in the idea of capturing and showcasing these creatures in a circus, oblivious to the larger implications of their discovery. Meanwhile, the boys' fathers, an Astronomer and an Industrialist, are engaged in discussions about these alien beings and what their arrival might mean for humanity. As the story unfolds, it delves into the nature of youth, the innocence of children versus the apprehension and conservatism of adults, ultimately leading to a hopeful resolution where the boys' bravery and kindheartedness shine through. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.