authentic voice

Story·Emily Chang — A girl helping her elderly neighbor organize her attic discovers a French horn that triggers memories and leads to a medical emergency, forcing her to confront family tensions.

Poetry·Mia Xu, age 11 — A child observes her father's emotional state mirroring stock market fluctuations during COVID-19, realizing she cares about stocks because they affect him.

Story·Emily Beltramo — A teenage street musician teaches guitar to a young thief who tried to rob him, and together they land their first paying gig at a local restaurant.

Poetry·Lexie Dolliver — A sensory celebration of summer unfolds through repeated refrains of birdsong, ocean waves, flowers, and family gatherings.

Personal Narrative·Ella Fu — A third grader reflects on her growth over the school year, recognizing changes in maturity, self-discipline, and confidence in standing up to bullies.

Story·Sol Smith — A mare discovers humans have tagged her foal for removal and escapes the stable with him, joined unexpectedly by her best friend.

Story·Clara Gluzdov — A cat named Ivy wishes to become human to play piano with her beloved owner Dahlia, but when her wish comes true, she discovers the painful cost of transformation and...

Story·Emily Chang — A competitive swimmer's rivalry with her perfect cousin intensifies when an injury sidelines her from the season's final meet, revealing unexpected connections between them.

Poetry·Saketh Lingisetty — A young poet questions their abilities and identity through metaphors of fullness, loops, and tilting tables, ultimately affirming their excellence despite uncertainty.

Story·Sarah Iwanaga — A young wolf befriends a human boy despite pack warnings, discovers his father made the same choice years ago, and must decide between two worlds.