ocean

Story·Bailey Curtin, age 11 — A girl walks a PEI beach at dawn carrying her sister's stolen ashes, confronting grief until a mysterious dove appears and draws their family's secret symbol in the sand.

Story·Bailey Curtin, age 11 — After her sister Jade dies from a brain tumor, Cate steals some ashes and walks to a PEI beach where a mysterious dove appears and draws their family's safety symbol...

Poetry·Tristan Hui, age 11 — A child's memory of digging in sand and being lifted by their father above ocean waves captures a moment of perfect safety and belonging.

Poetry·Tristan Hui, age 11 — A child recalls digging in sand and being lifted by their father over crashing waves, finding belonging in that moment of safety and joy.

Poetry·Nour Mokbel, age 11 — A walker observes the ocean at sunset, noting waves, seagulls, and the changing sky as day transforms into starry night.

Story·James Wilson, age 11 — Three surfers perform a silent New Year's dawn ritual at a California beach while a crowd watches, then celebration breaks out after they ride three perfect waves.

Story·Kaya Simcoe, age 11 — A girl discovers that paradise isn't just a California beach but something she carries with her, from hotel rooms to airplane windows to her New York apartment.

Story·Sophia Gallegos, age 13 — A girl dreams of descending through ocean layers to encounter a mysterious jellyfish, then wakes to ordinary life while harboring her grandfather's secret journal of undiscovered sea creatures.

Poetry·Molly DellaValla, age 10 — A child observes a busy beach day filled with family chaos, snacks, sandcastles, and the ocean's constant presence, capturing summer's sensory overload.

Story·Tyler Leiderman, age 11 — A boy spends a final day at the beach with his best friend who is moving to Israel, remembering their years of friendship and facing the pain of goodbye.