freedom

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.

Poetry·Evangeline Flynn, age 10 — A small boat drifts on crystal waters under a rainbow sky, its peaceful rocking motion mesmerizing the observer in this watercolor-inspired meditation.

Poetry·Tatiana Rebecca Shrayer, age 13 — A cast iron staircase in a restored Russian school is the only original element remaining, holding memories of young women who once descended with diplomas and dreams of freedom.

Poetry·Analise Braddock, age 9 — A child's declaration of eternal play extends from day to night through cosmic destruction, flying cars, and the world's last light being blown out after a thousand years.

Story·Hannah Nami Gajcowski, age 9 — A young girl with magical powers must defeat an evil rock star who has enslaved Neptune's citizens with mind-controlling lightning, aided by new friends and a talking rat.

Poetry·Isabel Goodey, age 11 — A child observes birds soaring through clouds and returning to birdhouses where they know they're free, celebrating their joyful sounds and movements.

Poetry·Naomi Angel Farkas, age 12 — A meditation on feeling trapped by others' expectations transforms into a plea for empathy and a vision of freedom through flight and song.

Poetry·Penelope Purchase, age 11 — A poem about the sudden, irresistible pull of nature that draws you outside to turn cartwheels under the moon and watch the world spin.

Poetry·Aiah Morris, age 12 — A crow flies free from troubles, basking in sun, her firm voice neither screaming nor complacent, taking only what's unwanted like vultures do.

Story·Ava Isabella Angeles, age 11 — Three children discover they've been trapped in a virtual reality 'perfect world' experiment since infancy and must escape with help from a psychologist's daughter.