Stories

Story·Katie Dillon, age 12 — During a sixth-grade math test, a perfectionist student spirals into panic until a photo of her baby cousin reminds her that love doesn't depend on being perfect.

Story·Justin Le Veness, age 11 — An eight-year-old boy faces his fear when his father dares him to go outside during Hurricane Matthew, discovering both the storm's power and his father's protective nature.

Story·Evelyn Fitzpatrick, age 11 — When her best friend announces she's moving to Korea in two days, a girl's anger gives way to understanding that true friendship can survive any distance.

Story·Kate Bailey, age 11 — A girl adopts a mysterious horse from a shadowy seller at a carnival, only to discover he's a stolen Chincoteague pony who must be returned to his island home.

Story·Sonja Skye Wooley, age 12 — A nervous softball player battles anxiety at bat, gets walked, then hits the pitching machine and slides safely into second base.

Story·Stella Keaveny Haapala, age 12 — After her mother's death, a girl trapped in a cramped NYC apartment with her distant father dreams of their old farm until a vision helps her begin to let go.

Story·Tyler Leiderman, age 11 — A boy spends a final day at the beach with his best friend who is moving to Israel, remembering their years of friendship and facing the pain of goodbye.

Story·Isabelle Dastgheib, age 11 — A girl conquers her terror on a Paris rollercoaster, discovering that facing fears can transform dread into exhilaration and pride.

Story·Catherine Chung, age 12 — A young traveler boards a Beijing-to-Shenzhen train, befriends a three-year-old girl named Yang Han, sketches her portrait, and reflects on connection across the journey.

Story·Jem Burch, age 13 — A family drives through Los Angeles on the Fourth of July, discovering multiple firework shows from the freeway and finally seeing the entire city lit up with distant explosions.