Stone Soup Magazine

Story·Christine Nichols, age 13 — A third-grader forced to sit with sixth-graders on the bus faces bullying until an older girl in a matching outfit stands up for her, turning fear into friendship.

Story·Pace Ellsworth, age 13 — A tiger stalks and kills an antelope, then discovers his cached prey has been disturbed by strange new creatures with vehicles, marking his first encounter with humans.

Poetry·Sarah Dougherty, age 11 — A lightning bug carries the speaker's low spirit through gardens and town, returning it lit up and peaceful for a summer night's sleep.

Story·Joshua Maclean, age 13 — A son remembers his father's devotion through baseball games, lucky charms, and math lessons, then chronicles his battle with ALS and the lasting impact of his loss.

Book Review·Vicki Grove, Reviewed By Adrienne Raphel — Destiny by Vicki Grove; G. P. Putnam’s Sons: New York, 2000; $16.99 D0 you believe in fate? Do you believe that our lives all have a certain destiny? Or do...

Story·Inci Atrek, age 11 — A young basketball player faces intense pressure during a crucial free throw, battling self-doubt and physical anxiety before finding the courage to take the shot.

Poetry·Alice Baumgartner, age 12 — Sensory memories of a Mardi Gras dinner trigger vivid recollections of sounds, tastes, and a game of Truth or Dare on an unseasonably warm February evening.

Story·Sarah Casserly Marcus, age 11 — A girl who dreads summer camp discovers a magical clearing with purple flowers and a marble statue, finding friendship and self-discovery at Camp Renaissance.

Story·Allison Stadd, age 12 — A cream-colored winter hat travels through a town, passing from person to person, each believing it's uniquely theirs until they discover it's just one of many mass-produced hats.

Poetry·Mark Roberts, age 10 — A boy at boarding school writes to his father about missing their everyday rituals and recognizing the sacrifices his father makes driving long hours to work.