atmospheric setting

Poetry·Isabelle Zeaske, age 10 — A spring walk reveals birch shadows, a fern sprout, and a plastic bag caught in a pine tree, its snap drowned out by a distant chickadee's song.

Story·Tatum Schutt, age 12 — A girl searching for something special in her life discovers a perfect miniature house by a stream in the woods, but must leave before exploring it.

Poetry·Sonja Minge, age 11 — A young camper observes the sensory details of an autumn night outdoors, from the Milky Way to marshmallows roasting to northern lights glowing over the forest.

Story·Sonia Carroll, age 12 — A Mexican-American girl learns to celebrate rather than mourn her grandmother's death during Día de los Muertos, finding her spirit in a monarch butterfly.

Story·Shyla DeLand, age 13 — A girl investigates a mysterious scream and white shape in the woods, leading her to reconcile with her best friend and discover a snowy owl.

Poetry·Charlotte Robertson, age 11 — A young poet maps her beloved seaside town through sensory details — from a whale door knocker to turquoise wharfs to sailboats floating like butterflies.

Story·Aiwen L. Desai, age 12 — A girl searching for an elusive albino mare on her family's ranch is swept away by a flooded river, then rescued by the wild horse band she sought.

Story·Jenna Fields, age 13 — After her grandfather shares memories of her late grandmother during a rainstorm, a girl discovers the meaning of finding sunshine even on cloudy days when he passes away two days...

Poetry·Meghan Waldron, age 13 — A summer evening unfolds through sensory details — grass brushing knees, bats circling overhead, bullfrogs calling goodnight as day turns to twilight.

Story·Mathilde Fox-Smith, age 11 — A teenage graffiti artist creates stunning murals on abandoned buildings while evading police, forming an unlikely friendship with a politician's daughter who discovers his work.