learning from mistakes

Story·Jordan Coble, age 13 — A teenage girl moves to a California cottage and befriends her reclusive neighbor, discovering the woman's tragic past and learning not to judge by appearances.

Story·Erin Riesen, age 12 — A spoiled girl hiding in a hayloft discovers old photos and dreams herself into her grandfather's wartime Dresden, returning with new understanding and respect.

Story·Dani Bergman Chudnow, age 11 — On her eleventh birthday, a girl reluctantly plays baseball with a younger neighbor, accidentally hits him with a line drive, and learns about forgiveness when he immediately wants to keep...

Poetry·Jonathan Hall, age 12 — During band practice, a student sneezes directly into his trombone, creating an explosive sound that stops the entire class mid-song.

Story·Maya Martin, age 12 — A girl reluctantly visits her Japanese American great-grandmother and learns about her imprisonment in internment camps during World War II, discovering untold history.

Story·Peter O'Shea, age 12 — A boy who hates animals after being bitten volunteers at a shelter and discovers the same German shepherd who bit him seven years ago, leading to forgiveness and adoption.

Story·Miriam Henerson, age 12 — Three girls teach three boys to make an anniversary pie for Max's parents, leading to flour explosions, foam dart wars, and last-minute whipped cream rescues.

Story·Shyla DeLand, age 11 — After a weasel kills her beloved rooster Cocky, a girl struggles with guilt over loving a new chick until her mother helps her understand that loving again doesn't betray the...

Story·Henry Allan, age 11 — A young magician overcomes performance anxiety when his uncle appreciates his card trick despite a mistake, teaching him that perfection isn't necessary for connection.

Poetry·Elliott McCloskey, age 13 — A young musician struggles with a trombone, from its mysterious case through spit-clogged frustration to the moment when instrument and player finally connect.