ACARA Years 3-6

Poetry·Celie Kreilkamp, age 11 — A girl chases chickens away from an outdoor dinner, then later visits them in their coop, stroking them as they settle for sleep.

Story·Jack Zimmerman, age 11 — A boy jealous of his cousin's building projects with their grandfather finally gets his chance when they build a chicken coop together during a summer visit.

Story·Logan Gusmano, age 11 — During a violent storm in France, an older brother frightens his adopted younger sibling with tornado tales, then realizes his cruelty and transforms the storm into an adventure game.

Story·Karina Emilia Palmitesta — Two friends lying under an oak tree share funny memories until one asks if the other remembers how their friendship began, triggering a flashback to third grade.

Story·Mathew Thompson, age 11 — A boy accidentally breaks a window playing baseball, chooses to tell his mother despite a friend's advice to hide it, and learns about honesty and taking responsibility.

Story·Naomi Wendland, age 12 — A daughter breaks her mother's precious clay pot while fetching water, lies about it, then confesses. Together they remake the pot from its broken pieces.

Story·Ari Rubin, age 11 — A boy's annoyance with his persistent neighbor Lindy transforms into understanding when he witnesses her being taken away by police after domestic violence.

Story·Lena Boesser-Koschmann, age 11 — A girl encounters a bear while riding her pony, watches in horror as a neighbor shoots it, and struggles with anger and grief over the senseless killing.

Story·Joanna Calogero, age 13 — An elderly doll shop owner facing eviction finds a lottery ticket after a mysterious encounter with a homeless child who may or may not have been real.

Story·Joanna Calogero, age 12 — A girl remembers Chuck, her beloved ice cream man who was fired for driving her home after she fell, and discovers he's now her mailman.