sensory richness

Poetry·Wujun Ke, age 13 — Dawn breaks through trees as birds find their perches, while the speaker breathes in the ancient scents of maple and oak between dreams and waking.

Story·Julia Soderholm, age 13 — A young woman finds solace in morning rituals and simple pleasures before heading to the beach to write, savoring solitude before crowds arrive.

Story·Katie Sinclair, age 13 — During a sleepover, thirteen-year-olds play Truth or Dare with their Magic Manatee, discussing fears, philosophy, and crushes until dawn breaks.

Story·Samantha Cecil, age 12 — A first-year camper faces her fears during a freezing lake swim test, battling panic and cold water to earn her swimming privileges at camp.

Poetry·Alyssa Cho — Dawn breaks through trees as birds find their perches, while the speaker breathes in the ancient scents of maple and oak between dreams and waking.

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·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·Olivia Mulley — Dawn light travels through trees to open eyes as birds find their perches and begin singing, while ancient scents drift through an open window.

Story·Sean Fay, age 11 — A boy goes skating alone on a winter lake, ventures too far out in worsening weather, falls through thin ice, and barely makes it home alive.

Story·Rachael Goddard Rebstein, age 12 — A boy navigates a sweltering forest, sensing danger and preparing to face a bear with his spear, until his mother's voice calling about homework breaks the spell.