ACARA Years 3-6

Story·Christine Chang, age 10 — A girl realizes she's been bossing around her best friend, tries to apologize at recess but makes things worse, then helps reunite Alice with her lost dog.

Poetry·Olivia Cadham, age 11 — A young person explores their fluid identity through the lens of being a girl, boy, or dragon on different days, ultimately choosing to be themselves.

Story·Harper Miller, age 11 — During a Texas drought, 11-year-old Ayita discovers her community's water crisis and organizes a grassroots effort to save dying plants while navigating life with her distant father.

Story·Clare McDermott, age 12 — A forest walk becomes a moment of wonder when a hummingbird appears, transforming the atmosphere with its iridescent presence before vanishing.

Story·Eva Juette, age 11 — In Nazi-occupied Denmark, two girls hide their Jewish friend and her mother in a closet during a terrifying search, transforming a childhood game into survival.

Story·Madesyn Fogg, age 10 — After losing their father and fortune, Elizabeth and her mother survive a deadly storm that destroys their cliff-side house, only to recover their wealth through a rediscovered bank account number.

Story·Kyra Yip, age 11 — A girl with severe food allergies navigates birthday parties, medical emergencies, and social awkwardness, ultimately finding strength in her difference rather than shame.

Poetry·Katie Turk, age 11 — A wolf moves through a moonlit forest after rain, howls to awaken the night creatures, then watches as the forest comes alive around him.

Poetry·Eva Bandy, age 9 — A child stands frozen in autumn leaves, feeling deep sorrow for their death and unable to step on them.

Poetry·Georgia Marshall, age 9 — A joyful poem captures the moment of escape from city to meadow, culminating in a spontaneous marriage proposal during a 'violet break' in nature.