ACARA Years 3-6

Story·Brigit Pierce and Sam Hinton and Hannah Feren — In a dystopian dome where citizens' memories are erased through food, Drew discovers her grandmother has vanished and uses her voice-mimicking talent to expose the truth.

Story·Aleydis Barnes, age 12 — A family that never decorates for the holidays judges their neighbors' elaborate displays until one daughter tries to fit in, then realizes their tradition matters more.

Story·Benny Mitchell, age 11 — A book-obsessed boy forced on a tech-free vacation meets Chester, a local kid who gives him a tour of the quirky town and becomes his first real friend.

Story·Hannah Krenn, age 13 — A girl shares her late grandfather's memory box with her younger sister to comfort her after classmates call her stupid, discovering that giving memories away multiplies their power.

Story·Elia Smith, age 11 — A girl puzzled by magic's selective protection during a storm discovers through dreams and her sister's unexpected kindness that magic exists in everyday moments and reconnected relationships.

Story·Charlotte Eaton, age 12 — A sixth-grader faces three problems: losing her best friend, being bullied, and missing math homework. She solves them through courage, honesty, and unexpected kindness.

Poetry·Ross Mangels, age 11 — A catcher describes the thrill of throwing out a runner stealing second base, celebrating the physical and mental demands of playing behind home plate.

Story·Niya Wodi, age 12 — A reluctant teen assigned to volunteer at a nursing home bonds with Mrs. Blair, a former Broadway star, discovering the value of intergenerational connection.

Poetry·Anamaria Grieco, age 13 — A child drifts to sleep in a hammock, moving from stillness through sunset to starlight, cradled by gentle swinging and soft sounds.

Poetry·Edie Patterson, age 10 — A meditation on leaving paradise, watching cars diverge on a canyon highway while coyotes howl and a finch lifts off into morning light.