US Common Core ELA

Story·Julia Clow and Olivia Smit, age 12 — A human baby raised by wolves discovers her true identity when hunters threaten her wolf family, ultimately choosing to live with humans while maintaining her wolf bonds.

Story·Jacob E. Gerszten, age 11 — An 11-year-old's educational vacation to Tanzania introduces him to Maasai guide Simon, local customs, and the tiny dik-dik antelope, challenging his American perspective.

Poetry·Isabel Sutter, age 13 — A girl climbs her backyard oak tree and finds a moment of transcendent joy where all worries dissolve into the beauty of sky and wind.

Story·Tiffanie Goh — A five-year-old helps prepare instant noodles at her aunt's apartment, finding magic in the simple ritual of breaking noodles and sharing the moment with her younger brother.

Story·Nina Lampert, age 12 — A girl delivering Christmas cake to her elderly neighbor discovers eight snow globes on the mantle, each holding a story from the woman's adventurous past.

Poetry·Nicky Cannon, age 12 — A poem cataloging moments of joy and freedom — from fireside reading to summer swimming — before an alarm clock shatters the dream.

Poetry·Olivia Smit, age 12 — A red fox crosses dewy ground at dawn, joined by his mate and kits who play in wet grass before vanishing, leaving only footprints as proof.

Story·Mary Woods, age 12 — A scrappy urban fox survives by scavenging until a train accident lands him in an animal shelter, where he's healed and released into a forest home.

Story·Jack Taitel, age 10 — A boy transforms his backyard into an epic racetrack where he finally defeats his rival, the 'Dashing Devil,' in an imagined footrace through fall leaves and mud.

Story·Elise Allen, age 12 — Two friends share their last summer night together, walking under stars and seeing a shooting star before saying goodbye until next year.