illness

Personal Narrative·Arielle Kouyoumdjian, age 13 — A 13-year-old visits an indigenous village in Ecuador's jungle and confronts the stark contrasts between their sustainable lifestyle and American consumption.

Story·Anya Geist, age 13 — In a genetically engineered society where roles are predetermined, a young Director-in-training discovers her forbidden passion for music during a symphony rehearsal.

Personal Narrative·Alina Khilchenko, age 11 — A girl's excitement about becoming a big sister turns to grief when her mother miscarries, teaching her about loss and the fragility of hope.

Story·Kyler Min, age 8 — On planet Kepler-22b, students compete for honors status while their alien parents work light-years away, until a boy discovers the dark truth behind 'organic' education.

Personal Narrative·Ilina Chaudhury, age 11 — A four-year-old visits her grandmother in India and gradually understands what death means when her grandmother dies of cancer during the trip.

Personal Narrative·John Lash, age 12 — A boy recounts the discovery and surgical removal of a skull tumor when he was a baby, emphasizing his family's faith and the lasting impact on his life.

Story·Phoebe Donovan, age 11 — A boy grieving his father's death begins seeing visions of a magical war led by General X, who resembles his dad, until reality and fantasy blur dangerously.

Story·Tristan Hui, age 12 — Thu loses his place as grandmother's favorite when his sickly sister is born, but journeys to save her life and learns what family truly means.

Story·Sophia Fu, age 9 — A girl discovers she has type 1 diabetes after days of exhaustion and illness, then adjusts to daily blood sugar checks and insulin shots.

Story·Kyra Yip, age 11 — A girl with severe food allergies navigates birthday parties, medical emergencies, and social awkwardness, ultimately finding strength in her difference rather than shame.