finding home

Story·Isabel Gottlieb, age 11 — Two childhood friends bond over horses, drift apart when one gets her own horse and wins competitions, then reconcile years later when one finds their shared toy horse while moving.

Story·Leah Karker, age 12 — A girl raised on a farm discovers she's a wolf when she finds her birth mother among a wolf pack and transforms to join them.

Poetry·Jennifer Chin, age 11 — A young writer lists places around the world where family members live, then realizes location doesn't matter as long as family is there.

Story·Cooper Oznowicz, age 12 — A boy from a small Connecticut town experiences his first Yankees game, leaves early during a blowout, then listens to a dramatic comeback attempt on the car radio.

Story·Scott Limbacher, age 10 — An orphan boy expecting wealthy adoptive parents on Christmas Eve discovers his new family is poor but learns they offer something more valuable than material gifts.

Story·Meredith Allen, age 12 — Two bored suburban kids venture into the swamp seeking a legendary hermit, encounter an alligator, and are saved by the very man they sought.

Story·Alex Mifflin, age 12 — A 12-year-old recounts his family's devastating car crash in Australia, his role as the only uninjured member, and their long recovery together.

Story·Lia C, age 13 — A girl sneaks out at dawn to visit her secret berry patch, where she reflects on how she's grown since moving from Florida, like berries ripening from green to black.

Poetry·Sarah Dougherty, age 11 — A lightning bug carries the speaker's low spirit through gardens and town, returning it lit up and peaceful for a summer night's sleep.

Poetry·Alice Baumgartner, age 12 — Sensory memories of a Mardi Gras dinner trigger vivid recollections of sounds, tastes, and a game of Truth or Dare on an unseasonably warm February evening.