authentic voice

Story·Margaret Bryan, age 11 — On a winter drive to Prince Edward Island, thirteen-year-old Elsabeth discovers her lifelong devotion to the color blue while her family shares pomegranates and plays road games.

Story·Michelle Grifka, age 12 — A self-conscious girl travels to Ireland to stay with relatives and discovers her pink-haired cousin Bridget is a talented artist dealing with her father's recent departure.

Story·Margaret Bryan, age 11 — During a winter drive to Prince Edward Island, thirteen-year-old Elsabeth becomes captivated by the color blue and its many shades while her family shares pomegranates.

Story·Niyousha Bastani, age 10 — During a sea voyage, a girl haunted by nightmares of her disapproving father seeks his forgiveness after their argument about her joining the journey.

Story·Sinnon Gonzalez, age 11 — A boy describes the wild freedom he feels on a roller coaster, contrasting his adventurous summer self with his serious school personality.

Story·Sophia Pellegrino, age 11 — Carmen wins a coveted violin solo over popular classmate Gabriella, but when she finds Gabriella crying, they discover they both wanted to be friends all along.

Story·Michael Scognamiglio, age 13 — A boy crashes his friend's dirt bike, lies to his mother about the accident, and loses her trust when the truth comes out at dinner.

Story·Katie Sinclair, age 13 — During a storm at an inn, a traveling storyteller tells of a mysterious Fisherwoman who died saving her child, whose return will bring rain back to drought-stricken Searain.

Story·Emma Agnew, age 13 — A girl escapes to a secret garden after fighting with her mother, where memories of visiting the same garden as a child help her find forgiveness.

Poetry·Soujourner Salil Ahebee, age 10 — A young immigrant mourns leaving Côte d'Ivoire, listing beloved foods, peoples, places, and memories of a father who called her 'cherie.'