precise language

Poetry·Jane Trina, age 10 — A young performer transforms stage fright into confidence, tracking the physical sensations of fear giving way to the moment when words finally 'start to fly.'

Poetry·Alexandra Orczyk, age 11 — A girl swings on a rope swing, crashing through bushes and spinning wildly, finding joy despite scratches and the threatening branch above.

Poetry·Kira Householder, age 12 — A granddaughter listens intently as her grandfather talks about construction and business, finding beauty and hidden lessons in his philosophical approach to work.

Poetry·Celie Kreilkamp, age 11 — A girl chases chickens away from an outdoor dinner, then later visits them in their coop, stroking them as they settle for sleep.

Story·Mathew Thompson, age 11 — A boy accidentally breaks a window playing baseball, chooses to tell his mother despite a friend's advice to hide it, and learns about honesty and taking responsibility.

Story·Viet Doan Nguyen, age 11 — A six-year-old boy recounts three escape attempts from Vietnam, imprisonment, and the journey through refugee camps to reach America.