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Poetry·Alden Powers, age 12 — A speaker deliberately ignores the decay around them—dirty dishes, holes in walls, a broken fishbowl—because noticing would make it feel less like home.

Story·Benjamin Halperin, age 13 — A boy learns his parents are divorcing, finds solace in his golden retriever Lucky, and escapes into baseball—both through books and a Giants game.

Story·Sandra Detweiler, age 12 — Two sisters saying goodbye to their favorite cloud-watching spot before moving discover a bird-shaped cloud at their new home by the ocean.

Story·Megan Lowe, age 13 — A newly adopted Japanese girl struggles to adjust to her American home until her museum-worker father brings her a tiny tea cup from a Japanese Friendship Doll exhibit.

Story·Joshua Heaps, age 11 — During the Civil War, eight-year-old Tom struggles to support his mother after his father and brother join the Union army, culminating in a Confederate raid and miraculous reunion.

Story·Julia Soderholm, age 13 — A young woman finds solace in morning rituals and simple pleasures before heading to the beach to write, savoring solitude before crowds arrive.

Story·Katie Sinclair, age 13 — During a sleepover, thirteen-year-olds play Truth or Dare with their Magic Manatee, discussing fears, philosophy, and crushes until dawn breaks.

Story·Amanda Pertierra, age 13 — In 1942 Philippines, a ten-year-old girl watches her family's sugar plantation burn as American forces evacuate them to prevent Japanese occupation of their home.

Story·Joshua Heaps, age 11 — During the Civil War, young Tom struggles to support his mother while his father and brother fight, until a Confederate raid brings an unexpected reunion.

Story·Rachel Cohen, age 12 — A girl vacationing at the New Jersey shore befriends mysterious Helena, whose arrival coincides with a hurricane bearing her name, leading to an otherworldly revelation.