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Story·Lila Mackenzie — A girl discovers that a strange hotel transforms based on whether you wear special glasses, revealing hidden realities including her trapped mother.

Story·Beatrice C. de Baca — A girl who lives in a pumpkin house sells pies to buy a silk dress for a quinceañera, disguises herself to attend, but finds acceptance when her friend defends her.

Story·Juli Hiramatsu, age 11 — A spotless leopard breaks her promise not to eat monkeys, gains spots as punishment, and must apologize to her friend to restore both her fur and friendship.

Story·Evelyn Mealer, age 9 — A gymnast who loses her love for the sport after her favorite coach retires discovers she's a talented runner and makes it to the Olympic trials.

Story·Zoe Kijak, age 11 — A girl who never backs down from a challenge breaks her arm climbing the neighborhood's tallest tree during a game of Truth or Dare she wasn't supposed to play.

Story·Eric Zhuang, age 10 — A Mars colonist on the verge of quitting discovers microbial life when his resignation form accidentally hits the wrong target, triggering a life detector.

Personal Narrative·Sophia Hammond, age 11 — A second-grader struggles with reading aloud during class, feeling excluded until a supportive tutor helps her overcome her challenges and gain confidence.

Personal Narrative·Violet Lou, age 10 — A kindergartener watches classmates play piano until her mother finally asks if she wants to learn, leading to the arrival of her own piano.

Personal Narrative·Gregory Scott, age 10 — A boy struggles with writer's block on a memoir assignment until his family's support helps him realize he's been living the story he needs to write.

Personal Narrative·Shriyans Boddu, age 11 — A New York City boy gets permission to go outside alone for the first time, gets lost, and must find his way home using the subway.