UK KS2

Story·Marie Chapman, age 12 — Two seventh-graders investigate dead fish at a marsh, uncovering a plot to destroy the wetland for a mall, and catch the criminals in a nighttime stakeout.

Story·Leah Sausjord Karlins, age 12 — Leaving her family's beach house for the last time this summer, a girl recalls memories of swimming, sailing, and sea turtles while dreading the return to school schedules.

Story·Rachel Marris Reeves, age 12 — In 3014, thirteen-year-old Cassie's birthday is forgotten when her busy parents leave for work trips, but she finds strength in a message from her great-grandmother.

Poetry·Craig Shepard, age 12 — A boy sits alone in his room during his birthday party, listening to family sounds below and feeling grateful for this perfect moment.

Story·Megan Gannett, age 12 — A girl goes cross-country skiing with her grandfather in winter woods, gets separated from him, hears a pack of coyotes, and feels a deep connection to the forest.

Story·Andrew Fine, age 11 — A boy ventures into a hostile winter storm, finding strange comfort in the desolate streets before retreating to the warmth of home.

Story·Rachel Hellwig, age 13 — An aspiring ballerina practices relentlessly for a Nutcracker audition but isn't chosen, only to be called in as an understudy when another dancer falls ill.

Poetry·Mark Roberts, age 11 — A wooden treasure box carved from Australian jarrah wood tells its centuries-long journey from forest to sailing ship ballast to African railroad ties, now holding memories.

Story·Bonnie Robinson, age 11 — A boy finds a freezing kitten in the snow and fights to save her, discovering his mother's hidden past with pets and her fear of losing them again.

Story·Braden M. McDonald, age 10 — A boy discovers a hidden world beneath his grandparents' farm where woodpecker-rabbit hybrids attack him with hot embers and ice until his grandfather rescues him.