Author Dave Eggers runs 826 National, a series of after-school centres where volunteers teach creative and editorial writing to 6 to 18-year-olds. Rather than being hidden behind an anonymous doorway, each centre is fitted out as a beautifully designed shop. These sell strange things, attract kids to the project, and make money to help fund the centres.

The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company in New York sells capes, grappling hooks and canned antimatter.

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart in LA is the place to buy dinosaur eggs, barbarian repellent, large bottles of dead languages and robot milk.

The Boring Store in Chicago has trench coats, night-vision goggles and disguises. The proprietors are keen to point out that it is not a shop for spies.

Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company in Seattle stocks quarks, rocket fuel and a range of space suits.

The Pirate Store in San Francisco was the first centre. It sells eye patches, flags, glass eyes and peg legs.

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