US Common Core ELA

Story·Kira Householder, age 11 — A girl secretly cares for a wolf in the woods, sneaking out at night to bring him food, until a forest fire takes his life and she discovers he left...

Poetry·Rebecca Kilroy, age 11 — A girl in a hammock captures the sounds of summer — breeze, splashing, insects, lawnmower — then sprints toward an ice cream truck's tinkling music.

Story·Abigail D'Agosta and Kendra Sommers, age 13 — After her father loses his job, a girl moves from a suburban house to a rural farm, resisting the change until a friendship with neighbor Willa helps her find home...

Story·Henry Allan, age 11 — A young magician overcomes performance anxiety when his uncle appreciates his card trick despite a mistake, teaching him that perfection isn't necessary for connection.

Poetry·Caroline Thompson, age 12 — A young person addresses someone who left without explanation, cycling through questions, pleas, and the haunting memory of their whispered apology.

Story·Ada King, age 11 — A younger sister accompanies her family to drop her older sister off at college, grappling with change while finding comfort in a shared photograph from their childhood.

Story·Shyla DeLand, age 11 — An eleven-year-old meticulously plans to run away from her three younger brothers and endless family picnics, but when teenagers invade her hideout, she races home to find unexpected comfort.

Poetry·Bethany Rayfield, age 12 — A young writer observes the creek behind her house, cataloging its life—fish, flowers, frogs—and recognizes it as her private world of peace.

Story·Jenna Fields, age 12 — A fox hunts through moonlit woods, chases a rabbit to an unfamiliar farmhouse, narrowly escapes a human's gunshot, and limps home injured but determined.

Story·Danielle Eagle, age 13 — A girl befriends a mysterious beach companion with shimmering hair and strange abilities, discovering her true nature when caught in a dangerous current.