July/August 2010

Story·Danny Singer, age 12 — A six-year-old's dinner at Atlantic Grill for his father's 41st birthday becomes unforgettable when the family encounters Giants player Tiki Barber, leading to a cherished autographed photo.

Book Review·Suzanne Lafleur, Reviewed by Eliza Edwards-Levin — Love, Aubrey, by Suzanne LaFleur; Wendy Lamb Books: New York, 2009; $15.99 Have you ever read a book that is, in every way, perfect? Have you ever read a book...

Story·Olivia Smit, age 12 — A night watchman rescues a black stallion named Tear Drop from drowning at sea, forming a bond that survives separation and mistreatment before their eventual reunion.

Poetry·Rebecca Mitkus Wishnie, age 10 — Night at a dock becomes a symphony of metallic clangs, wave sounds, and boat thuds, while stars spark like kindling in the black sky.

Story·Grace Euphrat Weston, age 12 — A girl with a sore throat communicates through charades with her sister, discovering that laughter and connection transcend words.

Story·Julia Gaitley, age 12 — A girl at an aquarium loses her older brother while daydreaming about seals' freedom, then finds comfort in a wandering turtle while waiting to be found.

Story·Sophie Tottman, age 12 — A village girl attends a prestigious Masked Ball disguised as her tutor's aunt, meeting famous scientists and artists who share their knowledge while hidden behind elaborate masks.

Story·Lulu Russell, age 11 — A sparrow flees a hunting hawk through forest branches in a desperate chase, then the perspective shifts to reveal the hawk's necessity of feeding its young.

Story·Virginia Mason, age 12 — Three friends seeking relief from drought discover a mysterious river where a glowing woman lures one of them away, then wake to find rain has finally come.

Poetry·Courtney Cooperman, age 12 — A fifth-grader reflects on the finality of elementary school's last day, from yearbook signings to the bell's final ring that marks the end of childhood routines.