friendship

Story·Chris Yihan Ye — During extreme seasons—windy spring, scorching summer, cool fall, freezing winter—various animals struggle with weather challenges while their companions offer practical solutions they refuse.

Story·Emily Chang — A girl navigates family tensions and grief during a lake outing, culminating in an ice cream mishap that leads to an unexpected swim across the lake with her cousin.

Personal Narrative·Avaline Mikhasiuta — A five-year-old Russian speaker faces her first day of kindergarten without knowing English, finds connection through a Japanese classmate who shares her language barrier.

Story·Eileen Yoo — A girl discovers a buried box meant for someone else, follows cryptic clues through the woods to find a key, and gains the courage to finally speak up to her...

Story·Emily Beltramo — A teenage street musician teaches guitar to a young thief who tried to rob him, and together they land their first paying gig at a local restaurant.

Personal Narrative·Ella Fu — A third grader reflects on her growth over the school year, recognizing changes in maturity, self-discipline, and confidence in standing up to bullies.

Story·Sol Smith — A mare discovers humans have tagged her foal for removal and escapes the stable with him, joined unexpectedly by her best friend.

Story·Emily Chang — A competitive swimmer's rivalry with her perfect cousin intensifies when an injury sidelines her from the season's final meet, revealing unexpected connections between them.

Story·Sarah Iwanaga — A young wolf befriends a human boy despite pack warnings, discovers his father made the same choice years ago, and must decide between two worlds.

Personal Narrative·Louise Johnson — Two cousins skip watching their brothers' soccer games to clean up trash from a forest stream, turning a boring morning into a meaningful adventure.