US Common Core ELA

Poetry·Wujun Ke, age 13 — Dawn breaks through trees as birds find their perches, while the speaker breathes in the ancient scents of maple and oak between dreams and waking.

Story·Joshua Heaps, age 11 — During the Civil War, eight-year-old Tom struggles to support his mother after his father and brother join the Union army, culminating in a Confederate raid and miraculous reunion.

Story·Isabelle Edwards, age 10 — A girl runs away after her father's sled dogs die in the Iditarod, gets lost in a blizzard, and is saved by her dogs, leading to reconciliation with her father.

Poetry·Dylan Geiger, age 11 — A winter walk with a dog reveals a landscape of leafless trees, frosted cows, squirrels with stored acorns, and snow drifts punctuated by passing trucks.

Story·Joshua Heaps, age 11 — During the Civil War, young Tom struggles to support his mother while his father and brother fight, until a Confederate raid brings an unexpected reunion.

Story·Amanda Pertierra, age 13 — In 1942 Philippines, a ten-year-old girl watches her family's sugar plantation burn as American forces evacuate them to prevent Japanese occupation of their home.

Story·Katie Woodward, age 12 — In 1957 Ohio, a lonely girl befriends an elderly Cherokee boarder who brings the first snow in twenty years and teaches her that she is loved.

Poetry·Alyssa Cho — Dawn breaks through trees as birds find their perches, while the speaker breathes in the ancient scents of maple and oak between dreams and waking.

Story·Julia Soderholm, age 13 — A young woman finds solace in morning rituals and simple pleasures before heading to the beach to write, savoring solitude before crowds arrive.

Story·Katie Sinclair, age 13 — During a sleepover, thirteen-year-olds play Truth or Dare with their Magic Manatee, discussing fears, philosophy, and crushes until dawn breaks.