family bonds

Story·Isabelle Edwards, age 10 — A girl runs away after her father's sled dogs die in the Iditarod, gets lost in a blizzard, and is saved by her dogs, leading to reconciliation with her father.

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·Margaret Bryan, age 11 — On a winter drive to Prince Edward Island, thirteen-year-old Elsabeth discovers her lifelong devotion to the color blue while her family shares pomegranates and plays road games.

Story·Niyousha Bastani, age 10 — During a sea voyage, a girl haunted by nightmares of her disapproving father seeks his forgiveness after their argument about her joining the journey.

Story·Margaret Bryan, age 11 — During a winter drive to Prince Edward Island, thirteen-year-old Elsabeth becomes captivated by the color blue and its many shades while her family shares pomegranates.

Story·Katie Sinclair, age 13 — During a storm at an inn, a traveling storyteller tells of a mysterious Fisherwoman who died saving her child, whose return will bring rain back to drought-stricken Searain.

Story·Emma Agnew, age 13 — A girl escapes to a secret garden after fighting with her mother, where memories of visiting the same garden as a child help her find forgiveness.

Story·Makayla Hentges, age 12 — A wolf-dog named Shannon saves her musher from drowning in an icy lake but sacrifices herself in the process, appearing later as a ghostly figure in the mist.

Poetry·Claudia Celovsky, age 13 — A young sailor steers a boat with her grandmother, finding joy in both the physical sensations of sailing and the warmth of their connection.

Poetry·Marissa Bergman, age 12 — A girl dismisses her younger sister's childish questions about color until the sister's drawing reveals how she sees their shared moment in pink-hearted wonder.