grandparents

Poetry·Sierra Elman — A speaker recalls childhood memories of braiding sunlight and being carried by her grandmother to meet the sun, until darkness intrudes on the reverie.

Story·Marlene Dukes — A lonely girl's accidental cross-country journey in a malfunctioning self-driving car becomes an adventure in independence and connection with an unlikely companion.

Personal Narrative·Dante Chowla-Song — After his grandfather's death, a boy finds solace bird-watching in Central Park, where observing cardinals and hawks helps him accept his grief and stop running from loss.

Poetry·Jaslene Kwack — A granddaughter observes how her grandmother's blue cotton dress absorbs daily scents and reflects the Korean proverb that clothes reveal character.

Personal Narrative·Carys Kim — A girl overcomes her fear to shave her head in solidarity with her grandmother who has cancer, discovering unexpected strength in the act.

Story·Haeun Kim — Through the Korean board game alkkagi, three generations pass down wisdom about patience, timing, and seizing opportunities in both games and life.

Story·Emily Chang — A girl helping her elderly neighbor organize her attic discovers a French horn that triggers memories and leads to a medical emergency, forcing her to confront family tensions.

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.

Personal Narrative·Talia Tarason — Discovering her great-grandfather's coin collection leads a girl to understand how objects hold memories, inspiring her to buy her own commemorative coin.

Personal Narrative·Eloïse de Larquier — A girl falls from monkey bars during backyard play, fractures her arm, and finds courage at the hospital after initial fear about getting a cast.