animals

Story·Molly Morabito, age 11 — A girl discovers her passion for racing horses, wins local competitions with her horse Cherish, but during a crucial race, Cherish breaks her leg on a shortcut, ending both their...

Poetry·Julia Lipkis, age 12 — A meadow scene unfolds through precise natural imagery — wilting wildflowers, grazing deer, gossiping birds, and wind whispering secrets over bent corn.

Story·Bailey Bergmann, age 11 — A girl who desperately wants a golden retriever learns to love the Irish setter she receives instead after they win an agility competition together.

Story·Annakai Hayakawa Geshlider, age 11 — A Japanese boy falls into a creek chasing his lost shoe and discovers from a wise turtle that he has the magical ability to breathe underwater.

Poetry·Emina S. Sonnad, age 12 — A girl reflects on her bond with her rescued dog as he sleeps in her lap, remembering their difficult first day together and recognizing their mutual need.

Story·Eleyna Rosenthal, age 13 — A princess fleeing assassins finds refuge with a werewolf who reveals his pack was banished by the same enemy, leading them to forge an alliance.

Story·William Gwaltney, age 10 — A German Shepherd named Jack leaves his Connecticut family to serve as a scout dog in WWII Morocco, saves soldiers' lives, and returns home changed but loved.

Story·William Gwaltney, age 11 — A boy discovers a sea turtle nesting on an evening beach walk and spends his summer secretly protecting the eggs until they hatch.

Story·William Gwaltney, age 11 — A boy secretly rides his winged horse Athena through the summer night sky, flying over ponds and listening to a concert before returning home to keep their magical secret safe.

Story·Abbie Brubaker, age 12 — A hunting party sets out to trap a unicorn using a maiden and golden bridle, but when the moment comes, none can bring themselves to kill the magical creature.