ACARA Years 3-6

Story·Michael Madans, age 11 — A boy recalls his friendship with Fraser through their shared obsession with Warhead candies, from second grade competitions to Fraser's move back to Australia.

Story·Rosalie Stoner, age 12 — A boy in 1903 Kitty Hawk befriends the Wright brothers, shares their struggles and setbacks, and becomes the first passenger to fly with them on December 17th.

Poetry·Misha Kydd, age 12 — A reader finds refuge in a library chair by the window, where fictional battles of knights and dragons prove easier to face than real-world problems.

Story·Sophia Pellegrino, age 11 — Carmen auditions for a violin solo against the popular new girl Gabriella, wins the part, then discovers Gabriella wanted to be friends all along.

Story·Makayla Hentges, age 12 — A wolf-dog named Shannon saves her musher from drowning in an icy lake but sacrifices herself in the process, appearing later as a ghostly figure in the mist.

Story·Sean Fay, age 11 — A boy goes skating alone on a winter lake, ventures too far out in worsening weather, falls through thin ice, and barely makes it home alive.

Story·Rachael Goddard Rebstein, age 12 — A boy navigates a sweltering forest, sensing danger and preparing to face a bear with his spear, until his mother's voice calling about homework breaks the spell.

Story·Eri Mizobe, age 13 — A half-Japanese, half-Chinese girl struggles to fit in at her new Japanese school until her kindness toward a cruel classmate transforms their relationship during a school musical.

Poetry·Claudia Celovsky, age 13 — A young sailor steers a boat with her grandmother, finding joy in both the physical sensations of sailing and the warmth of their connection.

Story·Brian Hoover, age 12 — A boy named Jake transforms into a werewolf under a blue moon in a clearing, surrounded by fleeing animals and supernatural lightning.