ACARA Years 3-6

Poetry·Nastassja Carusetta, age 13 — A granddaughter and grandfather share quiet tea on the back porch, watching the sunset and listening to the world together in companionable silence.

Story·Michele Younger, age 12 — A younger sister struggles with jealousy when her talented older sister enters a prestigious surfing competition, but when disaster strikes, she rushes to save her.

Poetry·Jeremy Trujillo, age 12 — Two dogs race across a beach where sunset transforms lake and sand into fiery red, ending with them asleep in the blood-colored landscape.

Story·Cammie Keel, age 13 — Sisters embark on an Easter morning scavenger hunt after the younger one pranks the older with a wind-up rabbit, celebrating spring's arrival together.

Poetry·Marshall McKenna, age 12 — A young baseball player faces his last at-bat, trembling with fear, then watches his hit soar out of sight, transforming doubt into victory.

Story·Risa Askerooth, age 12 — A grueling hike through Hawaiian wilderness nearly ends in defeat before revealing hidden pools, where exhaustion transforms into pure joy.

Poetry·Candace Huntington, age 13 — Three cousins play Monster Tag in overgrown summer fields, transforming into predator and prey as they chase through bushes and around corners.

Story·Peter O'Shea, age 12 — A boy who hates animals after being bitten volunteers at a shelter and discovers the same German shepherd who bit him seven years ago, leading to forgiveness and adoption.

Story·Grace Manning, age 12 — During a sailing race with a $100 prize, a boy gives up certain victory to help his friend win the money for his dying father's medical care.

Poetry·Sarah Wood, age 12 — A poem captures the last night before a friend moves to Ireland, from joyful evening to tearful goodbye as she disappears in the rain.