A commentary on racism, “Tony and the Beetles” takes place in a colony world where Terra has been oppressing the Beetles of Orion for decades. But when Terra suffers a major defeat at the hands of the Beetles, Tony, a small boy, is surprised to discover the Beetles he believed to be his friends aren’t so friendly after all.

Philip K. Dick was an American science-fiction novelist, short-story writer and essayist. His first short story, “Beyond Lies the Wub,” was published shortly after his high school graduation. Some of his most famous short stories were adapted for film, including “The Minority Report,” “Paycheck,” “Second Variety” (adapted into the film Screamers) and “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” (adapted into the film Total Recall).

HarperCollins brings great works of literature to life in digital format, upholding the highest standards in ebook production and celebrating reading in all its forms. Look for more titles in the HarperCollins short-stories collection to build your digital library.