Table of Contents for Stone Soup

A preschooler, unable to sleep during nap time, plays with a bean, accidentally inserting it into their ear. The child tries to hide the incident but eventually seeks help, leading to a painful removal process.

A dark, mystical narrative unfolds as a character awakens, hunts for potion ingredients, and seeks fortune, using magical tools like a flying broom, before returning home to rest in a spiderweb cot.

Mari, teased for living in a pumpkin house, devises a plan to sell pies, buy a silk dress, and attend Lucy's quinceañera. Despite initial embarrassment, Lucy's support helps Mari overcome her insecurities and find acceptance.

On a freezing winter day, Marie braves the cold to walk her dog and discovers a sick kitten hidden in a bush. Determined to help, she rushes home with the kitten and convinces her sister,.

A child and their brother venture into the woods to spot an owl, experiencing disappointment before the bird appears, performing a dance and settling on a branch, offering a close-up view through binoculars.

Stone Soup magazine incorporates subtle spookiness in its October issue, balancing it with humor and inventiveness, featuring stories like "Qrange's Predicament" and a chilling tale by Anushka Trivedi.

An estranged mother and son are forced together by a flight delay, leading to a series of tense interactions that reveal their complex relationship and differing life choices, amidst a backdrop of family dynamics and.

The narrator experiences a serene evening on a lake, finding clarity and peace amidst nature's beauty. The tranquil setting transforms their perspective, allowing them to appreciate life's beauty and let go of stress.

A middle schooler reflects on smartphone addiction among peers, noting its negative impacts on social and academic experiences. They argue that parents should reconsider giving smartphones to children at a young age.

A wizard, regretful of his past decision to alter a boy's fate, observes the boy's struggles and decides to intervene again, weaving a new fate to bring the boy relief and happiness.

Climbing a mountain alone, the narrator faces cold and encounters a massive boulder, feeling bold despite the challenges and harsh conditions that test their resolve and physical endurance.

The poem from "Remember the Flowers" explores childhood imagination and camaraderie, as two friends create a game using a curtain rod, traveling through imaginative lands during recess, inspired by a friend's injury and creative play.

The poem explores themes of comparison and longing, as the speaker reflects on the differences between their own food and that of a friend, highlighting the allure of presentation and the impermanence of satisfaction.

The poem "Remember the Flowers" explores the quiet moments of a child's early school days, capturing the struggle to speak and the rare instances of connection, set against the backdrop of a kindergarten setting.

The poem "Remember the Flowers" by Enni Harlan, winner of the 2021 Stone Soup Book Contest, evokes a nostalgic and imaginative scene of childhood play amidst nature, contrasting with the destruction of their creations by.

Simon, a deli worker, finds fulfillment in his simple life despite his mother's expectations, offering a relatable perspective on happiness and contentment, while Phoebe Donovan crafts well-developed characters in her story "Delay."

Sally, a victim of bullying, finds courage and confidence after receiving a mysterious letter, which transforms her life and helps her stand up to her bullies at school, leading to newfound self-assurance and friendships.

Little Women documents the growth of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—each symbolizing a distinct personality, as they navigate life's challenges and societal expectations during the Civil War era.

Kleptocracy involves government by individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of those governed, contrasting with democracy. It often features corruption, favoritism, and wealth inequality, differing from democratic principles of fairness and equality.

A family celebrates the Fourth of July by watching fireworks, lighting sparklers, and enjoying a cozy evening at home, but their outdoor activities are interrupted by heavy rain.

After a fight with her dad over a math problem, the narrator decides to run away, feeling confined by parental rules. She bikes to a campsite, experiencing freedom but soon faces harsh realities like cold.

A vivid and imaginative scene unfolds in a savanna where a tiger, once tamed, loses its power, and people are motionless, unaffected by the environment, while plants and animals remain static, creating a surreal landscape.

Cory Hanmay, a practical girl on foggy Quinton Lane, befriends imaginative Anita Blakely, who introduces her to a magical “Second World” through a silver door, where adventure and wonder blur the lines between reality and.

A sprout breaks through the ground, adding beauty to its surroundings, growing into a vibrant green plant with a closed bud that blossoms into a colorful flower under the sun's nurturing light.

The poem explores a personal secret kept until the end of the world, amidst environmental degradation and extinction, emphasizing a lasting emotional connection despite global devastation.

The poem explores a world viewed from a damp ditch, where the speaker, without a body, observes life through intact eyes, seeing vibrant scenes of nature and pondering the possibility of reaching the sky.

The poem captures a serene summer scene with flies, birds, and family laughter, evoking a sense of joy and impermanence, inspiring readers to reflect on similar moments of tranquility and connection.

Summer brings a sense of relief, encouraging relaxation and a slower pace, which often leads to reading shorter, serious pieces like poetry that can be quickly devoured during leisure time.

A person sits alone in a forest, feeling lonely, but connects with nature through stories and imagination, eventually finding happiness and ascending to a world of love and joy.

The poem captures a moment of creative hesitation as the speaker’s hand hovers over paper, searching for inspiration in nature and memory, until words flow with renewed joy, revealing writing as a vital, graceful language.

After Maya’s grandmother passes away, she reminisces about her nani’s kindness, love for books, and generosity, recalling shared moments in the bookshop, lessons about life, and the joy of baking together, cherishing her extraordinary spirit.

A young person awakens to a vibrant world, greeted by a rooster's cry and the Snow Queen's gift of a white blossom. They explore nature, dance with creatures, and express gratitude to the sun for.

A young boy, known as Little Writer Boy, spends his days writing in an alley, weaving stories about the people he observes. He encounters various characters who question his identity as a writer, testing his.

Iris Chalfen, an eight-year-old from Cambridge, UK, is featured alongside an image, but specific details about her achievements or activities are not provided in the given content.

The content includes a poem about birds during "hungry time" and features images of artworks by Saira Merchant and Daniel Shorten, with descriptions of their pieces.

The narrator reflects on the rituals of birthday parties after a ten-month absence, observing middle school girls and boys celebrating with varying enthusiasm, and appreciates the nostalgia of store-bought cakes despite their taste.

The poem vividly describes a circus scene with clowns juggling cookies, lions jumping through donuts, and a crowd enjoying cotton candy and popcorn, while a magician disappears with a "POOF."

A poem describes a miserable rainy day, with thunder and rain, observing the scene from a window, feeling grateful for shelter as the rain pours down outside.

The writer finds a rare yellow goldfinch feather after a baseball game, experiences initial loss, and later recovers it, adding it to their collection as a cherished item.

The last day of school brings a mix of joy and sadness as Ia faces the departure of her best friend Yaara, who is moving away, leaving Ia with memories and a promise of pen.

Michael finds two abandoned baby hummingbirds and decides to care for them, learning about their needs and facing challenges in feeding and keeping them alive until they can fly and return to the wild.

Shifting light and shadow animate a quiet room, while cars and Christmas lights flicker outside. Memories linger in fire, water, wind, and earth, as nature and time hold onto what people forget.

The narrative explores cycles of crime and punishment, reflecting on why individuals commit crimes and questioning the effectiveness of punitive measures like detention. It suggests alternatives such as counseling and reflection to foster change.

The content reflects a poetic and serene atmosphere, focusing on the contrast between human and animal tiredness, suggesting a desire for peaceful rest and satisfaction, as depicted through the imagery of a cat's contented sleep.

A student's special day at school takes a turn for the worse when a strict teacher, Ms. Himmel, confronts them over a minor infraction during a project presentation, leading to fear and anxiety about potential.

The content describes a poetic and imaginative journey through a world of contrasts, where hope and despair intertwine. It begins with optimism and ends in a bleak yet serene landscape, reflecting on societal collapse and.

A mysterious fox leads the narrator on a midnight adventure through the woods, culminating in a magical meadow filled with animals that seem to communicate with each other and the narrator, under the enchanting moonlight.

The poem describes a chaotic scene where words overwhelm the speaker, likening them to waves and birds, creating a sense of turmoil and distraction in a sea of language and imagery.

A poem by Lilly Davatzes explores the balance of life through the metaphor of a unicycle, highlighting the struggle between speed and control, with gravity always prevailing, much like life's unpredictable nature.

Months after a mortifying school incident, young Emerson faces a dilemma: attend parent-teacher conferences and risk reliving her embarrassment, or stay home and disappoint her father, wrestling with fear and courage.

Characters in various stories navigate mistakes, reflecting on reactions and consequences, encouraging readers to consider their own experiences and responses to mistakes, whether big or small, and how they can make things right.

"A Windy Spring Day" by Jack Meyer is a first-person narrative about a young boy's friendship with his neighbor Kyle. They spend their afternoon eating ice cream and playing video games, sharing stories and laughter.

Anushka Trivedi, age 10, writes about her excitement and anticipation for her sister Samira's birth in "Autobiographical Vignettes." She vividly describes Samira's growth and their first meeting, highlighting thoughtful word choices and emotional depth.

Kate, a young girl living on a dairy farm, makes a wish for adventure by blowing on a dandelion. She decides to climb Mt. Treacherous with her pet mouse, Hammy, facing numerous challenges like falling.

Emma McKinny’s personal narrative recounts a night at the Santa Fe opera house, where she watches her father perform in Dr. Atomic, an opera about the Manhattan Project’s impact on indigenous people. The story begins.

Jennie's House is a story about a girl who must leave her beloved home on Gardener Street due to her father's job transfer. She initially resists the move but comes to accept the new house.

Rubina Davila's narrative, "The Bakery," vividly describes her visit to a bakery on Cesar Chavez Avenue, evoking sensory experiences and family memories tied to traditional foods like concha and tamales, connecting her to her ancestors.

Shriyans Boddu's narrative, "The Road Home," explores his journey from boredom to freedom in New York City. He imagines the city's vibrant life from his window, then experiences it firsthand after gaining permission to venture.

"Swirling Arabesques" is a personal narrative by Zoe Kyriakakis, set on a school bus ride home through foggy Philadelphia. It explores vivid sensory details and imaginative connections to Islamic art, specifically "swirling arabesques."

"Ripples in the Pond" by Karen Susanto is a short story divided into two sequences. The first part uses the second person to describe a serene forest, evoking feelings of being alive. The second part.

William Morgan, a three-time Mavericks champion, competes in a surfing competition with enormous waves, facing personal fears and a tragic past. He rescues his friend Sandy and wins for the fourth time, later honoring his.

In the town of Schnitzelberg, a bird called the Schnitzelbird wakes everyone with its four-note song daily. Jack, who loves sleep, kidnaps the bird, causing chaos. The townspeople miss the bird, and Jack eventually frees.

Bernadette, a fourteen-year-old girl, attends group therapy after her parents' death. She meets Sam, a mysterious girl with a blue streak in her hair, and they develop a complex relationship. Initially, Bernadette avoids Sam, but.

Celeste, a young girl fascinated by mysteries, tries to solve a series of bank robberies in her town. However, her investigation leads her to uncover a deeper family mystery involving her aunt Marjorie, revealing personal.

Lola, a lonely girl, drifts away from her best friend Olivia and struggles to make new connections. During a school trip to a spooky castle, she meets Jane, a mysterious girl who seems out of.

In a dystopian future, two characters, Evelyn and Kyler, navigate different worlds. Evelyn prepares for a test to enter the Gifted and Honors program, while Kyler, already in the program, faces a serious illness and.

A sentient radio in Floracion observes a city overrun by giant, predatory moonflowers. The radio tries to help a boy named Daniel, but their efforts are thwarted by an unresponsive woman and a dismissive voice.

In a divided America, Violet, a thirteen-year-old Purple girl, must navigate the dangerous Forbidden Strip to deliver documents. After a mudslide strands her, she meets Unum, a girl from a blended Purple and Green family,.

"Where I’m From" is a prose poem by Talia Moro, exploring diverse places and experiences through sensory details. The poem uses repetition and wordplay to create a musical quality, blending physical and emotional origins.

Amber Zhao's poem "Antarctic" is a lyrical piece that explores the vastness of Antarctica through long lines and vivid imagery. It begins with a letter from someone in Antarctica, evoking memories of the speaker's own.

The poem "How to Clean the Hallway" by Soheon Rhee is a unique how-to list that blends cleaning instructions with dreamlike imagery, transitioning from scrubbing walls to observing gardeners and birds outside, ending with a.

The poem "Art" by Sim Ling Thee explores the creative process through accidents and mishaps, using anaphora to tie ideas together, creating a sense of indefiniteness. It shifts from hypothetical to narrative, where the protagonist.

The poem "A Beautiful Day in August" by William Chiu describes a summer day in first-person present tense, focusing on a routine that includes violin practice, walking the dog, and learning Spanish. The poem's unique.

Julia Marcus's poem "Midnight" explores the loneliness of a clock at night, using short lines and varied rhythm to contrast with the clock's regimented nature, creating a human-like reflection on time's existence.

"Waterfall" by Jillian Carmel is a haiku that explores the effects of a waterfall on its surroundings and the speaker, using a traditional 5/7/5 structure. It contrasts loudness and silence, creating a complex sensory experience.

"Endless Months" by Amity Doyle is a poem that explores each season, using varied poetic forms to reflect the content. It employs second-person and first-person plural tenses, with vivid seasonal descriptions and wordplay.

Nova Macknik-Conde's poem, "This is the Song the World Needs Now," blends Spanish and English, exploring themes of hope and strength through musical language and poetic forms like monostitch and anaphora.

The Trials and Tribulations of Swifty Appledoe is a novella by 12-year-old Arianna Kralicek, told from the first-person perspective of Zendaya "Swifty" Appledoe. Swifty dreams of becoming a famous actress and faces jealousy over her.

Thu, a young boy in rural Vietnam, struggles with jealousy as his grandma's focus shifts to his new sister, Minh. After a journey to the hospital, Thu's grandma dies, leading him to bond with Minh.

Elsie, an eleven-year-old girl, is obsessed with a cookie jar during the pandemic. She loses it at the beach, leading to a mix of emotions and a new understanding of her attachment. Her mother agrees.

Elenora, an eleven-year-old, is terrified of playing kickball in gym class. She imagines her own death in a melodramatic reverie, but is saved by the lunch bell, ending her ordeal and her internal monologue of.

Two teenage sisters, Jenny and Ula, play Twenty Questions during a car ride, leading Jenny into memories of their childhood as she tries to guess the object Ula has chosen, ending in a moment of.

The poem describes a fox-like character with pride and intelligence, venturing out at night to hunt, possibly returning with a rat, showcasing its bold and fearless nature in a whimsical setting.

Chuo, a resident of Happiness Town, constantly desires something new, this time craving ice cream with Super Happy Yummy Creamy Maple Syrup. Despite fulfilling his desire, he remains unfulfilled, highlighting his ongoing dissatisfaction.

This issue explores themes of cats and sports, featuring stories and poems that capture light energy and zaniness, often focusing on the animal within us, like in "Squirrel" and "Roo's Song."

A poetic doorway to the starry sky offers a world of wonder, with bright stars shining like daylight, and lush green grass that feels almost dreamlike, evoking a sense of enchantment and clarity for the.

An average gymnast describes their experience at a competition, focusing on the drive and personal fulfillment rather than winning, as they navigate the arena and perform their routine with precision and emotion.

Julia resolves to find a missing cat named Thomas, who was catnapped from the Fiddlewick mansion. She follows clues to the Curtis Hotel, where she tracks down Thomas and reunites him with his owner, Ms..

A poetic meditation on nature’s cycles and small wonders, where missed moments are replaced by new life, and the world thrives through plants, animals, and the gentle persistence of the natural world.

A child excitedly announces getting a new snail, then urgently calls for attention twice, only to sadly reveal the snail has died, capturing a brief, poignant moment of childhood discovery and loss.

A poetic description of a joyful scene where a pet, likely a dog, runs through a yard, leaping and making happy sounds, momentarily becoming like a bird before landing and stopping, creating a song of.

Adelaide Collins, a twelve-year-old gymnast, loses her passion for the sport after her coach retires and she faces increasing pressure. She transitions to running, discovering a new talent and eventually aiming for the Olympic trials.

A narrator recounts a magical visit to Houtong Cat Village in Taiwan, where hundreds of stray cats roam freely, cared for by villagers and tourists. A special bond forms with a striped kitten, inspiring dreams.

The content features poetic reflections on an internal beat that drives and bothers the writer, alongside images by young photographers Sage Millen and Lucy Rados, capturing themes of creativity and self-expression.

A young rider, Augusta, participates in the Halloween Horse Show, experiencing nerves and self-doubt but ultimately achieving third place and a sense of accomplishment, realizing that success is not just about winning.

The content appears to be a poetic or lyrical piece about cats, specifically mentioning "The Tuna Cat," and includes a caption referencing Autumn E. Weinreich, though the connection is unclear.

Chocolate, a devoted dog, embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing owner, facing numerous challenges and unexpected friendships along the way, ultimately leading to a heartwarming reunion.

The content features a poetic reflection on spring, using imagery like butterflies and sprouts, alongside images of artworks by young artists, including Rebecca Wu and Grace Zhuang, capturing the essence of spring in art and.

Zoe, a ten-year-old who never backs down from a dare, agrees to play Truth or Dare with her friend Taylor despite a family rule against it. She accepts a dare to climb the neighborhood's tallest.

A speaker reflects on the oppressive, heavy atmosphere of their surroundings, feeling overshadowed by the vivid yet artificial lives of others. They question their own reality, ultimately stepping outside to embrace the imperfect, living world.

A preschooler, unable to sleep during nap time, plays with a bean, accidentally inserting it into their ear. The child tries to hide the incident but eventually seeks help, leading to a painful removal process.

A dark, mystical narrative unfolds as a character awakens, hunts for potion ingredients, and seeks fortune, using magical tools like a flying broom, before returning home to rest in a spiderweb cot.

Mari, teased for living in a pumpkin house, devises a plan to sell pies, buy a silk dress, and attend Lucy's quinceañera. Despite initial embarrassment, Lucy's support helps Mari overcome her insecurities and find acceptance.

On a freezing winter day, Marie braves the cold to walk her dog and discovers a sick kitten hidden in a bush. Determined to help, she rushes home with the kitten and convinces her sister,.

A child and their brother venture into the woods to spot an owl, experiencing disappointment before the bird appears, performing a dance and settling on a branch, offering a close-up view through binoculars.

Stone Soup magazine incorporates subtle spookiness in its October issue, balancing it with humor and inventiveness, featuring stories like "Qrange's Predicament" and a chilling tale by Anushka Trivedi.

An estranged mother and son are forced together by a flight delay, leading to a series of tense interactions that reveal their complex relationship and differing life choices, amidst a backdrop of family dynamics and.

The narrator experiences a serene evening on a lake, finding clarity and peace amidst nature's beauty. The tranquil setting transforms their perspective, allowing them to appreciate life's beauty and let go of stress.

A middle schooler reflects on smartphone addiction among peers, noting its negative impacts on social and academic experiences. They argue that parents should reconsider giving smartphones to children at a young age.

A wizard, regretful of his past decision to alter a boy's fate, observes the boy's struggles and decides to intervene again, weaving a new fate to bring the boy relief and happiness.

Climbing a mountain alone, the narrator faces cold and encounters a massive boulder, feeling bold despite the challenges and harsh conditions that test their resolve and physical endurance.

The poem from "Remember the Flowers" explores childhood imagination and camaraderie, as two friends create a game using a curtain rod, traveling through imaginative lands during recess, inspired by a friend's injury and creative play.

The poem explores themes of comparison and longing, as the speaker reflects on the differences between their own food and that of a friend, highlighting the allure of presentation and the impermanence of satisfaction.

The poem "Remember the Flowers" explores the quiet moments of a child's early school days, capturing the struggle to speak and the rare instances of connection, set against the backdrop of a kindergarten setting.

The poem "Remember the Flowers" by Enni Harlan, winner of the 2021 Stone Soup Book Contest, evokes a nostalgic and imaginative scene of childhood play amidst nature, contrasting with the destruction of their creations by.

Simon, a deli worker, finds fulfillment in his simple life despite his mother's expectations, offering a relatable perspective on happiness and contentment, while Phoebe Donovan crafts well-developed characters in her story "Delay."

Sally, a victim of bullying, finds courage and confidence after receiving a mysterious letter, which transforms her life and helps her stand up to her bullies at school, leading to newfound self-assurance and friendships.

Little Women documents the growth of four sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—each symbolizing a distinct personality, as they navigate life's challenges and societal expectations during the Civil War era.

Kleptocracy involves government by individuals seeking personal gain at the expense of those governed, contrasting with democracy. It often features corruption, favoritism, and wealth inequality, differing from democratic principles of fairness and equality.

A family celebrates the Fourth of July by watching fireworks, lighting sparklers, and enjoying a cozy evening at home, but their outdoor activities are interrupted by heavy rain.

After a fight with her dad over a math problem, the narrator decides to run away, feeling confined by parental rules. She bikes to a campsite, experiencing freedom but soon faces harsh realities like cold.

A vivid and imaginative scene unfolds in a savanna where a tiger, once tamed, loses its power, and people are motionless, unaffected by the environment, while plants and animals remain static, creating a surreal landscape.

Cory Hanmay, a practical girl on foggy Quinton Lane, befriends imaginative Anita Blakely, who introduces her to a magical “Second World” through a silver door, where adventure and wonder blur the lines between reality and.

A sprout breaks through the ground, adding beauty to its surroundings, growing into a vibrant green plant with a closed bud that blossoms into a colorful flower under the sun's nurturing light.

The poem explores a personal secret kept until the end of the world, amidst environmental degradation and extinction, emphasizing a lasting emotional connection despite global devastation.

The poem explores a world viewed from a damp ditch, where the speaker, without a body, observes life through intact eyes, seeing vibrant scenes of nature and pondering the possibility of reaching the sky.

The poem captures a serene summer scene with flies, birds, and family laughter, evoking a sense of joy and impermanence, inspiring readers to reflect on similar moments of tranquility and connection.

Summer brings a sense of relief, encouraging relaxation and a slower pace, which often leads to reading shorter, serious pieces like poetry that can be quickly devoured during leisure time.

A person sits alone in a forest, feeling lonely, but connects with nature through stories and imagination, eventually finding happiness and ascending to a world of love and joy.

The poem captures a moment of creative hesitation as the speaker’s hand hovers over paper, searching for inspiration in nature and memory, until words flow with renewed joy, revealing writing as a vital, graceful language.

After Maya’s grandmother passes away, she reminisces about her nani’s kindness, love for books, and generosity, recalling shared moments in the bookshop, lessons about life, and the joy of baking together, cherishing her extraordinary spirit.

A young person awakens to a vibrant world, greeted by a rooster's cry and the Snow Queen's gift of a white blossom. They explore nature, dance with creatures, and express gratitude to the sun for.

A young boy, known as Little Writer Boy, spends his days writing in an alley, weaving stories about the people he observes. He encounters various characters who question his identity as a writer, testing his.

Iris Chalfen, an eight-year-old from Cambridge, UK, is featured alongside an image, but specific details about her achievements or activities are not provided in the given content.

The content includes a poem about birds during "hungry time" and features images of artworks by Saira Merchant and Daniel Shorten, with descriptions of their pieces.

The narrator reflects on the rituals of birthday parties after a ten-month absence, observing middle school girls and boys celebrating with varying enthusiasm, and appreciates the nostalgia of store-bought cakes despite their taste.

The poem vividly describes a circus scene with clowns juggling cookies, lions jumping through donuts, and a crowd enjoying cotton candy and popcorn, while a magician disappears with a "POOF."

A poem describes a miserable rainy day, with thunder and rain, observing the scene from a window, feeling grateful for shelter as the rain pours down outside.

The writer finds a rare yellow goldfinch feather after a baseball game, experiences initial loss, and later recovers it, adding it to their collection as a cherished item.

The last day of school brings a mix of joy and sadness as Ia faces the departure of her best friend Yaara, who is moving away, leaving Ia with memories and a promise of pen.

Michael finds two abandoned baby hummingbirds and decides to care for them, learning about their needs and facing challenges in feeding and keeping them alive until they can fly and return to the wild.

Shifting light and shadow animate a quiet room, while cars and Christmas lights flicker outside. Memories linger in fire, water, wind, and earth, as nature and time hold onto what people forget.

The narrative explores cycles of crime and punishment, reflecting on why individuals commit crimes and questioning the effectiveness of punitive measures like detention. It suggests alternatives such as counseling and reflection to foster change.

The content reflects a poetic and serene atmosphere, focusing on the contrast between human and animal tiredness, suggesting a desire for peaceful rest and satisfaction, as depicted through the imagery of a cat's contented sleep.

A student's special day at school takes a turn for the worse when a strict teacher, Ms. Himmel, confronts them over a minor infraction during a project presentation, leading to fear and anxiety about potential.

The content describes a poetic and imaginative journey through a world of contrasts, where hope and despair intertwine. It begins with optimism and ends in a bleak yet serene landscape, reflecting on societal collapse and.

A mysterious fox leads the narrator on a midnight adventure through the woods, culminating in a magical meadow filled with animals that seem to communicate with each other and the narrator, under the enchanting moonlight.

The poem describes a chaotic scene where words overwhelm the speaker, likening them to waves and birds, creating a sense of turmoil and distraction in a sea of language and imagery.

A poem by Lilly Davatzes explores the balance of life through the metaphor of a unicycle, highlighting the struggle between speed and control, with gravity always prevailing, much like life's unpredictable nature.

Months after a mortifying school incident, young Emerson faces a dilemma: attend parent-teacher conferences and risk reliving her embarrassment, or stay home and disappoint her father, wrestling with fear and courage.

Characters in various stories navigate mistakes, reflecting on reactions and consequences, encouraging readers to consider their own experiences and responses to mistakes, whether big or small, and how they can make things right.

"A Windy Spring Day" by Jack Meyer is a first-person narrative about a young boy's friendship with his neighbor Kyle. They spend their afternoon eating ice cream and playing video games, sharing stories and laughter.

Anushka Trivedi, age 10, writes about her excitement and anticipation for her sister Samira's birth in "Autobiographical Vignettes." She vividly describes Samira's growth and their first meeting, highlighting thoughtful word choices and emotional depth.

Kate, a young girl living on a dairy farm, makes a wish for adventure by blowing on a dandelion. She decides to climb Mt. Treacherous with her pet mouse, Hammy, facing numerous challenges like falling.

Emma McKinny’s personal narrative recounts a night at the Santa Fe opera house, where she watches her father perform in Dr. Atomic, an opera about the Manhattan Project’s impact on indigenous people. The story begins.

Jennie's House is a story about a girl who must leave her beloved home on Gardener Street due to her father's job transfer. She initially resists the move but comes to accept the new house.

Rubina Davila's narrative, "The Bakery," vividly describes her visit to a bakery on Cesar Chavez Avenue, evoking sensory experiences and family memories tied to traditional foods like concha and tamales, connecting her to her ancestors.

Shriyans Boddu's narrative, "The Road Home," explores his journey from boredom to freedom in New York City. He imagines the city's vibrant life from his window, then experiences it firsthand after gaining permission to venture.

"Swirling Arabesques" is a personal narrative by Zoe Kyriakakis, set on a school bus ride home through foggy Philadelphia. It explores vivid sensory details and imaginative connections to Islamic art, specifically "swirling arabesques."

"Ripples in the Pond" by Karen Susanto is a short story divided into two sequences. The first part uses the second person to describe a serene forest, evoking feelings of being alive. The second part.

William Morgan, a three-time Mavericks champion, competes in a surfing competition with enormous waves, facing personal fears and a tragic past. He rescues his friend Sandy and wins for the fourth time, later honoring his.

In the town of Schnitzelberg, a bird called the Schnitzelbird wakes everyone with its four-note song daily. Jack, who loves sleep, kidnaps the bird, causing chaos. The townspeople miss the bird, and Jack eventually frees.

Bernadette, a fourteen-year-old girl, attends group therapy after her parents' death. She meets Sam, a mysterious girl with a blue streak in her hair, and they develop a complex relationship. Initially, Bernadette avoids Sam, but.

Celeste, a young girl fascinated by mysteries, tries to solve a series of bank robberies in her town. However, her investigation leads her to uncover a deeper family mystery involving her aunt Marjorie, revealing personal.

Lola, a lonely girl, drifts away from her best friend Olivia and struggles to make new connections. During a school trip to a spooky castle, she meets Jane, a mysterious girl who seems out of.

In a dystopian future, two characters, Evelyn and Kyler, navigate different worlds. Evelyn prepares for a test to enter the Gifted and Honors program, while Kyler, already in the program, faces a serious illness and.

A sentient radio in Floracion observes a city overrun by giant, predatory moonflowers. The radio tries to help a boy named Daniel, but their efforts are thwarted by an unresponsive woman and a dismissive voice.

In a divided America, Violet, a thirteen-year-old Purple girl, must navigate the dangerous Forbidden Strip to deliver documents. After a mudslide strands her, she meets Unum, a girl from a blended Purple and Green family,.

"Where I’m From" is a prose poem by Talia Moro, exploring diverse places and experiences through sensory details. The poem uses repetition and wordplay to create a musical quality, blending physical and emotional origins.

Amber Zhao's poem "Antarctic" is a lyrical piece that explores the vastness of Antarctica through long lines and vivid imagery. It begins with a letter from someone in Antarctica, evoking memories of the speaker's own.

The poem "How to Clean the Hallway" by Soheon Rhee is a unique how-to list that blends cleaning instructions with dreamlike imagery, transitioning from scrubbing walls to observing gardeners and birds outside, ending with a.

The poem "Art" by Sim Ling Thee explores the creative process through accidents and mishaps, using anaphora to tie ideas together, creating a sense of indefiniteness. It shifts from hypothetical to narrative, where the protagonist.

The poem "A Beautiful Day in August" by William Chiu describes a summer day in first-person present tense, focusing on a routine that includes violin practice, walking the dog, and learning Spanish. The poem's unique.

Julia Marcus's poem "Midnight" explores the loneliness of a clock at night, using short lines and varied rhythm to contrast with the clock's regimented nature, creating a human-like reflection on time's existence.

"Waterfall" by Jillian Carmel is a haiku that explores the effects of a waterfall on its surroundings and the speaker, using a traditional 5/7/5 structure. It contrasts loudness and silence, creating a complex sensory experience.

"Endless Months" by Amity Doyle is a poem that explores each season, using varied poetic forms to reflect the content. It employs second-person and first-person plural tenses, with vivid seasonal descriptions and wordplay.

Nova Macknik-Conde's poem, "This is the Song the World Needs Now," blends Spanish and English, exploring themes of hope and strength through musical language and poetic forms like monostitch and anaphora.

The Trials and Tribulations of Swifty Appledoe is a novella by 12-year-old Arianna Kralicek, told from the first-person perspective of Zendaya "Swifty" Appledoe. Swifty dreams of becoming a famous actress and faces jealousy over her.

Thu, a young boy in rural Vietnam, struggles with jealousy as his grandma's focus shifts to his new sister, Minh. After a journey to the hospital, Thu's grandma dies, leading him to bond with Minh.

Elsie, an eleven-year-old girl, is obsessed with a cookie jar during the pandemic. She loses it at the beach, leading to a mix of emotions and a new understanding of her attachment. Her mother agrees.

Elenora, an eleven-year-old, is terrified of playing kickball in gym class. She imagines her own death in a melodramatic reverie, but is saved by the lunch bell, ending her ordeal and her internal monologue of.

Two teenage sisters, Jenny and Ula, play Twenty Questions during a car ride, leading Jenny into memories of their childhood as she tries to guess the object Ula has chosen, ending in a moment of.

The poem describes a fox-like character with pride and intelligence, venturing out at night to hunt, possibly returning with a rat, showcasing its bold and fearless nature in a whimsical setting.

Chuo, a resident of Happiness Town, constantly desires something new, this time craving ice cream with Super Happy Yummy Creamy Maple Syrup. Despite fulfilling his desire, he remains unfulfilled, highlighting his ongoing dissatisfaction.

This issue explores themes of cats and sports, featuring stories and poems that capture light energy and zaniness, often focusing on the animal within us, like in "Squirrel" and "Roo's Song."

A poetic doorway to the starry sky offers a world of wonder, with bright stars shining like daylight, and lush green grass that feels almost dreamlike, evoking a sense of enchantment and clarity for the.

An average gymnast describes their experience at a competition, focusing on the drive and personal fulfillment rather than winning, as they navigate the arena and perform their routine with precision and emotion.

Julia resolves to find a missing cat named Thomas, who was catnapped from the Fiddlewick mansion. She follows clues to the Curtis Hotel, where she tracks down Thomas and reunites him with his owner, Ms..

A poetic meditation on nature’s cycles and small wonders, where missed moments are replaced by new life, and the world thrives through plants, animals, and the gentle persistence of the natural world.

A child excitedly announces getting a new snail, then urgently calls for attention twice, only to sadly reveal the snail has died, capturing a brief, poignant moment of childhood discovery and loss.

A poetic description of a joyful scene where a pet, likely a dog, runs through a yard, leaping and making happy sounds, momentarily becoming like a bird before landing and stopping, creating a song of.

Adelaide Collins, a twelve-year-old gymnast, loses her passion for the sport after her coach retires and she faces increasing pressure. She transitions to running, discovering a new talent and eventually aiming for the Olympic trials.

A narrator recounts a magical visit to Houtong Cat Village in Taiwan, where hundreds of stray cats roam freely, cared for by villagers and tourists. A special bond forms with a striped kitten, inspiring dreams.

The content features poetic reflections on an internal beat that drives and bothers the writer, alongside images by young photographers Sage Millen and Lucy Rados, capturing themes of creativity and self-expression.

A young rider, Augusta, participates in the Halloween Horse Show, experiencing nerves and self-doubt but ultimately achieving third place and a sense of accomplishment, realizing that success is not just about winning.

The content appears to be a poetic or lyrical piece about cats, specifically mentioning "The Tuna Cat," and includes a caption referencing Autumn E. Weinreich, though the connection is unclear.

Chocolate, a devoted dog, embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing owner, facing numerous challenges and unexpected friendships along the way, ultimately leading to a heartwarming reunion.

The content features a poetic reflection on spring, using imagery like butterflies and sprouts, alongside images of artworks by young artists, including Rebecca Wu and Grace Zhuang, capturing the essence of spring in art and.

Zoe, a ten-year-old who never backs down from a dare, agrees to play Truth or Dare with her friend Taylor despite a family rule against it. She accepts a dare to climb the neighborhood's tallest.

A speaker reflects on the oppressive, heavy atmosphere of their surroundings, feeling overshadowed by the vivid yet artificial lives of others. They question their own reality, ultimately stepping outside to embrace the imperfect, living world.