Sheridan Ink 2012-2013

A Literary Arts Magazine

This year's literary magazine is dedicated to the Class of 2013. For all their creative energy and leadership.
Thanks to Mike Stoll, Emily Greene, Catherine Eiff, Dalia Palchik, Nathalie Sviedrys, Brian Hewlett, Simon Kanter, all our student authors and artists, as well as the Sheridan teachers for their inspiring lessons and continued support.

Student Editors:

Eitan Avni-Heller Alistair Edwards

Emily Butler Louise Pisano Simone

Faculty Editors:

Cover art by Steven Aldridge Grade 7

During our assembly celebrating International Diversity In Action Day (DIA), Sheridan School read Donna Jo Napoli's book, Mama Miti. Together, we composed a poem in response to the story of the Kikuyu hero who responded to the deforestation of Kenya by encouraging her countrymen and women to plant trees. In keeping with the literary magazine's goal of celebrating our school's artwork and writing, we include here the poem we composed as a community that day.

Peace My People

by the Sheridan School Community Kindergarten through 8th Grade, Faculty and Staff

Wise words of Mama Miti Birds chirping, swish, generosity, Nature, fresh, animals, Vibrant, laughing, crystal clear river water, Juiciness, berries, sour, Moist dirt, colorful clothes, moist, smooth tree bark, Relaxed, peaceful, grateful, happy, inspiration, relief, spirit, change, hopeful, Happy, mixed emotions, refreshed, friendship, cold, calm, overwhelming joy.

Graduation Day
By Karis Felton Grade 8

Its going to be alright, Amira said, rubbing my back. Youll be fine. I nodded silently as we walked out of the auditorium. I had been able to stop the tears for a little bit, but I wasnt sure if theyd have a mind of their own when I saw her. Everyone stood around the doorway in their pretty dresses and suits. Graduation was about the only event we had to dress up for in my elementary school. After looking around for a couple of seconds, I decided to head to the back of the building. I knew what she was wearing - a white strapless dress with white heels. She was also tall, so I wouldnt have trouble finding her. The only problem would be getting through the other first, second and third graders who wanted to see her too. I shoved through the crowd of happy parents and students until I reached her. She was there, standing, talking to her friends. Oh my gosh. This would be one of the last times that I would see her. The tears came back, stinging the brims of my eyes, and then I walked towards her. I stood behind her for a second and then slowly reached up to tap her shoulder. She spun around, looking down at me, smiling. I swallowed her with a hug. Sasha, Im going to miss you so much. You mean the world to me and I love you and I dont know what Im going to do without you. The tears were at hyper-speed now, rolling down my cheeks with every word. Why do you have to go? I dont want you to go. Nothing will be the same! What will be the point of school? I pulled back to look up at her face. She was smiling and seemed touched. Karis, Sasha started, with a sweet tone in her voice. She was surprisingly happy considering she was leaving the only school she had ever known. Everything will be fine. I promise. And Ill visit all the time. And Ill miss you too. Youll have so much fun here at Aidan though. Youll be the coolest, prettiest fourth grader around, alright? I nodded slowly, slightly embarrassed by the huge wet stain

my tears had left on her dress. And you promise youll come back and visit? I said, my voice slowly returning to normal. I couldnt imagine not playing at recess with her or following her around and listening to her share information about the people in her class. We were so close. I trusted her with everything and she was one of the few people who was always happy for me. I could remember the time when we played football and I threw her the ball and she caught it. She was so proud of me for making that perfect throw. Or on Field Day when I told her I had a crush on Joey and she didnt tell anyone. Even after I had told people my secret, she never did. I kept her secrets too. There was nothing she wouldnt tell me or no conversation I couldnt listen in on. We were closer than close. She was one of my best friends. I looked up to her. Of course! Caitlin, Erita and I will all come together at least three times. I swear! Sasha giggled and stretched out her arms while still holding my hands. For a split second no one else was in the world. All that mattered was that Sasha cared about me too. Ok. I guess Ill see you tomorrow, I whispered, gently pulling my hands away. Oh and Im sorry for messing up your dress, Sasha, I said, taking tiny steps back. I didnt really want to leave. Not yet. Oh dont worry about it! Itll dry. She smiled and then turned away. I knew inside that it really was going to be ok. If anything, being her friend should help me when I joined the upper class. For some reason, I just couldnt seem to wrap my head around her going to another school. Finally the day I knew was coming had arrived. I didnt want it to come, but now that it was here, I realized that I just might survive it. Kids moved around me, running to the hall for cake. When I discovered I was one of the last people left, I began to move too. Amira stood beside me. You alright now? she asked as she played with her braid. Yeah, I said, finally believing it. Im good.

Artwork by Marcus Kamen Grade 4

Time Machine (excerpt)

By Sydney Colella Grade 4

Invisible

By Kayla Alfonso Grade 7

Chapter 1 - The Time Machine Splash! Sierras foot splashes in a puddle. Where are we going?! Marsie shouts after her friend. Her curls trail behind her. I told you, its a secret. Later, after the girls eat dinner with Sierras aunt and uncle, they head upstairs to Sierras room. So, whats up? Marsi asks, jumping right to the secret. Well, I sort of built, Sierra starts, but she tries to take a deep breath, built a time machine! Sierras words spit out of her mouth so quickly, that it is hard for Marsi to understand. Marsi looks very amused. Cool! she says. Like the one in fairy tales, where it takes you back in time? asks Marsi. Yep, Sierra replies Well, where is it? Marsi asks eagerly. Sierra heads to her closet and takes a small object out of the closet. Here it is, Sierra says, holding out the small object. Marci looks down at the time machine and sees a tiny square button with red numbers, the object is no larger than a half dollar. Marsie bursts out laughing. Thats a time machine? Sierra looks slightly hurt. Yes, in fact it is, and I am proud of it, Sierra says sternly. Well if its a real time machine, prove it. Okay, where do you want to go. Lets go to the future. Fine, Sierra says. Lets go to 2022, says Marsi. Okay, Sierra sets the little notch on the time machine to 2022. Ready? Sierra asks. Ready, Sedi, replies Marsi 1, 2, 3...

Im here too. I listen, I talk, I may be different. But I am NOT invisible! Why is it? The only time you see me? Is when you bully me, in front of everyone. Placing me in a corner, saying, its where I belong. Youre right, I am a colored kid. That doesnt mean its bad. Im here too. Im inspired, I dream. Just like you. But I am NOT invisible! Why is it? You treat me like dirt? You shove me, push me down. Like Im just, a bump in the road! You say, no one cares about me. Yes, we all have fears and flaws. Im not perfect, But I still belong. Im here too. I read, I write. Im in the same class as you. I am NOT invisible! Why is it? That you talk about me? Behind my back. How I am a girl, who likes sports. Of course, you dont care. You tell me to go read. to go cook or sew, and I dont like it. You just arent fair, not one bit at all. Im here too. I work hard, I try my best. Yet, YOU still don't understand, Yes, I am different, but I am still me. Remember, I am NOT invisible!
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Operation Fairytale (excerpt)

By Sofia Freedman Grade 4

Chapter One She was creeping down the stairs. You could hear creep, creep then pitter, pat, pitter, pat. She got to the bottom of the stairs, and then walked into the kitchen and grabbed a pan. She heard the sound again. She raised the pan over her shoulder, then Flick the light turned on. Cinderella, what are you doing, we have guests, said Prince Charming. Cinderella smiled at her husband and said, Sorry Charming I thought someone was here. Cinderella picked up a bunny that was on the ground. Sorry I thought you were a thief. Cinderella opened the balcony door and let the bunny out. They started walking up the stairs. They didnt notice a dark shadow of a human against the hallway wall, laughing... Next morning they were on the balcony eating breakfast with there guest. Sleeping Beauty, are you here? Cinderella said. No she is still sleeping, said Charming. Belle? asked Cinderella. Here, said Belle. Snow White. Right here. Oh, apples! Sleeping Beauty skipped down stairs. Im awake! said Sleeping Beauty. Finally, said Snow White. Hey, youve been under a sleeping curse, too! said Sleeping Beauty. Settle down, we have a girls day and I dont want to ruin it, said Cinderella. Suddenly a messenger rushed to the balcony. My Lady, we have a problem! What, Harold? said Cinderella. The season's harvest has wilted, and half the townspeople are ill, and there has been dark humanlike shadows spotted around town. Thank you, Harold. Cinderella, what is happening? said Charming. The princesses looked at each other in worry. Charming, said Cinderella, me and the other princesses are going to the basement to clean, they lied. Is that okay with you? Cleaning the basement will take forever, but okay. When Charming looked up from his omelet, they were all gone. Cindy, you're keeping too many secrets from Charming, your being untrustworthy, said Belle. They got to the dining room and sat in the chairs. Cinderella and the others reached under the chair and pushed a red button. A scanner popped up and
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said Your hand please. All the princesses put down their hands. Scanning complete, access granted. Soon they were going through the floor to the basement. We have to tell Jack, said Snow White, blushing. Snow, but aren't you dating Charles? said Sleeping Beauty. Things aren't going so good. A girl can dream, Snow White said. Finally they got to the basement. Hey ladies, I got some new inventions said their gadget guy, Jack. What do ya have? said Sleeping Beauty. They were in a room with no doors, a workshop with walls covered in tools, and a huge television screen scanning the land. I have a glass slipper dart gun, for Sleeping Beauty. I have ribbon whips. What do you have for me? said Snow White. For you, Snow White I have apples with acid on them and a slingshot, said Jack. How many apples? said Snow White. Unlimited, they will make you go bananas! They laughed. The others didnt. And finally for Belle I have a spell book. I found it in the giants library, but its small. Reading! said Belle. We have a problem, Jackson, said Sleeping Beauty. Call me by my short name, Jack. They walked to the television screen. Computer, pull up the Darkness Map, Cinderella said. Whos Darkness? said Jack. Have we taught you nothing, Jackie, Sleeping Beauty said. What is Darkness. I want to know! He is fear and sadness that takes human form, and does bad stuff to people in fairy-tales. Thats who we fight, said Belle. Oh, now I get it. What is he doing? He is making plants die, people ill, and showing scary shadows to children, said Snow White.

Artwork by Daniela Vargas Grade 5

Child of Lightning, Water, and Sun (excerpt)

he started to think of the Child of Lightning. Water and the Sun. Tyler was one of Camp Apollos main daughters of Zeus, the god of the sky. Camp Apollo By Ian WIlliams Grade 4 was a camp-like-town for demigods to grow up in and learn to protect themselves from the dangers of Oliver woke up dazed from last night. He had being a demigod. Theo was a new member of Camp dreamed that he was in an amphitheater, strapped Apollo but one of Oliver's best friends and also a son down. The strange, deep voice and yellow shadows of Poseidon of the amphitheater still danced in his head saying, Tyler and Theo were Olivers best friends, and You must go to where the boot kicks with a Child of they were also demigods. Lightning, Water and Sun. There you will free the He did not know any children ofApollo nor lord of wine so Olympus doesnt go up in chaos. would he like to. Apollo is the god who watches over Ugh, just a normal life of a demigod, Oliver Camp Apollo. The last time he had a child here, he grumbled. Oliver was a demigod, half immortal half started a war. This is not good. It shouldnt be mortal he lived in a small town. happening again! He was a child of Hermes but Apollo he wasnt sure about. Outside his window, its a sunny day. I guess I have to start figuring this out...Oliver thought. He got up and got dressed in a blue T shirt and tan cargo pants. Oliver ran down the stairs and out the door flinging his backpack over his shoulders. All he could think of was lightning and water, Zeus and Poseidon. He automatically thought of a quest because the voice had said you must go. Then

Locked In

sun was setting. It was a beautiful sunset with colors of pink and orange with a teeny bit of purple and blue. It looked so perfect, that it looked unreal. I tried shake myself out of the glorious view and figure Our house is the yellow one, just on the right of to out why the Merdoffs were acting so strangely. No Meliden drive, with pink flowers, and freshly mowed more distractions, I mumbled. green grass. Everyone on Meliden drive wore big I stayed up all night spying on Sages house. smiles on their face, except for my bestfriend Sage, Hours and hours passed by and the lights were still who hasn't smiled since March 17, 2006. That was on in every single room. That's odd, I mumbled. the day her dad passed. It is June 2007 now, the sun Usually when I look over at their house, the lights are is out, the 85 degree weather is kicking in, and school off. just got out last week. I ran over to the house earlier than usual, not I walked up to Sages house to check in on her, bothering get out of my jammies. Knock Knock. and see how shes doing. Hello Nicole! Nice to see There wasto silence. I could hear footsteps going up you! exclaimed Mrs. Merdoff. and down the stairs, no answer. Knock Knock. Hello, nice to see you too! I greet with a smile. Someone was there, but but I heard no footsteps. Is Sage here? CREEK. The door opened. Hello Nicole! Please The smile wiped off her face. Shes in her come in, gestured Mrs. Merdoff with a smile. I room, heard the door slowly lock. I walked up the creaky stairs thinking what I was Is Sage still here? I asked. She pointed to the going to say to Sage. How are you? Whats couch, and there was Sage. I glanced at her and she happenin girl? Anything on your mind? looked straight at me, and I looked her in the eyes. By that time I had almost walked into the door. Everything went black. Sage had heard me. Come in, she sounded dead and lifeless. The door glided open and all I could see I woke up and everything was fuzzy and I was was a giant lump on a green flowery bed. Sage? alone. I gotta get out of here. Even though I was a Yesssss, her voice creeked just like the floor. little dizzy I still ran to the door. I twisted the knob Why are you here? multiple times but it still didnt open, thats when I I just wanted to... see how you were doing... you remembered the door was locked. How am I going to know. Its gorgeous outside! And, I paused. You find the key?! CREEK, Someone was haven't been outside since school ended. There was coming down the stairs. CREEK. Nicole? Nicole is that you? silence. It was Mrs. Merdoff. I hesitated. What should I do? Okay, Ill come, she slumped out of bed in her The footsteps were getting closer. I grabbed the monkey, fuzzy PJs. I turned the light on and Sage closest thing to me, it was a big heavy book. The dropped to the floor moaning. Oh my gosh, whats window wasnt that far away from where I was wrong!? I think I actually jumped. standing, so I ran. Its coming here, Sages voice sounded deep The book was behind my shoulder and I was and weird. I dont think it was actually her voice! ready to to swing it forward, but I felt a cold hand What are you talking about? I trembled, actually touch my shoulder and I was swung around. The cold starting to get scared. There was a part of me that dull eyes stared into mine. The world slowly faded thought she was pulling my leg. But, I knew that into black. wasnt her voice, it couldnt of been. The- and she stopped in mid sentence. Mrs Merdoff! I screamed. Whats wrong?! Its Sage. Somethings wrong. I started to tell her what had just happened, she was horrified and in shock. I took a quick glance at Sage, she looked like she was sleeping. I started to stare into Mrs. Merdoffs eyes. Something was odd about them, they looked dull and boring. When I usually look at them theyre bright, happy and beautiful. I think Ill go, sorry for Sage. Wait Nicole. Yes? Youre a good friend. Thanks, I couldn't help but smile. It was probably around eight oclock because the
By Jordyn Lemer Grade 6

Untitled Monologue
By Laura McCarron Grade 8

Je Dois Y Aller
By Clara Honigberg Grade 8

Thanks, miss. Tears, youre so young. You dont understand. You cant understand. Momma... My mother didnt understand. Do you know why Im here? Its because of her. She told me to pack my things and go, because she never wanted me. Other things were always more important, and I got the boot. I was always the extra, the one that filled space. I never did anything but take care of the others. All the kids. You ever take care of kids? Theyre a huge pain. Never stop talking, never do what theyre supposed to. But one day, bam, I gotta go. Just like that. And now Im here. Freezing, starving to death, and Ill be gone soon. But Tears? I cant let something happen to you. You cant become one of us. You have to leave. I cant let you... I cant let you be me. You have a chance. Tomorrow. Angel, she was like you. Shes- she was young too. You saw. You saw what she became. A piece of dirt on his shoes, and now? Tomorrow is gone. Rainbows the same. You cant become one of us. You have too much life to live. No one else will be here, but youve gotta. So go home. Just go home! Just go...

Je vois les fleurs et je les sents Je vois le soleil et je lui dit bonjour Je suis assise dans lherbe et sent la terre Je pose ma tte sur le sol et je vois le ciel bleu Jentends le chant des oiseaux bruyamment ma gauche Cest aujourdhui samedi, je pense haute voix Le temps est beau avec le soleil et le ciel bleu Je sens le vent qui traverse les arbres Je veux dormir et je le fais Je me rveille parce que je ne suis plus fatigue Je regarde ma montre-bracelet et Je vois quil est 13h. Je dois y aller Je dois y aller Je dois y aller

Adventure in Kansas (excerpt)

By Ben Adomaitis Grade 4

Jack was thinking and he was afraid that his narcolepsy might just kill him... It was a cold dreary night and Jack was at his window looking out into the blackness to see if anything was going on outside. He thought to himself, would there be any kind of car or wild animal around? Jack loved adventure and he never wanted to leave it or nature and thats why he moved to the open lands of Kansas. Just then, Jack saw a bat-like shape flying towards him. Jack didnt have a light on, so he opened up the window to get a better view and before he could drive away, the bat-like thing smacked into him! Jack yelled and screamed but no help came. Jack just barely saw snake-like slits for red eyes and giant fangs and then everything was blacker than the blackest night, and he could feel blood trickling down his body from his neck. Then he realized that his narcolepsy had kicked in and seconds later, he was asleep. The reason why this happened was because Jack

loved nature but he feared it just as much because he had narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a disease that makes you go to sleep because of an emotion. In Jacks case it was fear. When this happens Jack has no control of it, and then, once hes asleep, he may not wake up for hours! Jack awoke, it seemed years later, in what he thought was a cave. It was pitch-black but it seemed he could see everything. When he got up, he didnt feel like Jack, he felt like he wanted to kill and fight everything in sight! Jack saw a pool of water across the cave and hurried over it to look at his reflection. To Jacks horror he found himself frightfully pale and when he tried to smile, instead of his regular teeth there were pointy sharp fangs. Jack felt a wave of horror. Suddenly everything fit together. He was a vampire! The bat like thing wasnt a bat... it was a vampire who bit him! He tried to think back to the night but it seemed as if his memory had been washed away. Hello my young fellow. Jack spun around to see a very elegant, tall and strong looking vampire.

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Emma

By Shonali Palacios Grade 6

Disaster on Everest (excerpt)

By Earl Skrine Grade 4

One of my biggest role models is and has been my friend Emma Claire Kay. Emma is incredibly intelligent, and never loses her cool. Since we became friends, in KG I have noticed that she always pushes me, and others around her to do their best. Im terrified of heights--she signed me up for rock climbing sessions and never failed to push me up the magnolia in the park near her house. She has never shared my phobia and often quotes Im not scared of heights--Im only scared of falling. To be honest shes never been scared of a lot, or never really shows it. Despite not really getting scared a whole lot Emmas not really desensitized and seems to share my nervousness before a musical performance or basketball game. She has always been quiet, at least around strangers, so people seem to get the impression shes shy or timid. Once people get to know her they find out that's not really the case. Though Emma can be very quiet at times it is more likely shes thinking or zoning out than trying to avoid conversation. Emma takes most things in stride, she is currently living in a three room house (living room/kitchen, bedroom, bathroom) with her parents and her two cats, Silky and Misty. She rarely, if ever complains about the housing. In addition to all this my friend is also brilliant at science, math-- pretty much everything academic. This year Emma taught me to divide fractions, and decimals, and how to find the reciprocal of a number before we went over it in class. Emma and I have been friends for so long we actually say things in sync and occasionally write essays on the same thing without either of us finding out, leading Mr. Sheppard to believe we may have a shared brain in a laboratory somewhere.

My name is Chris and I have two brothers, Bob and Joe. We all enjoy climbing mountains and have conquered five large ones before. We were going up Mt. Everest in our motorized sled. The mountain is huge and stunning, covered in snow. I was thinking about how we could run out of gas, or get stranded. I thought nothing good could happen on Mt. Everest, sadly I was right. We thought we were ready for Mt. Everest. As we rode higher, I got more nervous. The right ski lost a bolt and the back of the ski leaned out, causing the sled to flip over. I barely got a scream out before we crashed. My leg lands under the sled it hurts like the dickens. I hope my brothers are in better condition than me. I crawl out then limp over to my brothers, they are ok. Then after about two minutes, I get a plan. Im beginning to tell Joe and Bob when Joe says, Dont bother, we will never live ten minutes. Man up, I yell. If you would just listen, maybe we will make it back. Joe and I are always fighting but Bob keeps us together. He says, Guys come on we have got to believe in ourselves. We can make it if we always believe in ourselves. Then we start walking back down the mountain. In the crash, all of our food and water blew up. If we kept going up, we would starve. We continue on for two hours. The temperature outside rises to ten below zero. As we look around, Everest has four inches of snow around us. Our boots stay on top of the firm snow.

Artwork by Eli Perl Grade 4

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The Chances of Death

By Rachel Greenberger Grade 8

Shell be okay, my mom said, though if it was to reassure me or herself, I wasnt sure. Red hot tears threatened to spill over at the thought of losing her. I know, I responded weakly. The stairs leading to her house were damp with the slow rain. The house loomed over us, seeming as if it was going to crumble with the sadness it holds inside. My mom opened the door, and the smell of mothballs violated my nose. I held my breath, trying not to cry out in annoyance. The house was silent instead of the quiet echo from the tv upstairs. Why dont you go upstairs and say hi. Ill be there in a second. And with that she quickly scampered off into the kitchen. I squeezed my palms and let out a breath. I havent been alone with my grandma for so long. Counting to three I stepped up the first step, then another and another until I finally reached the last step. The top floor looked as it always did, dark and musty. The walls covered with old paintings and the bathroom covered in plants and dark green tiles. I turned to my left and walked closer to the bedroom where she must be waiting for me. Downstairs I heard my mom mumbling to herself, something about food. Before I could think to much about it I swung open the bedroom door and quickly scurried inside. Rachel? my grandmas voice cracked and strained with the effort. I faced her and found her frail form lying in the dark green bed. Hey Grammy. I walked over cautiously. She reached out, her thin and wrinkled arms dangling in the air. Give Grammy a hug. I wrapped my arms around her trying not to grip too hard. Again the thought of losing her wrapped around me and a sob caught in my throat. How you feeling? I asked, walking back to the foot of the bed. Not so good. My mom crept into the room with a big box of peanuts and handed to Grammy. Thanks Jenny. My mom walked over to her and hugged her. I awkwardly sat in a bright pink chair, the chair enveloped me and I quickly found myself staring off into space. What if I had lost her? I thought back to the day that my mom told me she was in the hospital. **** Mom! I yelled as I walked through the front door. I threw my heavy backpack down and turned to see her sitting on the couch. Sweety... Uh oh, I thought. Her eyes had the message of tiredness and sadness. I quickly went to the couch next to her and sat down.

What? I asked slowly. Baby, Grammy, she got really dehydrated; she is in the hospital. Is she, is she... I just couldnt finish. No, no, but she is very sick. In that moment I realized that I hadnt seen her in months. That one question circled my mind, What if... What if... **** Rachel? My Moms voice brought me back to myself. Yeah? I said, jumping. My mom rolled her eyes, What were you going to ask her? I bit my lip. Earlier I had asked my mom how my grandma grew up, her response was, You should ask Grammy. After she landed in the hospital all I could think about was, what if she died and I didnt know anything about her? Um... Grammy, can you tell me about how you grew up? I looked up and met her eyes. Her face grew into a smile and quickly grew into a silent laugh. I looked at my mom and she just shrugged. She didnt start for a long time. I rubbed my hands together, my hands growing sweaty. My heart thumped lightly, filling the awkward silence. Ive waited for this moment for so long. Finally getting the full story. Well, I grew up in a very small town... And on and on it went. She told me about her first steps in a big city and about how she went to a military base. How she met my grandpa and all the other boys she fell in love with. Her face grew more and more at peace as she did, the lines of fatigue disappearing. Finally she was done. Wow, I responded. My grandmas and Moms laughter filled the silence. They smiled knowingly at each other. The rain pattered the window with an eerie tinkle. I smiled, Mom we gotta get home. Alright, bye mom. My mom walked around the side of the bed and went to hug Grammy. She then walked out of the room. Again I walked to her and hugged her frail figure again. I started to pull back but was quickly pulled forward again my her surprisingly strong arms. I smelled the strong scent of old and peanuts coming from the short breaths of her mouth. Remember, no matter what happens to me, you know that I love you. I nodded and pulled back slightly and saw the adoration in her eyes. I love you too Grammy, and I walked out the door.

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How to do a Somersault

Text and art (left) by Polly Partridge Grade 1

To do a somersault, you put your hands in the air and stand up. Then put your hands on the mat and bend over and roll forward. Then, put your hands up and stand up.

How to Tie Shoes

Text and art (right) by Cassie Delinsky Grade 1

I can tie shoes. The first step is to twist the shoe, then get the strings and make 2 bunnies, then get the strings and twist the bunnies, then pull the strings, then you have a little more so you can do a double knot. Then you are done. Then you need to do it over again - you can finally tie!

Skip an Hour of School

By Emma Nelson Grade 3

Every school should start an hour later. Right now, Sheridan School starts at 8:30. Other schools starts even earlier. We have barely any time to get to school in the morning. If school started an hour later, people could go to school at different times during the hour. Then people would not hit traffic. If people hit traffic they could be late for school and miss lessons. But if school started one hour later people would not be late and miss important lessons. If school started later every day, people could also be able to catch up on sleep. For example, high school kids have a lot of homework at night and have to get up early for school. If school started an hour later people like high school kids could catch up on sleep. Also, if school started later, some people could go
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on a bike ride or run outside. Some people dont get to go outside until recess and recess for some kids is not until very late in the day. If school started an hour later kids would get to run outside for an hour. Some people say that if school started an hour later kids would miss lessons. But what can be learned in an hour more of school can be learned in an hour less time in school. Also people say teachers will earn less money but teachers still earn enough money to meet their basic needs. Also one more argument for going to school an hour later is people could be having free time. But its not always free time. It could be catching up on homework, reading, or it might be used for teachers planning lessons. So next year school should start an hour later. Think of all the advantages of school you get if school should start later.

Lost

By Kalena Blake Grade 6

Today was Tuesday. Mae knew that because Tuesday was taco night and Tuesday, November 6, 1992, was the day her father was coming back. Her father had been gone for two years and Mae hadn't seen him since her mother died when she was 10 and her father signed the papers for Northbridge orphanage. She remembered when he left her that he didnt even look back to see what he was leaving behind. She liked Northbridge, but she missed living with her father and mother on Queens road, by the end of today she would be there. She looked out the window, the sky turned blurry and a tear rolled down her cheek. She didnt get it, she was supposed to be happy. She looked at the sky again almost like she was searching for something. When the door opened it interrupted her deep thoughts. Standing there was her best friend. She was wearing a snowy white dress embroidered with pink flowers and crimson shoes. The only reason Sara, her best friend, was at the orphanage was because her father was busy being one of the generals in the continuing war. Sara was considered popular among the orphans but yet she was standing in her room with tears hiding in the back of her eyes. Mae loved the way that Sara looked, her ocean blue eyes and her golden locks that seemed to bounce like a ball when she moved. Even though she had the facial features to be the new Barbie she always looked as if she was going to start pouring her eyes out. Sara I gulped, realizing my voice sounded like I was going to pour my eyes out, Can I come in? I nodded, not wanting to speak again and hear the sadness in my own voice. She sat down next to me on my striped down bed. We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Hold out your hand and close your eyes. I did what I was told. Sara dropped something cold, heavy, and probably metal then I heard the door close and then I

was all alone. Moments later Tabitha the orphanage nanny arrived. A shiny black automobile appeared in the outskirts of the orphanage. A man with shiny black hair, a top hat and a tuxedo exited the car. He rang the doorbell to the orphanage and Fannie greeted him with great surprise. They entered the orphanage. Moments later, Fannie came rushing up to my room to say your father has arrived. I rushed down the stairs to see my father smiling ear to ear. I hugged him stronger than any hug. I finally felt at home. I said goodbye to everyone at the orphanage and me and my father were on our own way. We arrived at Queens st. and our old housekeeper greeted us with a hug and her usual warming smile. The rest of the day felt like a blur and the week went by like a dream. One night, Maes father went out to run some errands. It was a cold, black, and dark night. Fannie was fussing about how it was dangerous this late at night. He just smiled and put his coat on. That father of yours is out of his mind. Fannie said in a hurried tone. Mae waited for her father to come back but he didnt. Finally, Fannie said it was time to go to bed. Do think he will be okay? Of course. Mae saw the real worry in the darkness in her eyes. When Mae woke up the next morning, she rushed downstairs eager to see her father safely sitting in his usual blood red chair reading a newspaper. Maes eyes filled with tears when she saw the horror before her. Fannie was in the chair reading a telegram her eyes flooded with tears. Mae ran into her open arms. I will take you to the orphanage tomorrow. Maes eyes began pouring out tears. She ran upstairs, locked the door, she wanted to stay there forever locked away, with nothing to live for.

Anne Frank Monologue

By Erin Pollack Grade 2

I taught people how bad war is. I became famous when people found my diary. Its called The Diary ofAnne Frank. I was born during World War II when life was hard for me and the Jews in Germany. When I was 13, I hid for 2 years in the attic of a factory. One day, the Nazis found me and they locked me in a railway car.
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My hair got shaved off and I had to work like a slave. They didnt give me much food. Life was miserable for my sister and me. If you want to learn more about how horrible war really is, then read my diary - The Diary ofAnne Frank.

I Dream a World
By Eitan Avni-Heller Grade 7

Beyonce Monologue
By Caty Hogan Grade 2

I dream a world where we Elephants live with tusks, And dont have to die for Mankind to take them from us. I dream a world where Ivory doesn't get sold, In China and Japan, For us to live a life and to build up our population eight percent a year without dying. I dream a world where overfishing is not a problem on earth today. I dream a world where atlantic cod live on along with rockfish and different kinds of crabs, All victims of being Overfished for eating. I dream a world where other fish arent eaten up or fried with a side On a plate for people. I dream a world where polar bears keep their ice and no more melts because of global warming, like a house being bombed. Of such I dream, my world.

I grew up in Houston, Texas and started singing and dancing when I was 7. You know me as Beyonce, but in my 2008 album, I called myself Sasha Fierce. That was so I felt brave on stage. I didnt just write songs, I acted in movies too, like Dreamgirls and Pink Panther. You might have seen these movies. I also won six Grammies in one night. Thats the most any woman ever won in one night. I have a clothing line with my mom. We sell clothes so people can dress like me. I was in the halftime show at the Super Bowl this year. You might see me performing on TV. I hope you do.

Artwork by Laura McCarron Grade 8

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Things I Remember
By Jamie Solomon Grade 8

All that I remember are someone elses memories, One necklace, One flower. I never knew you, touched you, spoke to you. But I miss you, the way you wouldve smiled, the way you wouldve laughed. Its cruel that, All that I remember are someone elses memories One necklace One flower. Would you have been as comforting as the necklace, or as bright as the flower? Would you have been proud of me, the way I turned out? I wish you would, even though, All that I remember are someone elses memories, One necklace One flower.

Others have moved on, from natural to dyed, from Blaze to Fuzzy Farm Albemarle Darcy. Some just dont speak about you, Some hide their pain, And me? All that I remember are someone elses memories, One necklace, One flower. But the things I remember. I remember every time that Ive touched that silver orb, and you're beside me. I remember every spring, as soon as the forsythia bloom blossoms, youre reborn. Most of all, I remember in my heart, even though weve never met, even though Ill never truly know you, even though no one speaks about you, I remember, like words on the tip of my tongue, that you love me and I love you. One necklace, One flower, Things I'll always remember.

Artwork by Emma Kay Grade 6

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Horses

By Leah Melrod Grade 6

All horses --working horses, wild horses, gray horses, palomino horses and pinto horses -- are smart, beautiful animals. Horses, they stare at you with their big eyes wanting something that you do not have. They stare into your soul going somewhere no one has ever been. They somehow always meet your gaze, their eyes looking into your eyes. Then you look at their eyelashes, sunkissed and extensively long. You can see their ears faced forward and up. The sun is glistening on their body, making them sparkle. You can feel their warmth just standing a little away. Their ears act as their eyes, looking very curiously around at first, then looking straight ahead, then one ears starts to slowly recline back. Horses

seem to wander off and not have a care of what is going on. You leap on them so gently as if you do not want to wake them. Once you sit, the horse seems to be present to your every move. They look forward as if to never to look back. You can hear people chatting and making noise but it feels like it is just you and your horse. Horses have a way of gliding around the ring, their feet barely hitting the ground, almost making no sound. Before you know it you are back in the stall. The only light is coming from the little door-window. It is as if you are in your own little day dream. Then you snap out of the dream and get back to real life. You make sure your horse is back in his blanket, all cozy. The last sound you hear is the door closing and you locking it.

Artwork by Teddy Stern Grade 3

The People: The Diamond (excerpt)

By Miles Quarterman Grade 4

Prologue On a planet light-hours-away, an energy-person named Miles and his wife Sandra were in a hospital because Sandra was pregnant. All energy people, The People are made of energy and can do anything with energy. Their faces look like clay with no wrinkles. They can shoot energy. They can suck it up. They can make it into any form they want, and their special move is when they make it into a giant energy ball. Their second special move is where they make a less powerful and smaller energy ball. They

can also fly with energy. The doctor told her to push. AAARG! she groaned. Then the miracle of birth happened. A small energy baby was there. Let's name him Jonathan, said Sandra. Yes, said Miles. BOOM! A sound knocked Miles over. Fire spread through the hospital. Three electrical wires swung through the door and hit Sandra. She yelled as all of the energy got sucked out of her. Soon there was nothing left of her. SANDRA! yelled Miles. Then he crumpled to the ground.
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Diary of the Titanic (excerpt)

that I am extremely negative. But those were her last words, and I will cling to them as if they are my life. By Gabrielle Pereira Grade 4 February 4, 1912 The Titanic takes off today. I have 1 hour. I am February 3, 1912. really only taking three things with me: the note, the Its February 1912, the Titanic is taking off thought, and the sword. I also have a small suitcase tomorrow. I will be sad to leave London, but I know I containing my thin rags that somehow pass for will find a better life in New York. Ever since Mom clothing. Maybe my mother was right. Maybe I will died, everyone has been so sympathetic towards me. be great. New York is a land of new, fresh starts. They dont understand. Shes not gone! Shes just Maybe I can correct what I did wrong there. Start a departed. She left me a sword, a thought (when I say life, a family even. If I do, I know Mom will stay a thought I mean something she told me, that I think with me. The horn is ringing, half an hour until it wasnt true. Its a little hard to explain) and a note. leaves. Its time to go search the shore for lost items I The sword is a dull gray, and as ugly as can be, but it can keep. Maybe I will even find another piece of is my most prized possession. The note says, You clothing.(A few months ago I found a hat and a will need it. I suppose she meant the sword. The hairpiece.) Goodbye London, I wont miss you thought is my favorite. Before my mother died, she enough to visit. shared with me four words. You will be great. I know she was wrong. After all, Im just an ordinary 15 year-old orphan. The only odd thing about me is

Marie Curie Monologue

By Emma Klick Grade 2

Tim Tebow Monologue

By Carson Talbott Grade 2

I am proud of my work. My name is Marie Curie and I was born in Poland on November 7, 1867. I love science. One day I discovered my fathers physics apparatus that looked like a test tube. I can remember a whole lot. One time, I was reading a book. My sister started making a chair pyramid over and around me. I didnt notice! When I stood up, the chairs collapsed on me. Those memories, reading and focus skills led me to smarts and good grades. I got into a great college and became a fabulous scientist. Then I met and married Pierre Curie. Pierre and I found radium. We found a way to clean it, so today it is used to treat cancer. I am proud of my work because the discovery we made is still helping people many years later.

I became the first quarterback in NFL history to lead six fourth quarter comebacks in my first 11 games. My full name is Timothy Richard Tebow. I live in Jacksonville, Florida. My birthday is August 14th. I went to the University of Florida and started my career there. My team won a lot of games. I was Floridas best QB. Then I went to the National Football League to play for the Denver Broncos. I threw 10 completed passes against the NFLs best defensive team. I set an NFL record by leading the Broncos to a win. In 2011, I was traded to the New York Jets. I pray when I score a touchdown to say thank you to God for helping me score. I am a sports hero because Im talented on the football field.

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Faith Ringgold Monologue

By Pixie Klam Grade 2

I, Faith Ringgold, am an African American artist. I wrote stories on my paintings. I grew up in the 1930s. I had asthma, so I went to school very little. In my time, if you were a black woman, when you grew up, you were expected to be a wife and mother. But I went to City College of New York. I stood up for myself when my art teacher said there was no way I was going to be an artist. My mother was a fashion designer, so cloth and

sewing were always around. When I grew up, I used my surroundings to help me with all my quilts and art. I experimented with lots of art during my life. I would use my moms fabric to make amazing quilts and I wrote stories to go with them. I became an awesome quilter. That is the story of my life.

The Poofy Knee

Text and art (right) by Naja Skrine Kindergarten

On Monday, my dad had to go to the hospital. He got his knee torn open. When he came back with crutches....Dun, dun, dun, dun...his knee was poofy and squishy. I helped him. He did not go to work after 2 days. He went back to work and then after 2 days he could drive. We were happy. But it was his right side. He is right handed. Also he did not hurt his right hand. Phew!

Christmas

Text and art (left) by Irene Wiegand-Vera Kindergarten

On Christmas Eve, Santa came to my house. My sister closed her eyes. She opened her eyes. She said to me, Presents. I said, Yes! She opened her present. In my sisters present there was a backpack! She loved her backpack. In my present there was a teddy bear. It was fun. My teddy bear was pink.

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Trisha and Trixie (excerpt)

By Ella Naddelman Grade 4

Artwork by Ian WIlliams Grade 4

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Chapter 1 -- The Day I was With Her It was a great, but cold, summer day in Paris while a girl with wavy hair and brown eyes named Trisha was walking her dog named Trixie. Trixie is a goldenretriever, and has brown eyes like Trisha. Trisha is a person who cares about what people think of her and she is very funny. Trixie is a good dog and very obedient. They walked all over Paris. They walked by the Eiffel tower and by many more places. Then all of a sudden it started to rain. Trixies hair was really wet as she ran home. Trisha was holding her coat above her head as she ran home to the house with Trixie. When they got home, Trisha changed into her P.Js and went right into her bed to get warm. Trixie was downstairs sleeping. She was not afraid of the rain at all or the thunder. Pitter patter pitter patter... Trixie made a happy sort of moan, relaxed, comfortable, and warm by the heater. Chapter 2 -- Where Did She Go? Then the power went out! Trisha, very startled, jumped out of bed. She took a deep breath to get herself together. I better see ifTrixie is okay. She threw on her robe and went downstairs as fast as she could. When she got down, Trisha went crazy and freaked because Trixie was gone!!!! She had her mouth wide open. Trisha was going crazy, because Trixie was a very obedient dog, so she would not run away like that. She ran outside to find Trixie. She saw a clue that Trixie was once there because she saw a faint sight of her in the mist. She was probably calling Trixies name for what seemed like hours and hours, but she could not find her anywhere. Trisha was very sad and could not stop crying. It was a disaster, and it was not pretty at all. Trisha thought to herself, This is the worst thing that ever happened to me in my whole life. *** I ran away to go out into the world to see what was there. I guess that this was not the day because Im cold and freezing and wet because of all the rain. But Im still going to see what is out here. Im kind of having the time of my life in a way. But I dont think that Trisha is having the time of her life because I ran away without her knowing. I feel bad for her because I think that she misses me a lot. *** Im so scared and I dont know what to do. So I have been running for hours and hours calling her name like a crazy person. And I still have not found her. While I was looking for her I saw a lot of other dogs but she was not there.

You Dont Even Know Me

By Kaleb Randall Grade 7

You dont even know me. You think I did something wrong, But you and me just sang a different song. Our lives are different in more ways than one, You are warmed by your home, and I by the sun. My mom and dad were so proud. I was on my way, They would tell people, My son puts his life on the line for us every day. Uncle Sam told me Id be a hero, But some days that feels like lies. Its hard to be a hero, Remembering your enemys dying eyes. You dont even know me I am not wicked, I have a heart, I am just a lonely man whos life fell apart. They said its posttraumatic, And my mind would be found. But its been a real long time, Still cant seem to get my feet on the ground. Just another statistic, thats how you label me But they tell me I fought so you could be free. You dont even know me I used to have places to be and people to meet, But I told you before our songs played to a different beat. I hear you say, I hate the cold, as you hug your coat tight, But I cant help but smile. The cold means Ill have a spot in the shelter tonight. So I will continue to hold out my cup and hold up my sign, And hope when you pass, you might spare a dime.

Artwork by Wilson Coles Grade 6

Shut Down

By Quinn Ohlson Grade 5

Sometimes My mind Shuts down. All of the different sections in my mind. And I refuse To learn. The lights turn off. Like a warehouse. At closing time. I cover my ears. No, no, no. I cover my head. And wish for everyone to go away. Even though I know That I have to learn. So I wait a minute Then turn back on And the gate opens. So I can learn. Again.
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All About Taking Care ofYourself

Text and art (right) by Melanie Breslin Grade 1

How to Make Soft Skin: Part One 1. You need cucumbers. 2. You need a blender. 3. You need milk. 4. You need to put the cucumbers in the blender and the milk. 5. After that you blend it up. 6. Then you pour it into a bowl. 7. Then you put some on your hand and pat it on your face. 8. Then, if you want, you can cut up cucumbers and put them on your eyes. How to Take Care ofYour Hair: 1. Get in the bath or shower. 2. Pick your favorite shampoo and conditioner. 3. Then you get your hair wet. 4. Then you scrub some shampoo on your hair. 5. Then you wash off the shampoo. 6. Then you put some conditioner on your hair. 7. Then you wash the conditioner off your hair. 8. Then you get out of the bath or shower and brush your hair. Different things that are good for you: Fruits and vegetables, exercising, putting on lotion, brushing your teeth. No Drugs! Different things that are bad for you: Real tattoos, junk food, candy, not brushing your teeth.
From the ideas of Ms. Lambert, published Feb. 12-13.

Harry Houdini Monologue

By Matthew Chirikjian Grade 2

Do you know who I am? I am Harry Houdini, the worlds greatest escape artist. I am a great magician, known far and wide. I have never failed a magic trick in my life. I have 12 shows a day. In my free time, I practice boxing, swimming and running. My childhood was hard because I couldnt go to school. I didnt have enough money. I had to sell newspapers to get cash. I got inspired to be a magician when I read a book about the life of the French founder of magic. I am still known far and wide.
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The Gates are Opened!

By Miranda Aebersold-Burke Grade 4

on the piece of toast, and the guy got mad. He swat at the flies and killed all of them with one swipe. He was so proud of himself that he made himself a belt embroidered with gold thread that read: SEVEN IN A beautiful country road. The sun is shining. ONE SWIPE! Sparkling on the snow. The pearly white gates that Then he paraded all over town wearing his new have protected the town for thousands of years. belt so that everyone would know what he had done. Sealed shut. But then, a creak disrupts the silence, But the people of the town all interpreted it in a black shadows come flooding through, huge different way. Some took it to mean that he had killed lumbering shapes, destroying everything in their seven dragons in one swipe, others thought that he path, leaving an ashy trail behind them. was simply boasting, and yet others decided that he Meanwhile, at school had killed seven men in one swipe! Well, then he was Did you hear? Eliza asked Abigail. called for by the king, to kill two giants like he had About? killed seven flies. So he goes to kill these giants, and The gates! all the time it takes to walk to the forest where they What about the gates? Abigail asked, live, this shoemaker is devising ways to kill them. So innocently. She was toying with Eliza now. he gets to the forest and he hears the giants snoring. Them-being-open!?! Eliza sounded irritated, So he comes up with a really clever to make but she was laughing so hard that she was barely able them fight each other by throwing a plan: stone at one to speak. giant, who gets mad and starts to fight his brother, What about them being open? and they both kill each other. You know! The loud speaker crackled to life and the I do? principals booming voice filled the room. Everyone Yes! stopped work and sat at attention. Oh, y-eah. I remember now... Eliza, Abigail. Come to my office immediately! Uh, huh! They entered the classroom and sat The principal commanded. The loudspeaker crackled down in their usual seats, right next to each other. to a stop. The silence was overwhelming. The teacher was reading a Greek myth out loud to the Well, you heard the boss, their teacher said. rest of the class. It was about a little guy who repairs Hurry along now. shoes, and one morning he was cleaning the shop, while a piece of bread sat on the table just waiting for him to eat it. Then seven flies came down and settled

Be the Brave One: Stand Up for Yourself

By Sophie Schweitzer Grade 3

Everyone should stand up for themselves to someone when they say something mean. Everyone should not let others get to them. Show them your feelings and stand up for yourself. People are not standing up for themselves now. They are just trying to hurt others. Standing up for yourself in a mean way is just going to make it worse. If you stand up for yourself, you can feel safe. If you stand up for yourself, youll feel good and brave on the inside. Dont let anything discourage you. Say something. Stay calm and dont lash out at them. In my opinion, you need to stand up for yourself. But then an adult might think you started it. If you explain it to them, they would help you. But the situation might get more serious. Okay, but be careful. People are starting wars by having arguments. They should stand up for themselves, but not start a
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war. So do it in a way to feel proud. Arguments are not good, and people need to be aware of how they act and speak to people. Those are some reasons you should stand up for yourself. Some people really want to reach out into the world to do stuff. You have to be able to stand up for yourselves. Some people stand up for themselves in a way that hurts others. If people stand up for themselves, they should do it in a nice way. Some people have very strong feelings about standing up for themselves. Try not to make it a big deal. If it is, try to make it not a big deal and make things quieter. Dont try to get other people to help you. All you need to do is stand up for yourself. People need to make themselves and others have defense. So stand up for yourself next time you have an argument, you will be safe.

Pets Are Important

By Shannon OGrady Grade 3

Help the Homeless

By Zoe Evans Grade 3

Everyone should have a pet. Pets make people smile. Lots of people like pets and play with them. Pets are playful and do tricks. Lots of people have pets. But some dont, and if youre sad and lonely, get a pet and you will be glad you did. Why people are so happy with pets is because theyre like companions. Companions are people that are usually around you. They help you through hard things. Whenever pets are with their owners, theyre happy. And the owners are happy, too. These are some other reasons why pets are special. Pets can do stuff thats different than what humans can do. For example they can be in circuses, catch treats, and run very, very fast. Pets can celebrate holidays with their owners and be with you wherever you go. Some examples are on trips and on walks. This is important because some people treat animals badly. I think if you really dont want a pet anymore, give it to somebody who you know will take good care of it. Some people get animals from breeders, but there are so many pets at shelters. Some people think taking care of a pet is too hard. But to take care of anything is hard.

People should drop some change when they see a homeless person holding a cup. For example, people are walking right past homeless people without dropping some change in their cup. People are not giving homeless people money, which can lead to starvation. Right now, there are homeless people who are sleeping on benches and people are walking right past them and turning their eyes away. Homeless people dont get very much money. For example, this means they cant reach their basic needs. People need money to pay for shelter, to protect themselves from cold or warm weather. If homeless people get hurt, they cant pay the price to get health care. For example, they couldnt get money to pay to see a doctor for a check-up. Some people say we should keep our money for our own needs. But homeless people need more things than we do. Some people say people should not give money to random strangers. But everyone needs money to survive, even random strangers. Homeless people are people, too, so you should treat them the way you want to be treated. So, next time you walk past somebody holding a cup, drop in some change.

Artwork by Johan Rosenberg Grade 6

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My Little Pony (excerpt)

By Mia Shocket Grade 5

Dont hurt me! I yelled. What looked like blood shot across the room into my face. Eww. One zombie came and sat on my lap. What a cute thing for a zombie to do, but since it is a zombie it is completely gross! I never knew I could actually stand up as fast as I did. The zombie started crying. When I stood up, I was very surprised at the height of the zombies. They were barely up to my waist. I always imagined zombies a lot taller and more aggressive. Some of the zombies didnt look real. Are they halfhuman half-zombie? My breath starte coming very fast, and I was, surprisingly, really scared. For the first time I actually thought I was in a dream. 6 HOURS EARLIER What is that terrible noise? Wahhhh! My baby sister Stacy was wailing her head off. I pulled the covers over my head to stop the noise, but it was no use. Goosebumps filled my body. Brrr, I said. It was Sunday morning, my last day of the weekend. I smelled the smell of pancakes coming from the kitchen. As I walked down the stairs, I put on my sweatshirt. Good morning, said my mom. Good morning, I replied. Stacy finally stopped wailing. When I saw her. I sat down at the counter, to eat my pancakes. The pancakes were burnt, and I dont like burnt pancakes. I ate them anyways, and I didnt complain. Do you have any homework left, Kate? Only reading. The phone rang as I walked to fridge. Its Isabel, I said while picking up the phone. The entire conversation was about Abbys Halloween party, and I wasnt invited. How could everyone in the class get invited, but me? I hung up the phone, and sighed, loud enough that my mom heard. Whats wrong? Abbys party is tonight, I wasnt invited. I grabbed a juice box, and went up the stairs. I picked up my book for school. As I started reading, I decided to take a sip of apple juice, and BAM! my entire book for school was covered in apple juice. I ran to the bathroom to get hand towels, but they were all in the wash so I had to use tissues. When I went back to throw the tissues away, I found a spider in the bathtub. The spider crawled up the wall, and I jumped up with the tissue to catch it. Uhh, I hate my life. I squished the spider, and threw it away. Because I had just painted my nails yesterday, my thumb had a huge crushed blob of chipped polish. I walked into my room because I was remembering I had a haircut appointment. I grabbed my favorite shirt. There was a huge hole in the front

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of it. My hand tensed as I placed the shirt in my moms room. Maybe she could stitch it up. I looked through my closet until I found another shirt to wear. Nothing was washed but this one shirt. The shirt my grandma gave me in second grade. On the front there was a huge pony -- My Little Pony. I grabbed my book, sticky from apple juice, and walked down the stairs. Ready to go? Yes, I replied as I grabbed my coat and walked out to the car with my mom. ... When we walked in the hair salon, the place was packed. Hello, 11:00 for Kate, my mom told the receptionist. That is going to be about a half an hour wait. I sat down on the couch next to my mom and started reading my book. I opened it up, and immediately got a paper cut. Ouch. I got a band-Aid from the bathroom, and went back to reading. When I finally sat down to get my hair done, I looked to see Abby (the same Abby with the party tonight which I was not invited to) in the chair on the right, getting her hair in an updo. What a great surprise. Her smile was sideways and very tight. Nice shirt - My Little Pony. This was the same face from kindergarten. The same face from when she got the lead role in the musical. The same face from when she beat me in jump roping. My reflection was right in front of me in the mirror. My frizzy tangled hair brushed my shoulders. My hair is ugly! UGH, I hate her, and shes so pretty! The ding-dong blared from the door downstairs, and it looked like there was no one at the door, but when I opened it I remembered I had to babysit kindergarteners. I put a fake smile on my face trying to look happy. I look left to right at the zombies. It is as if the whole day hadnt been bad enough. While everyone else was at Abbys Halloween Party, I was getting attacked by zombies. Why did all the zombies have candy? Happy Halloween. The terrifying kindergartners were all just wearing costumes. Ohhhh! How could I forget, it'is Halloween!... My costume was grey silk dress, long furry wings, and a halo with feathers. The sky was full black, but with a full moon that was pearly white. My moms warm hand was intertwined with mine as we walked the streets stopping at each house. The cool air made my wings flap a little. My moms head turned and she smiled at me. The littlest things brought me down, and now the littlest things are making me happy. I was the happiest I had been for a while.

Vomputer (excerpt)
By Eli Perl Grade 4

136 years in the future... Prologue Joe lived on 2746 Joe Avenue (it is a coincidence that he lived on a street that had been named after some person named Joe). He was in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in town because it had its own solar power plant so he and his neighbors shared a power. Joe is one of the friendliest people in the neighborhood. The only problem was that he'd rather work at home instead of going out to dinner with his friends or playing a football. He just likes to stay home. The Beginning Joe was just walking downstairs when he saw the UUPS (United Universe Postal Service) hovercraft pull up in front of his house. Yes! he said to himself, The computer I

ordered from Ebay came. He found the box at his doorstep and brought it up to his office. He opened the box and lying there next to the charger was his cheap computer. He brought the computer out and looked at it there were three or four small dents in it. He plugged it in and pressed the power button. The screen lit up and he created a Windows account on the computer; then he opened Opera and went to his email. He was just about to reply to an email from his mom and dad but all of a sudden the screen froze! He wiggled his finger and pushed really hard on the trackpad. But nothing happened then he banged on the keyboard and the screen went dark! Joe checked the plug, if his screen was hooked up, he checked everything but nothing worked. He hit his keyboard Why isnt this working! he thought. He hit the keyboard one more time then everything went black!

All About Giraffes

Text and art (left) by Max Boughner Grade 1

Foods: Giraffes love thorn trees. They use their tongues to eat the leaves and the thorns dont hurt their tongues. Giraffes have long necks because they use their necks and faces to reach the leaves of the trees. Giraffes have long legs because they kick with their legs.

Christmas

Text and art (right) by Gabriel Antonio Chapman Kortright Kindergarten

For Christmas, I got a cool switch and go dino. His name was Brok. I was feeling happy! Then I got five more switch and go dinos. I love them. Then I got three more switch and go dinos. Brok can switch into a Brachiosaurus. It can make noise. And it can move by itself if I press a button.

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Playdate with Kendall

Text and art (left) by Chloe Stark Kindergarten

Me and Kendall slid. We had a playdate. Me and Kendall played in the leaves. We went on the zipline.

Disney World

Text and art (right) by Kai Hanada Kindergarten

My grandma, my dad, my aunts and my brother went to Disney World. I was going down the slide. I was sinking. My aunt saved me. She was just in time! When my aunt did a flip, I was interested. I tried my best. I did it!

My Cousins

Text and art (left) by Finn Curran Kindergarten

My cousins came over a couple of days ago. We were sliding down the staircase. Whooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! We had fun. We played lightsabers.

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Untitled Poem
By Will McCormick Grade 8

Albert Einstein Monologue

By Ava Oboler Grade 2

The ocean bubbles and steam rises. Deserts span wide drinking from what is left from the moist soil. The factories spread across the land like hideous boils and warts biting into the earth, and leaving it sore and dying. Gas is released into the air when we start cars though we pretend not to notice it, and sweep it under the rug with all the other things we push away. Our planet gave us everything she held us and raised us until we sang. But now we treat her as no more than a game, shes a board and pieces, and cards to gain. Her crystal skies turn to rust, and her damp forest smells of must. Her beauty is blown away in a gust of wind, generated by greed and lust. Meadows of poppies bend over like old men cough. Trees no longer stretch out in the sun on a warm summer day. Old birds nests begin to crumble, mossy twigs fall covered with filth. What was once a home now exists as a wooden table leg at a fast food restaurant. Vibrant jungles fall to the ground and millions of wild animals tumble down with them. Their homes are destroyed and wasted into the soil and yet they are as innocent as the old forest they once called home. We seem to have forgotten our mother earth, her rivers and mountains, for all theyre worth. We force her fields to factories, the lips of her lakes she lacks you see. So I think that we can all agree, that you, Mother Earth, have been hurt by people like me. Though I hope you wont be lost, your forests, your flakes, your frost. I fear someday well forget you, so this Ill say, Ill miss you too.

I am Albert Einstein. I thought, when my sister was born, she was a toy. I said, Shes nice, but where are her wheels? I thought differently than most people. Also, I was amazed by my compass. I wondered how it moved. It was not attached to anything. In 1930, I got married to Mileva. Then we had kids. I published my journal and became a professor. My journal helped the future scientists who invented the TV remote, CD players and radios. I won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1922. I was very interested in science and became one of the most famous scientists in the world.

The Scariness of Smoking!

By Cole Hughes Grade 3

All smokers should quit because its bad for you and the others around you. So many people are smoking. If one person smokes, another person will smoke and it will go on forever and sooner or later the whole world will be smoking! Smoking is bad for you because you can get all types of diseases that can kill you; for example, cancer, lung disease, and emphysema. Its bad for others around you because they can inhale the smoke. There are many ways it can kill you before you die or get sick. Your body can get weak and you will not be able to get exercise. You will gain weight and if you gain so much weight, it can also kill you. If you take one, you will be addicted to them. And you will be smoking for the rest of your life. But sometimes you get lucky and stop taking them. Some people say that you get girlfriends faster. Some dont like it because your breath smells bad. But if youre 21 its ok to smoke. No matter how old you are, its still really bad for you. So the next time someone offers you a cigarette, turn it down.

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Taylor Swift Monologue

By Violet Boyd Grade 2

Tokyo Disneyland (excerpt)

By Jessica Kamen Grade 8

I, Taylor Swift, grew up in Pennsylvania, but I moved to Nashville to start my singing career. At first, my songs didnt sell but then I got better. I got really popular and so good that I won six Grammy awards. I am very wealthy but I still care about others and donate to hospitals and charities. Acting is one of my favorite hobbies. I was in a show called Once Upon a Prom. Some of the songs I write are sad and some are about previous boy issues in my life. One of my good friends is Selena Gomez. She sings like me. I hope you enjoy my newest album, Red.

Wow, I cant believe we are really here! my brother declared, as he got out of the car. He was eager to come so he could go on mind blowing rides and go to Toontown World. This world was based off of my brothers all time favorite computer game. When my dad told me he was going on a business trip to Tokyo during our spring break, I had no idea he was going to take us along with him. We had also gone on different trips to foreign countries with him, but I had never been to Asia so I couldnt wait to go. Of course, we were going to do other things on this trip, we were there for a week, but to me this was going to be the most fabulous part of the trip. When my dad finally told my brother and me that the whole family was going, I couldnt wait to go. I was so angry that we had to wait and wait until the day came. My Aunt Robin even came too. The weather was just right on that day. It was sunny, with just a few clouds in the sky. getting closer and closer to camp every second. I could feel it. At Camp!!! (Miami Florida!!)

Revenge --Am I an Enemy or a Friend? (excerpt)

By Eleanore Kearns Grade 4

Ahh! It is soooo hot! Then as I turned my head, and I look at this Mom, Taylor will not let me into her room, my popular, mean and obnoxious girl from New Jersey totally annoying brother, Sam yells. I grab my giant with attitude. UH! Please dont let us become duffle and place it on my bed, as I place my favorite bunkmates, I think. Peyton Manning, Broncos jersey with my How to CRASH! OH NO!!! the tree had fallen. But... Write an Expository Writing Piece textbook and where? The lighting and thunder hit the loud speaker straight A+ report card and shove it into my bag. as it attempts to say, zzz... zzzz, the loudspeaker Then I suddenly and thankfully look at the pictures mumbles. on top of my Mario Batali cookbook. I see a picture Ahh, Im so tired, claimed Fibi. Ive known of Laura, Uncle Frank, and I am baking a delicious Fibi since I was little, she lives in Denver; We've chocolate almond souffle. There were many pictures been planning to be in the same bunk at camp for of the Governor of Colorado, Lucy Smith; she is my years. favorite person in the entire world, and shes my Finally the loudspeaker admits, Lights out! sister. BEEP BEEP the new Lamborghini We better go to bed, I say. Zoe barges in and Aventador squeeks Come on, Mom yells. We, are says,You are homesick? It is only the first night. going to Miami! Sams jaw drops as he asks, She laughs along with the whole bunk, except Fibi. surprised though very excited. I sprinted into the car, I tuck into my covers, grasping my Cuddy (Ive
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Prologue

Rehoboth 2012 (excerpt)

By Sophie Warshauer Grade 6

I hear cheering coming from the T.V. as I enter the house from the hot summer night air. My dad is trying to get my bike on the rack and Ill leave him to it. Im so excited to go to the beach tonight! My mom is watching the Olympics so I grab a cold Ting and sit down next to her. Shes watching Gabby Douglass all around finals performance. In about five minutes, the phone rings. Its probably Emma! Weve been spending so much time trying to get my bike onto the car that we're late! I pick up the phone, and look at the caller ID, sure enough its Emma. I press the talk button. Hello? Hey Emma, were trying to get my bike on, sorry were late. Well be there in about 20 minutes, okay? Cool. See you tonight! Bye. After watching Gabby win a gold medal, finishing my Ting, my dad finally giving up on getting my bike on the rack, and a phone call to Emma to tell her were leaving, were in the car and ready for a week at the beach. It was about a ten minute drive to Emmas and we stuff her bag in the back, and she hops into the seat next to me. Two hours in the car before we get to the beach house, the rest of my family is already there! I dont expect the car ride to be that fun, but I have an open mind. First we talk about the trip, the clothes we brought, what were going to wear to the boardwalk, and all that girl stuff. Then I pull out my Itouch and she pulls out her Nook, and we start playing games together. Then we get comfortable, which for me means sitting on a pillow and leaning on a pillow, and I pull out my DVD player, two pairs of headphones, and the Just Go With It disc. I put the disc into the player and start the movie. Its always so fun watching movies with Emma because she makes the funniest comments about the characters or the setting or what theyre doing. Emma brought us candy for inviting her to the beach, so we substitute that for popcorn during the movie, and were both asleep by the end of it. I wake up when the car pulls up to the house at about 12:30, but Emma is still asleep, my dad says to me Hey, you wake Emma up, and grab your pillows, your mom and I will get all the luggage, the door is open, you can go up to your room. I wore my PJs during the car ride but Emma has to change, and we both have to brush our teeth before we go to bed. I tap her on the shoulder softly. Emma, were here. She wakes up. Wow, this house is awesome! she says, sleepily. Cmon, you dont need to get any of your stuff, my dad will get that, I say, I grab my pillows, and motion for her to come with me. We walk through the house and up to our room on

the 3rd floor. We have our own deck, bathroom, living room with a T.V., and a room with a bed on both sides. Its great to be back at the beach house! Just then my little cousin walks in, We mustve woken her and her dad up! walking to our, as we like to call it, palace. Im excited to see her though because I havent seen her in 2 years! Chloe! I say in hushed tones. Her dad walks in behind her. Hi Sophie, she says back to me. Shes so much bigger then when I last saw her. She must be 7 now. Hey, you guys made it, says her dad, Michael. The conversation goes on for a while, but I sort of want it to end since I am exhausted. After 5 more minutes of talking to Chloe and Michael, my parents take over. We open our suitcases and I pull out my toiletries. Ill unpack further tomorrow, and go to the bathroom to brush my teeth while Emma changes. After we both are in our PJs and our teeth are brushed, we turn the lights out and go to bed. I wake up the next morning to the smell of freshly baked pastries from Dinah Lingos Market and Patisserie--always a good way to wake up. I get changed and do my morning routine. By the time I come back into the room, Emma has woken up, and she goes into the bathroom to change. Once were all done, we go downstairs. I say "Hi" to all of my family, my grandparents, my aunts, and my aunt and uncle, and look down at the plate of pastries for breakfast. Cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins. My favorite. There are more options but those are the ones that stuck out to me. I take one of each and sit down at the big table where everyone else was already sitting. Emma had the same thing I did. The cinnamon rolls were still hot which made them even better. After breakfast, we decide to go down to the beach. Emma and I put our bathing suits on under our clothes, and put on sunscreen. We got the raft, and the kadima set, and head down to the beach. Our beach house is about a block away from the beach, which is nice so we can just walk there. The beach is even more beautiful than I remember! The sand is so soft, and the ocean is perfect. You may not believe this, but Id never gotten into the ocean by myself, I always took a raft, or my dad would carry me in (when I was really little). Going into the ocean by myself was one of the things I was going to do on this trip, and I was going to do it today. The tide was low, which was good and there were no jellyfish in sight. Emma and I got settled, and raced down to the edge of the ocean. We ran into the water, and as soon as there was enough room, I started kicking and paddling until I couldnt get smashed by the water and started floating on my back with Emma.

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Trick or Treating

Text and art (below) by Hannah Kubler Kindergarten

I Played with My Best Friend

Text and art (below) by Marielle Van Meter Kindergarten

One morning, I woke up so excited! It was Halloween! I could hardly wait!!! I went to school. I wore my costume. I was dressed as an Emperor of Evil. I had lots of fun. Our buddies came. I had fun at the party. I went home. When it was time for trick or treating, I think I was going crazy!!!! It was really fun! The End ps. And really tasty too.

I had a 6 hour play date with my best friend ever, Elizabeth May. I loved it sooo much. It was SOOOOO fun. We played dress-up. And we played tag. And chess. And with toys. And pattycake, pattycake. And wrote the same exact story. Soon she had to go home. NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I dont want to go HOME! Then, she went home. I cried a little.

Untitled Monologue
By Lily Lustig Grade 8

Oh, so you do know my name? I would never of known considering youve been ignoring me the entire year. You know, last year, you were my favorite teacher. You were more like a friend to me! But of course, I always knew you liked Ingrid better, everybody knew that. I mean look, all of her photos are hung front and center and mine, in the very corner. And I wouldnt have minded if you had actually paid some attention to me. But this? Oh no. I counted on you! I counted on you to be there, waiting for me when I walked in those classroom doors. Ingrid- my best friend- is gone. And you didnt even say my name! I was ready to finally have someone who wouldve understood what I was actually feeling. But you treated me like any other student youve seen come and go out of this classroom! And you know I was much more than that. I am ambitious, dedicated... I am good. But apparently not in your eyes. Its like you never even knew I existed until a few months ago! I wouldve thought, with the girl who had just lost someone in your very own class, you would have at least acknowledged her. Said hello. But you didnt. Why? Why werent you there when I needed you the most? Why?

Lemonade Stand

Text and art (above) by Beck Holtzman Kindergarten

I had a lemonade stand. I had a lot of customers. We are cleaning up but we also are counting our money. I am counting my money. It got up to $600.

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Ella and Her Kittens

Text and art (right) by Ella Lay Kindergarten

My new kittens and me were playing. Rue, my girl cat, she was scratching everyone. I was sad. My brother Elias started training her. I was happy.

My First Sleepover

Text and art (left) by Maya Boekeloo-Drake Kindergarten

Irene and I had a playdate and we had a sleepover. Irene was screaming. She thought there was a burglar in the house. But it was her mama taking a shower.

Nats Game

Text and art (right) by Harry Groves Kindergarten

Im going to a baseball game! Im gonna get a hotdog. Homeruns! Bunts! And strikes! And balls! And singles! Doubles! Triples! The Nats won!

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Artwork by Emilie Berley Grade 7

Leonardo da Vinci Monologue

By Tiimo Jeyarajah Grade 2

When I started art class, I got really hard painting challenges. I accomplished them. I became Leonardo da Vinci. My name means Leonardo from Vinci because the town I lived in was Vinci, Italy. I am famous for painting. I worked for a duke.

He asked me if I could design weaponry for him. It was hard designing it, but I had fun. When I worked on things, I often didnt finish them. I drew things in bunches of notebooks. Sometimes I would write letters backwards because I was sending messages to the king of France and I didnt want anyone else to know what they said. After many completed pieces, like the bronze horse, I finished the worlds greatest painting - The Mona Lisa. It hangs in The Louvre in France. Every day, many people come to see my painting.
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I Dream A World
By Olivia Stein Grade 7

I dream of a world Where gender means nothing, Where women are women, No matter a wedding ring. I dream of a world Where girls can be as free as men, Jobs will be open to anyone. I still dream of a world, Where women can live With the same rights as men. They can shoot for the stars No matter where theyve been. I dream of a world Where women have equal pay, To men, when they work the same, This will change one day. I dream of a world Where girls dont have to wear bows And wear frilly dresses. Where they can be anything And their goals, can be reached. I dream of a world Where women all around the world Can be taught, Equally, as men are. I dream a world Where love and equality, Graces the Earth. Of such I dream, my world!

Artwork by Miriam Akhmetshin Grade 3

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When We Went to Florida

Text and art (right) by Cooper Schirmeier Kindergarten

We went on a plane to Florida. We went to our hotel. We went to the beach and we played in the sand and we played in the water. We went to the Kids Club. We played tennis and we ate lunch.

The Basketball Game

Text and art (left) by Elijah Miles Kindergarten

I was playing basketball at the gym. It was fun, ok. I won the game. I was so happy. I had cool sneakers. It was fun. Finn was happy too.

My Trip to Texas

Text and art (right) by Jeremiah Farr Kindergarten

I went to Texas. It was fun because my grandparents live there. I played connect four. I won a lot! My grandparents own a pool. I swam under water and dunked five times. I was cold. I went on a horse and a cow. I fed them the treats. They liked the dust more.

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Aurora?!? (excerpt)
By Mica Maltzman Grade 5

I had waited for this day since I was born. It was finally here, Cirque Du Soleils 15th anniversary show. This wasnt any ordinary show where you had to buy tickets. To this show, not just anyone could come. You had to be invited. And I, out of everyone, had been invited. Come in costume as a character from Cirque Du Soleil, the invitation had said, and there I was in the audience of Cirque Du Soleil dressed as the main character, Aurora, from the O show. I had the whole shenanigans, makeup and all. Oh! You look just like Aurora, I almost mistook you for her. I looked back to see the costume designer of the show Iris talking to me. I kept getting unbelievable compliments on my costume. The stage was enormous, the curtains were fit for a king and the whole stage was illuminated so brightly, it was almost blinding me. I could never imagine being on that stage. Suddenly, characters started flowing into the audience, cracking jokes and putting titanic size smiles on the audiences faces. STOOOOOOP! The audience all turned to ice and turned their heads at a snail's pace to look back. I turned around to see -- the stage manager? Yes, the stage manager. He had dark circles under his eyes. The stress on his face was as visible as the curtain in front of me and his hair was having a bad hair day. Bang. OOOW, the stage manager tripped on a seat and somersaulted till he was right in front of me. I stared at him like I was hypnotized. "YOU! I was startled to have the stage manager screaming at me. I was trying to remember what I learned in self-defense class, karate kick them or stare blankly? I couldnt remember, so I did the latter. Hana! You have to get backstage NOW! Ive been worried sick all morning, the stage manager said with distress. Are you talking to me? I asked. What is happening? Why me? The next thing I knew, I was being dragged by a complete stranger to who knows where. We flew past lines of people who all had the same face, hypnotized. I know I would have been curious if I saw a grumpy, pig face man, dragging a 25 year old woman, whos in the most amazing costume ever. BAAM! we landed right in front of a door that said: CAST MEMBERS ONLY. I was about to faint. I have terrible stage fright, no I am deathly allergic to being on stage. Right then, it seemed guaranteed that this night would end with a tragic death. Woosh, we pushed passed the door. One step closer to death. Well, go through the door, the stage manager said like I was the dumbest person in the world.

I thi-, I started to say. No, objections! the stage manager snapped. He shoved me into a dressing room. Be in the wings, in 5. Oh Hana, youre not sick, how fortunate! said a sweet little lady. Obviously here I am known as Hana. The costumes were beautiful. The silk unitards, elegant swimsuits and the pastel multi-colored dresses, were breathtaking. But, the most beautiful costume ever was the Aurora costume. Break a Leg! Dont trip! You can do it! Dozens of cast members wished each other luck and walked towards the wings. Once they all passed I saw a dreaded sight, the stage manager. Hana, what is up with you today? On the most important show of your life you just have to be dazed! Get to the wings, the stage manager said with intensity. One step closer to death . Suddenly, Deja Vu, I was being dragged by the pig-face man, but this time I had known exactly where I was going, toward death! Otherwise known as the stage. He practically threw me onstage, leaving me in a pool of darkness, alone. And that was how I got on stage... Concentrate. What does Aurora do first? Run across the stage and do a back walkover, oh geez. How am I going to do this? ... I hear the audience hold their breath.
So much for the best day ofmy life. Vite, vite, vite, obtenir cette fille hors de la scne! Oh boy, je me sens mal.

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With a mighty force, I turn towards the wings. There I see either the most terrifying sight, or the most relieving. Standing two feet from me is the stage manager and the most beautiful Aurora ever. Maybe this wont be so bad. A quick hand motion tells me to get off the stage. Unfortunately, Im glued to the dreaded stage. Without a second to think, Hana runs across the stage, does a back walkover, and runs back towards me. Whoa. The audience zips their lips as Hana yanks my hand and forces me to conquer my fear. She brings me to the center of the stage and makes me bow. Surprisingly, it feels good to bow. I finally realize that in order to conquer your fear, you have to face it. I have carefully avoided stage fright my entire life. I was brainwashed against trying to conquer it... For the rest of the show I watch from the wings. There I see that I wasnt the only one with stage fright. Almost every character freaks out before going on stage. I come to two conclusions. 1. Never second-guess yourself, and 2. Never come to Cirque du Soleil in a costume. A quick tap on my shoulder makes me spin around to see the stage manager say, Theres auditions for a second Aurora tomorrow, see you there! Ce gamin a du talent.

Patricia Polacco Monologue

By Gwyn Field Grade 2

I am Patricia Polacco. When I was a kid, I had a hard time in math and reading. I was good at letting my imagination soar in my beloved rocking chair. I was born in Lansing, Michigan, which gave me a chance to do fun activities like horseback riding. Then we moved to Union City, which is where I grew up and took ballet. My mother taught me how to make pysanki eggs. Then I grew up and married a chef named Enzo. His family died in World War 2. In honor of them, we picked our last name to be

Polacco, which means that Polish man. Once my mom found a meteor. I started writing books when I was 41. All of the things in my past inspired my writing. Every day, I still sit in my many rocking chairs for hours and hours, letting my imagination soar. I get more and more ideas so I can write more books for you to read.

How to Tie Shoes

Text and art (right) by Amelia Otte Grade 1

A list of materials: shoes with laces Step 1: Get your shoes. Step 2: Take your shoe laces and hold them by the ends. Then take them and make a cross, then put one lace under. Step 3: Make two loops, then make a criss cross again, and then pull.

Once Upon a Pea, A Poem

Text and art (left) by Abby Kelso Grade 1

Twelve girls came to a castle On a rainy night Not so bright With the Kings polite The Prince was enchanted They played games all sorts But the Queen made a test With a pea, no less And twenty mattresses fat. Princess Pea... She passed the test As a tired mess And they lived happily.
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All About Soccer

Text and art (left) by Easy Weissman Grade 1

Different kinds of kicks: 1. Foot kick. 2. Knee kick. 3. Head kick. How to shoot a goal: 1. Find a position to shoot the goal. 2. Aim at the goal to shoot. 3. Last step: Kick the ball with your foot. Different Places to Play: 1. At the beach. 2. At a field. 3. At a stadium. 4. Indoors.

How to Draw a Dragonfly

Text and art (right) by Caitlin Costello Grade 1

1. Draw a straight line. 2. Erase the line and draw three circles. 3. Draw the wings, the legs and the eyes. 4. Draw the background. Youre done!

How to Draw a Dragon

Text and art (left) by Matthew Lippock Grade 1

You will get a piece of paper and a pen. Draw the head of the dragon. Then draw the body of the dragon. Then the wings. Then you are done.

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The Only Thing You See

By Mikala Jones Grade 7

I sit in the same room I learn the same math I'm here, Like you, But in a wheelchair. So out on the playground When you pick your Dream Team Im the last one here, You make an excuse As to why I can't play. All I hear is disabled, And I quietly go away. Its funny how, You see me everyday. I sit at your table, I live down the street, I wear the same clothes, But the only thing you see, Is my disability. Not my name. Not who I am. I might as well have invisibility. When Im at the store Trying on some jeans. I knock down the mannequin Making a big mess. I hear you snicker And I see you glare, You give no help at all. You go off to your friends, Point and stare. Its hard to pretend That I dont care. Its funny how, You see me everyday. I sit at your table, I live down the street, I wear the same clothes, But the only thing you see, Is my disability. Not my name. Not who I am. I might as well have invisibility. One day,

When you announced to the class, We were going on a mountain trip. I smiled with joy. You told me there wouldnt be much for me to do But I really wanted to go. You said based on my disability, My chances were very low. It wasnt fair! I wanted to prove That I can do anything Despite my chair. Its funny how, You see me everyday. I sit at your table, I live down the street, I wear the same clothes, But the only thing you see, Is my disability. Not my name. Not who I am. I might as well have invisibility. Every night, My mom holds me tight, And whispers in my ear; You'll go places, Farther than that chair, I have faith That youll get there. And I know I am special, Beautiful, Strong, And smart. I can do just as much as you And more. One day Ill rise above The box youve put me in. Then finally Ill stand apart, And youll know me by my name, And youll know me for who I am, And maybe youll understand, The only thing that separates You From me, Is my wheelchair.

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Colorado

Text and art (left) by Max Nelson Kindergarten

I went to Colorado. I went to ski school. I learned to make a triangle. We drove home.

I Lost A Tooth

Text and art (right) by Lydia Kestnbaum-Cook Kindergarten

I lost a tooth! while I was eating an apple. I am so excited! I am so excited! I lost a tooth! Yeah! I lost a tooth! I lost a tooth! The tooth was so wiggly. I put it under my pillow. I got a $5 bill! I am so excited! The tooth fairy gave me a $5 bill! I am so excited! With the $5 bill, I got a shark tooth necklace. It was so loose. I was so excited. I am so excited! How I lost a tooth was because I was eating an apple.

My Trip

Text and art (left) by Kendall Peterson Kindergarten

I am going to NYC!!! I am going to get the American Girl Doll!! And we drove home in the truck.

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Skiing

Text and art (right) by Ragan Hecht Kindergarten

My mom was putting on more clothes than I could count. Aaaa! I am going to ski and I am going to Pennsylvania! Wow! I am practicing and my teachers are helping me with skiing. I felt the wind on my cheeks. My ankle hurt a lot. I am having snack. I am comfortable and I was talking to a private tutor and I was eating crackers and pretzels. I am playing on the hill and I am having fun and I was climbing. Woohoo! I am going home and I am very very comfortable and I was sleeping. I am relaxing and I am comfortable. I am so comfortable. The End.

Trixie

Text and art (left) by Maddie Aebersold-Burke Kindergarten

Me and my sister were locked outside. I knocked on the door. My dad answered the door. Yes? he said. Before anyone could stop her Trixie ran into the house. She jumped into the sink. Well, my mom said, She needed a bath. We gave her a bath.

Ouch! Needle!

Text and art (right) by Isabelle Goodweather Kindergarten

I sew. One time I got a needle in my finger! I was okay. I got it off. I wanted to sew again, but there wasnt any sewing kit in the house. First I thought I could use Harrisons string that fell off. But then I saw that I did not have any sewing needles so I used push-pins instead. I asked my dad, Do you have a needle? He said Let me look. He said no. But I said, Can I use those pushpins? He said What for? I said, Im making this thing for Mommy. Dad can you help me put this on. "Yes. Then I showed it to my mom and she said Lets put it on my art shelf. That wasnt my plan but I was happy.
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You Go Right by Me
By Eliana Alvord Grade 7

You go right by me. Not even a glance. Jingling the few coins in my cup. Hoping for something more than a penny. I look up to you, Yet you go right by me. You drive by, looking out your window. Noticing your surroundings. There I am again. Holding up a sign, Cold and Hungry. You pretend I dont see you, looking away. You fiddle with things in your car, pretending to be busy.

Glancing up at the traffic light hoping for it to turn green. Trying to make me feel invisible, not noticed, not cared for. So you go right by me. You make assumptions about who I might be. What will I do with the quarter you gave me? Would it be smarter not to give me anything at all? And thats what you choose to do. I watch you drive away. Leaving me with not even a smile.

Animals Are Our Friends

By Graham Eynon-Holloway Grade 3

People should not shoot animals. Now, people are hunting lots of animals. It is legal to shoot some animals. Some people also shoot animals illegally. Killing animals is not fair. Killing animals is something that people do a lot and its like killing animals for food. Killing animals is bad and its something humans have to stop. People can do this in hunting seasons but not every day. Its illegal. Its like killing your pet for food. Some animals are in danger and almost extinct. If people kill animals, there wont be as many animals in the world. People are eating animals, too. People should not do that. (Fish are okay to eat in fishing season.) Some people want to eat animals all the time, but not

once in a while. People need meat once in a while. But if people grow their own crops, they will have other food. Sometimes, people are giving a lot of meat (20 pounds per day) to their pets. People should choose other sources of food for their pets. Many people watch humans killing animals on television and are usually upset. This also relates to guns and weapons. Theyre also very bad because they are used to kill animals. Some people think that there are enough animals for them to kill and they dont even care. People should care about animals as if they were humans. Some people also want animal skin just for decoration or because theyre showing off. But animals need their skin more than people want it. People shouldnt kill animals for the fun of it. We should respect animals as we respect each other.

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The Cape

Text and art (left) by Arthur Hurvitz Kindergarten

I got car sick in the car on the way to the Cape. We are sitting on a bench at the Cape at the visit. The gas stove ran out of gas. The gas truck had to come. Me, Ruby and Asa chased around the house. Too loud! We were sad to leave the Cape. We drove home.

We Jumped on the Bed

Text and art (right) by Charlie Lunde Kindergarten

Me and my cousins are going up the stairs. We are going down the hall. We are getting on the bed. Then we crawl over to the stairs. Then we jumped on the bed.

Brother...

By Nora Luck Grade 1

The Shark
A shark is A torpedo Soaring through the dark blue ocean.

By Harrison Goodweather Grade 1

My brother is sweet and kind, but also very annoying, and I love him very much, and he does, too. Sometimes we don't get along, But we just need To listen.

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The Hippo (excerpt)

By Billy Barlia Grade 5

A Voting Voice for Kids

By Miriam Akhmetshin Grade 3

Hippos! Hippopotamus in Greek means River Horse. Hippos are called this but they are not related to Horses. Hippos are more related to pigs than horses. People think hippos are cute when they are babies, but even when they are little they are still big. Enormous! Hippos are very large animals. Hippos weigh up to 3,000 to 7,000 pounds. They also get up to fifteen feet long adding the tail. Hippos grow up to 5 feet tall. Hippos eat a hundred pounds of leaves and plants in the river or swamp a day. You can tell male and female hippos apart because females are significantly smaller than males. Females hippos have two milking ducts for babies. Hippos jaws open 150 degrees. Hippos bottom teeth grow up to 20 inches. Their bite pressure is 2,000 pounds. Hippos also live 35-50 years which is pretty long for animals. Dangerous! Hippos are very territorial. They live in pods of 10 to 20 Hippos. In each pod there are about four male hippos. This is important because the male hippos fight till the death for dominance in there pod. Hippos are also very fierce with their 20 inch bottom teeth and a jaw that opens 150 degrees. Hippos bite pressure is two thousand pounds. When hippos see things in their area, they feel the need to kill it. Hippos kill a 100 to 150 Humans a year. Hippos kill humans when they are on their beach or area where they live. People also get killed when hippos come out of the water and a boat is on top of them then the hippos capsize the boat. Hippos are also dangerous because they can kill animals like crocodiles.

Kids should be able to vote in all national elections. Right now, the current voting age is eighteen. Everyone must be a citizen of the United States of America to be able to vote. Studies show kids can be interested in politics as early as third grade. For example, last election, kids were excited to learn about both candidates. Voting also gives kids a voice. So, in addition, voting would be helping to make decisions about the government. If kids are able to vote, they will understand how the electoral college and the government works. Some people say kids might not care enough to make the right decision. But if they listen to both candidates speeches they will know what each will do if they become president and decide if they want that to happen or not. Besides, how can kids possibly do a worse job than adults? They also say kids may not be able to get to the voting station. They can ask their parents to drive them or use public transportation. Others say, kids will miss school. But when lawmakers pass the law, the government can ask schools to give students the time to vote.

The Game

Text and art (right) by Ben Pollack Kindergarten

Once I went to a football game. It was a Redskins game. The Redskins were playing the Ravens. RG3 got hurt. AAA!!! The new quarterback came in. The Redskins won 21 to 14. The End.

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Artwork by Sofia Pereira & Anthony Khuri Grade 6

The Tough yet Fun Everyday Life

By Antony Patrinos Grade 6

Slapped, tossed, hit, and fly. Everyday same old same painful life, yet important and an awesome life. They need us or else no game. Some of us never get used and are just decoration. No matter how bad they want to they cant. They know that it can be painful, but it is really the best you can have.

Most of us get put on TV. Others get lost and rot. Some get more love than others and more care too. Some of us find the net. The ones who do want to help the attack. Those who dont want to help the protectors. Sometimes though you have no choice, and have to go in. Sometimes we love our life, other times we hate it. Hockey Pucks.

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The Cold and Fun Life

By Antony Patrinos Grade 6

Georgia OKeeffe Monologue

By Olive Ley Grade 2

Slip and slide down slides of ice. Go out to catch some fish. Just about to leave, attacked by a flock of seals. Dodge and dodge, until escape. Get out and on our way home. Back there taking care of our babies. Coming together to huddle. To protect ourselves and our delicate little babies From scary cold and snow. Penguins.

I am Georgia OKeeffe. I was born on a farm in Wisconsin in 1887. When I was 12 years old, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I went to school in Chicago and New York. In school, I studied art. When I paint, I copy the things around me in nature. Lots of times, I paint things like plants and skies. Some of my paintings are well known. Even though I am not alive anymore, my artwork is. You can find some of my art in New Mexico at a museum that is named after me - The Georgia OKeeffe Museum. Painting is what I love.

Artwork by Matt Goodman Grade 6

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Girl and the Wolves (excerpt)

By Caleigh Vergeer Grade 4

the alpha male, was preparing the pack to go. Wiseman, the advisor wolf was worried. Theyll be here soon, he warned, ready the pack. This wasnt the only important thing going on. A long time ago, when the world was always white with snow, the trees were bare and grass never Caleigh, the packs human was getting ready to go on her first hunt alone. Moonfur, the alpha female, grew, and the numbers of wolves in the world was was preparing her. uncountable, and the world was was billions of You must be swift, Moonfur said. The worlds bigger, bigger even than the sun. (Thats why humans will be here soon. Catch a caribou and come it was so cold). There there lived a special pack of right back! wolves and among them lived a special young girl Yes mom, said Caleigh. named Caleigh, known to the wolves as Girl. She had Now dont forget, sneak down and pounce! lived with the wolves since she was born, which was she said. precisely thirteen years ago. I know, Mom, bye, Caleigh said. She could speak to the wolves and share Bye darling, be careful. magical powers with them. Every power was Bye mom. different. Her powers were invisibility, being faster Finally, my first hunt alone, she thought. Hey than the speed of sound, and wherever you were she could communicate with you. She yelled so loud that look, caribou. I could bring a whole pack home, dad you could hear her anywhere in the world. They lived would love that. It would be perfect for our journey, she thought. So she sneaked low down and pounced. in a place called Cristalica. She caught seven caribou and was enjoying herself They were very, very happy there until one day deeply. they got news that the humans were taking it over. The humans would soon reach the den if they did not leave soon. The wolves started packing and Hightail,

Artwork by Vishnu Ramasawmy Grade 8

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Problem of the Day (excerpt)

By Rachel Van der Linden Grade 4

was a vampire. At first, Kyra was in a world of disbelief and denial, trying to push her fangs back into her mouth, and jump in front of her mirror until she thought she Kyra looked around her small attic bedroom, at her reflection. Since she had never believed in her needlepoint quilt, her electric pink lava-lamp, and saw magic, simply could not even begin to believe her model Boeing 747sp (special preformance) plane that sheshe really was a vampire. Kyra didnt know that her dad gave her last year on her 12th birthday. what to think. She was wondering what Alexiss problem of the day It couldnt be! would be. Sometimes, she had forgotten to wear lip Its not possible! she repeated over and over to liner, sometimes it was her parents forcing her to herself. wear one of last seasons tops. Kyra never really got along with Alexis, but she was fine with that. She herself had also never liked her much. Halos and Wings Over the next couple of days, Kyra started Rhinestone Hoops noticing things. She thought that it was just the fact As Kyra hopped out of the car and headed for the that she had not gotten used to being a vampire quite door of the school, she heard two infamous voices yet. She was noticing things like Alexis and Zoei from over her shoulder. They were the voices of with small gray feathers coming out of their backs, Alexis Coleman and Zoei Smith. Kyra was very and if the light was right, Kyra would see golden familiar with their deliberately mocking voices. Every halos on top of their heads. day, she would hear Alexis and Zoeis gossip either She wasnt sure what to think of this. She didnt over her shoulder or behind her back. know if she should tell Alexis and Zoei or not. She Kyra never fully understood why Alexis and Zoei thought that if she told them, they would insist that disliked her so much. She had never done anything to she was making the whole thing up. if she them. But she also thought that maybe, they were just didnt tell them, it would be entirely Whereas, too stressful on mean. They were always rolling their eyes at her part. everything and talking about people behind their Kyra decided to tell Alexis and Zoei what she backs. was seeing. As she had thought, Alexis and Zoei Today, Alexiss problem was her earrings. rejected her observations. But Kyra was also noticing apparently, her gold rhinestone hoops didnt work their small gray feathers turn into small gray wings with the navy blue and hunter green accents on the and their hologram halos turn into solid, golden white lace blouse she was wearing. Kyra tried to halos. Kyra continued trying to tell them, they still make her feel better about her outfit by saying that rejected. Finally, Kyra just told them to look into she thought the hoops and the blouse looked good their mirrors. Then they figured it out. They were together. Alexis responded with a very sarcastic tugging on each others wings and trying to pull comment, Thanks Kyra, youre always so sweet! them out of each others backs. Fail. They tried to rip Thanks a bunch! Zoei chimed in. off each others halos. Fail. They do nothing to Oh, so youve been working on your sarcasm, remove the wings or the halos. Socould they broke out the Kyra snapped back. duct tape. Then, Alexis and Zoei just sort-of, ran away. Isms After the very strange encounter with Alexis, Kyra started having little, isms. For example, she stopped seeing herself clearly in the mirror, and whenever she got angry, people were telling her to put her fangs away. Kyra thought the her mind was messing with her as well, as everyone else around her did too. She thought it was all just a big prank. (but she was wrong... ) Over the next few days, Kyra started craving very odd foods like black (blood) sausage, and things containing high amounts of copper. Also, she could no longer use the mirror that hung on the wall of her bedroom, and she kept feeling two long, sharp, fangs popping out of the corners of her mouth whenever she got angry. And then, Kyra slowly realized, that she
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owners would need bus drivers. Which means more jobs because bus driving is a job, resulting in less homelessness in our community, because they pay you when you have a job after you do your part. Bus stops should definitely be sanitized in most Not everyone agrees with this opinion. They think peoples opinion. A lot of people use bus stops, but people cant sit down if you were early because the they are covered in germs because so many people bus stop would be damp from the sanitation. What I use them. think is, it will eventually dry and you still wont get If between buses, bus stops were sanitized, the sick. next group of people simply wouldnt get sick and Other arguments state it will cost more money to illnesses wouldnt spread as easily and quickly. If bus sanitize bus stops and thats true, but you also earn stops were sanitized, our world would be much more money to spend on the sanitation. They also say healthier. if you have a wound, it will sting on the chemicals. I If bus stops were sanitized, more people would say, it will dry and if it isnt, the pain will go away. use buses, which cost money, and the owners would Also, they make natural sanitizers that do not sting. make their money back. So next time you think of taking the bus, Since buses would be busier, more bus service remember this, and your health.

Sickly Bus Stops

By Sam Berman Grade 3

Intro (excerpt)
By Sofia Freedman Grade 4

is missing in action. My moms voice was sad, and I could feel the soggy tears run faster and faster dawn my tear stained face. I could not stop crying. My head filled with good thoughts of Dad. My friend Sage Hi! My name is Grace Retown and I hate my life was moved to Highmount, and I do not see her a lot. It or I did. Well, it changed because of a girl named feels like a river going away in the sad night and you Mimi. So this is my story. will never see your friend or family again. In fact, I I dashed down the court. Im open, I said. My have always been more of a fan of my dad. As I heard best friend Mimi passed me the basketball. I scored a the twins fighting in the back over a Hersheys three pointer. The game was going into overtime! chocolate bar, I realized they had no idea what was Mimi said,That was a great shot, Grace! happening. Thanks, I said to Mimi. I looked at the bleachers. My mom said, I know your dad always came to I scanned the people who were cheering and your basketball games. chanting. I want to tell you I still love you. My coach said, Your mom called me and said Sure! I dont matter to her. that she couldnt make it because of your twin I have some really good news to tell you. Im brothers show and tell. I groaned. having a baby boy!!. I thought mom made it sound I muttered, Great. Mom and Dad think more like it was the best thing ever. She pulled that trick on about my idiotic brothers show and tell. My final me when I was nine saying you are going to have basketball game is just not important to her. My twin brothers. She didnt even say it with emotion. thoughts were broken by my coach. I dont even like the fact that I have two The coach said, Can I put you in the game brothers!!!!! I shouted. again? When I got home, I ran to a place where I could I answered the coach, I would love to go back be alone. That night, I had a dream that my dad was into the game. I scored the winning basket. I heard with me. He was in his army uniform, but I woke up. shouts from the bleachers. Anger filled my body like a volcano eruption. I Mimi cried, Look at the door and you will screamed to myself. I dont think show and tell is see your mom! I could not believe my eyes. even important. I grabbed my Wii remote and threw Moms here! I'm the luckiest eleven year old in it on the ground. I wished something bad would the world. I think, Im the luckiest person in the happen to my family. Well, not Dad or Jack but Mom world. My lucky moment didnt last long because I and Rick my little diva brother. As I had this wish, a was annoyed that she and my twin brothers, Rick and shooting star went by my window... Jack got out of the car. My heart sank. When we got in the car mom told me, Your Dad

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Artwork by Asha Yates Grade 7

Being the Emperor of China (excerpt)

By Toomas Jeyarajah Grade 4

the week off. One day, I saw my dad walk out of the castle, after telling his guards to go defend the city. I was worried, so I went to see Cimsong. He and asked the kings tailor if he had seen I was fifteen when my dad called me over to tell investigated anything kind of strange. The dark-haired tailor was me that I was going to be Emperor of China. wearing a robe with flowers surrounded by a dragon, I raced to my Dads favorite guard, Cimsong and I and he was wearing his extra-pointed shoes. The told him, Im going to be Emperor! Im going to be tailor said, No, I havent seen anything strange. Emperor. And then he said, Calm down. Calm Cimsong said, Well, watch carefully. down. He gave a sigh. Well, that means we should The tailor said, Well, ok, but I dont think youre celebrate. Cimsong pulled out a fortune cookie and right. said, Here. night, while looking out my window, I saw I said, OK and cracked it open. I looked at my my That dad in the courtyard and watched him run toward fortune. It read: "You will take the throne in the end the city. I jumped out of bed and ran into the but...You will go through hard times first with courtyard. I opened the gate and ran after him, but he friends. Look royal and you will find a key secret." was already gone. The next night I saw him leave I showed my fortune to Cimsong, and he said, again, so I ran downstairs. I thought that it was a Go upstairs and look around. good thing not to change into my P.J.s. I ran down to O.K., I said and I ran upstairs. Then I ran into the courtyard. I opened the gate, forgetting to close it, my dads room and went into dresser area. I lifted the and ran. I ran as hard as I could and turned the corner. robe, and to my surprise there was a blade. The blade Then I saw him get onto a horse. I know I could had a symbol on it... a hypnotism symbol! never outrun a horse, so I got onto one, too. The following week, I began to notice that my dad was acting strangely. He wasnt sitting on his throne during important times, he began giving strange orders, and he told the cooks they could have
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The Vegetable Witch

By Alex Calabrese Grade 6

Once upon a time, there was a witch. There are good witches, and there are bad witches. This witch was a bad witch. This bad witch was named Matilda. Matilda lived in a large house in the middle of the woods. But, her house was no ordinary house. Her house was covered in vegetables. Unlike some witches, Matilda hated children, and so she covered her house with vegetables in order to keep the children away. Because of this, Matilda was an outcast among the witches. They would make comments such as Children are so tasty, how do you not like them? and Eww, your house smells bad. This made Matilda very angry. Every time a fellow witch made a rude comment, Matilda would cast a vegetable spell, which would cause vegetables to sprout on the antagonistic witchs clothing. The witch would scream, run away, and send a curse to pester Matilda for the rest of the week. Matilda was tired of these curses. She talked to the witch therapist, who said, Treat unto others as you wish to be treated. If you curse a witch, they will curse you back. Ah, good idea, said Matilda. So, when another witch came to taunt Matilda, she turned them to stone instead of simply cursing them. That way, she said to her therapist, they cant curse me back! The therapist was shocked. This is not what I had in mind! I wanted you to let go of your anger, but you are still doing mean things to other witches! Use your anger in another way, perhaps by redecorating your horrid house! As she realized what she had said, the therapist started to apologize, but it was too late. Matilda had turned her to stone. Soon, Matilda had amassed an extremely large number of stone witches, which she placed in her yard. Soon, almost all of the witches were afraid to cross her in any way. But five brave witches had an idea. They began turning other witches to stone as well. Soon, they had amassed a collection rivaling that of Matilda. Matilda realized this, so one day, she stomped over to the lead witchs house, turning animals, trees, and fellow witches to stone at random. When she arrived at the house, she blew open the door of the house. WHAT WAS THAT FOR, YOU JERK? screamed a voice from another room. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH MONEY THAT COST ME? WHO ARE YOU TO COME INTO MY HOUSE AND BLOW OPEN MY DOOR? EH? EH? Matilda was shocked. Never had Matilda heard anyone speak that way to her since she began turning people to stone. The lead witch came out and narrowed her eyes at Matilda. So, you are Matilda, eh? Not quite as fearsome as I had been lead to
51

believe, eh? Matilda reddened and tried to turn the lead witch to stone, but nothing happened. Oh, dont bother trying to turn me to stone. I have installed an anti-stone force-field in my house, as have my followers. Why have you come? I came here to ask you why you are turning people to stone. That is MY job, and mine alone. Well, to answer your question, we are challenging you. Challenging me? I am older and more powerful than all of you put together. Not to a duel, stupid, said the lead witch. Matilda opened her mouth to protest, but the lead witch stopped her. Uh, uh, uh. Dont interrupt me while I am speaking. Anyway, as I was saying before I was RUDELY INTERRUPTED, I am challenging you to a Yard Contest. What? A Yard Contest. Are you deaf? Over the next 6 months, you, my followers, and I will turn things to stone and place them in our yards. At the end of the 6 months, the witch with the most statues gets everyone elses statues, undying allegiance from the others, and nobody else will ever turn things to stone again, except for the winner. Fine, said Matilda. I accept your offer and shall await your allegiance. And so the contest began. Witches became afraid to step out of their houses for fear of being turned to stone. While the lead witch (Grizelda was her name) and her followers were turning many to stone, Matilda was stuck. Travelers would give the house a wide berth, so Matilda had no opportunity to turn people to stone. She went to the Wise Witch for more details. Why, Wise Witch, is nobody coming near my house? Wait, wait... said the Wise Witch. I see it, yes. The travelers are afraid. Afraid of the bad smells that come from your house. Vegetables. Rotten things, those. In anger, Matilda turned the Wise Witch to stone. When the rest of the witches heard what Matilda had done, they gathered outside Matildas house and yelled. Matilda got so mad that she turned all of them to stone. And because she turned Grizelda and her followers to stone as well, she won the contest. And Matilda was happy!

Davy Crockett Monologue

By Clark Mocek Grade 2

No Fast Food
By Ari Solomon Grade 3

Im Davy Crockett. When I was 15, I started working for a farmer. One day I asked to borrow the farmers rifle. I learned I was a pretty good shot. Before long, I started to win local shooting contests. There was a rumor that one day I saw a raccoon in a tree. I lifted my rifle to shoot and the raccoon didnt move. I said to the raccoon, Why arent you moving? The raccoon replied, You never miss, so please make it quick. Youre mighty polite. I shouldnt shoot you, I said. Well thank you, the raccoon said. And he ran off. Now thats not true but I do like to hunt. Twelve years later, I started to fight a couple battles in the Indian Creek War. In 1814, peace came. Later, I left to fight at the Alamo. On March 6, 1836, I died. I was shot.

Howdy!

Fast food is delicious, but bad for you. Adults and kids shouldnt eat fast food. They should find healthy snacks. It has many different fats that affect you in many different ways. People eat way too much fast food because it costs less and its easy to get. If you dont want fast food, pack something before you leave for a long drive or trip. Too many people eat fast food and get sick. Even though its delicious, its bad for you. For example, people have died earlier than expected to live because of fast food. Dont eat fast food or its going to affect you in one way or another. People get bad stomach aches and they get fatter. Most people love fast food, but even though its delicious, its bad for you. Most people think its the only thing they can eat on the road and if they stop eating it, people will lose their jobs. But the people who work there could just make healthier snacks and if not, they could pack a healthy snack. So in conclusion, eat healthier to be healthier.

Pocahontas Monologue
By Eli Weissman Grade 2

and gave me English clothes. I learned Christianity from a minister where I lived. Thats when I met John Rolfe. Eventually, we married and had a son. There are many versions of my life story. We went to England to visit and to show that the My name is Pocahontas. English and Native Americans could get along. I am an Algonquian Native American peacemaker. When I was in London, I became sick with I am the daughter of a Powhatan chief. pneumonia. One day, I met Captain John Smith from England. At our inn, the innkeeper came with an I loved to visit him in Jamestown, the English announcement that Captain John Smith wanted to settlement. visit me. The Native Americans and English sometimes I was surprised that he was not dead afterall. fought. My husband, John Rolfe, and I decided to return to When I got older, I asked my father if I could go live North America but the doctor said I was too ill for the with my brother in his peaceful tribe. voyage. One day, news came to me that my friend Captain I was never able to see my homeland again because I John Smith had died. died in my sleep. I couldnt believe my ears. I had wanted everyone to live together in peace, with But after 6 months with no contact, I began to think it respect for one anothers cultures and spirits. was true. My goals still inspire people today. One day, I got invited to dinner on one of the ships that brought the English to America. After dinner, I was locked in a room while they sailed to Jamestown. The English wanted to capture me so my father would agree to what they wanted. In Jamestown, they got rid of my traditional clothing
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The Haunted Sleep-Away Camp (excerpt)

By Eitan Avni-Heller Grade 7

I was on the bus, going to Camp Woodgate. The camp that is said to be haunted by some ghost named Fred. What a long bus ride, I thought. The bus ride started about two hours ago. I have been going to this camp for three years now, but I never noticed how far away it was from home. Finally, we got to camp. Really? The middle of nowhere? I heard a new boy named Con say. Theres no one near here, he added. Youll get used to it, I replied. I try to welcome in new campers, and help them get used to the camp. Last year, for example, I helped a friend of mine named Bobby find his way to his cabin. He really enjoyed that, and asked me to give him a tour, and I did. We pulled up to the camp office, and jumped off the bus. The director of camp, Susan Gotuh came out to tell us the only rule. DON'T GO INTO THE HAUNTED WOODS, its dangerous, she said. Yeah, right, I replied. Now, the cabins, Susan said. Cabin 1: Joe, Jake, and Billy. This cabin is placed on Freds grave. He may show himself to you. BE CAREFUL, said Susan. That was me, and Billy- a friend, and Jake- a thief, who steals all my electronics when he has the chance, all in a haunted cabin. I was thinking: is Fred a thief? If he was, that would be a coincidence. That afternoon, Con came up to me. Is your cabin really haunted? It is so run down, and far away from any other cabin, he said.

Do you really believe in Fred? I asked. Yeah, why not? Con replied. Hes a ghost. Ghosts dont exist, I replied. Or do they? Con whispered as he left. Later that night, after we ate dinner, we all sat around the campfire. Sally Hanty and the rest of the girls were singing camp songs, and us boys were talking until James Cugan, a counselor at camp, came to start the telling of ghost stories. The same way that each night goes here at camp. The first story was of Freds death. Long, long ago... At this very camp, Fred Boslin was playing soccer in the middle of camp, when the soccer ball was kicked into the haunted woods. No one was willing to retrieve it, except for Fred. Just as this point of the story was being told, I felt a hand on my back, but no one was there. I shivered in fear. Were ghosts real? I thought to myself. On his way into the haunted forest he said that if he wasnt out in ten minutes, he either didnt find the ball, or died. When these words entered my ears, I felt something on my back again, but no one was touching me. I only saw Susan walking into the office, and then it started. I heard the wind fly through the air, making the limbs on the trees hit each other. I felt strange, like someone was going to kill me. Like there was a feeling that I couldn't explain. I shivered. He was never seen again... Not until a CIT, named Megan saw a pile of bones with a name tag saying Fred Boslin. She had him buried, and a cabin was built on top of the grave. The people in that cabin today are Joe, Jake, and Billy. It always ends with the people in cabin 1. I couldnt walk back to my cabin after that. I was just too scared. my dads glasses to cover my eyes. But that was before Annie Sullivan. She was my teacher. She helped me understand things and she taught me sign language. When I became an adult, I wrote books. I showed the world that you can do whatever you want, even if you are deaf or blind.

Helen Keller Monologue

By Keevan Kearns Grade 2

My name is Helen Keller. I cant communicate like you because I am deaf and blind. Im going to share my thoughts with you. I got scarlet fever when I was young. I survived the sickness but I became deaf and blind. At dinner time, I ate off of other peoples plates. My parents werent teaching me to eat from my own plate. I cried and got angry a lot. I didnt want people to think I was blind so I wore

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Rising (excerpt)
By Wesley Hogan Grade 4

My life is a rip off, said five year old Wesley. Wesley had long hair and was speedy with bows and arrows and was an amatuer. He was diligent and spent his days eating, practicing, eating, and practicing more. In the time it takes for a regular person to shoot one arrow, Wesley could shoot four. Zeus had called out to men to make him strong. Then he touched his head and heard a voice in his head, Come with me, walk north. Father, Im leaving, said Wesley. Wesley was happy that he had his first mission. Son, dont, said Zeus (the head Greek god) but Wesley had jumped! Zeus called on men to call out to Wesley, not to make him leave. He may get stronger, thought Zeus.

Twelve years later, he was still looking for the man who sent the messages, thinking, do I know this man? Suddenly Wesley was ambushed by two young boys. They look my age, thought Wesley. Hands up, said the older looking boy named, Ian. The two boys, Ian and Owen, had buzzcuts and wore robes. Ian pulled out his bow and shot an arrow at Wesley. But at the last second, Wesley back-flipped and kicked the other boy. Owen dropped his bow and arrows. Wesley picked them up and shot Owen in the back. Can I help you? Wesley asked. Yes, can you help me get to Olympus, said Ian. Yeah, said Wesley. How? Ian asked. How? Well, Im the son of Zeus, said Wesley. What! said Ian. You're the son of...? said Ian. Yep, said Wesley. Fine. We will work for now, said Ian.

Artwork by Max Nelson Kindergarten

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More Sleep, More Work

By Seamus Carr Grade 3

Children can focus longer because studies show that children focus longer after a good nights sleep. Parents also need their sleep. If schools open only hour later, parents can sleep in. Schools should open one hour later. Some people say kids need as much school as Some schools open at 7:15 and that is pretty early. they can get, but they also need as much sleep as they Sheridan, for example, opens at 8:15 and that is can get. Kids are losing an hour of school, but schools early, too. could add an extra hour at the end of the day. Children come to school tired because some Kids should get in the habit of getting up early, children do not sleep late enough. Children live far but kids shouldnt start at this age. away. They have to wake up early. So tell whoever makes the schedule to move it up There is more time to study in the morning. an hour later. If they dont finish their homework at night, they can finish in the morning.

Luna-Chia (excerpt)
By Jordan McAuliff Grade 4

Chapter 1 Pureness, and the Way That I Was I stared at the land around me. Many times, I had climbed out my window to escape my familys annoyance over my behavior, but I had never, ever come this far before. In doing so I had discovered something beautiful. The water in the cove was crisp and blue and the plants were exotic and lovely. I spent hours here. Leaping, diving, swimming, enjoying. When I hit the water, my parachute sprung out of my back and guided me across the water. All too soon it ended and then I realized the time. Mama was already expecting me! I tried to run but I slipped on a vine positioned in such a way to wrench me against a rock, slamming my knee and cutting my arm. Oh great. Just what I wanted. I did know that my injuries would take the edge off my familys anger, but they proved that I hadnt been where I was meant to be. I picked myself up and trudged towards home. Before I go further, Id like to tell you a little bit about myself. I live in a cave with my whole family of water pixies. Im a pixie and my name is LunaChia. I have a mama, and all of her sisters and their families live with us. My aunt Bethany has never approved of the way I act. To her, all of my interests are flaws, and my

manners need lots of work. She is very strict and my whole family disapproves of disgraceful humans (no offense). There are some things about humans that I disapprove of. For one thing, they wear CLOTHES. Clothes are processed fabrics, run through machines. We dont wear clothes, just bits of this and that, that wash up on the shore. I dont have a papa. He fell out of his boat into the river before he even knew that Mama was pregnant. No one knows why he couldnt swim home. I dont know much about him, but Mama really misses him. Sometimes, when I come into her room at night, her whole self is filled with such sadness that I think that my chest will explode. Of course, Ive never been in that kind of love, but I can imagine how Mama must feel on those long gray days, alone with nothing but memories. I had a twin sister, no one knew what happened to her. Most of our family members thought that she was carried away by the river. Just like my papa. Every once in awhile, I let myself imagine that my papa and my sister are out there, somewhere, trying to find their way back to us. Oh no, DINNER! Here I was daydreaming about people I dont even know. However, people who Mama cries over. Oh, dont think, just run! I ran all of the way to our cave, then I stopped. There was no one waiting to scold me, and no hustle and bustle. Where was everyone?

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Crack, Crack (excerpt)

By Luke Colella Grade 6

My family had just moved into a house in Cape May, New Jersey. The house was a Victorian classic, with a huge lawn filled with dying trees grey with misery. My brother and I ran inside to explore the house. Thousands of cobwebs drowned us in silk, like a huge spider was entangling us as if we were small, helpless insects. My mother came in and took a deep breath in Smell that refreshing air, Johnny. My brother nodded. He looked at me in secret and made a gagging sound. I laughed silently, trying to keep my emotions inside. I heard a crack, then a high scream. My father came in hunched over like a old man, though he was only 40. I went to explore the house, but still I thought there was something creepy about it. It had an eerie feel to it. I call big room, my brother yelled running up the stairs like a madman. I shook my head sarcastically, then heard a crunch. I looked underneath my foot. I'd stepped on a bone of some sort. Maybe a deer bone, but I had a suspicion I was wrong. When I found a room to stay in, I felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. The room was huge, about four times as big as my old room, but instead of modern furniture, there was Victorian furniture. The problem was, the whole thing was covered in cobwebs. That scared me because even in the safety of my own room, that eerie feeling followed me. I jumped back instinctively as a black widow spider dropped where I had just been standing. I rolled back and hit my head on the bed post. I cried for help, but it was too late. The spider was inching its way towards me, like a hawk closing in on its prey. Suddenly, I heard a shrill scream coming from the front of my room. My mother stood there paralyzed, looking at the spider like she had been expecting this all her life. My younger brother came rushing in, and much to my relief, squished the spider. My mother broke out of her trance, like she had not seen anything. I found my father eating strawberry ice cream that night, while watching a t.v marathon. I felt slightly mad at him, because when I was close to death, he was close to the ice cream truck. He looked at me mysteriously, like he did not know what I was talking about, then went back to watching his

marathon. I fell asleep in fear of getting murdered. I had a dream that night, not a normal dream, either. I dreamed I was in a cavern, with black widow spiders surrounding me. I heard a shrill screech, then a crack. I turned around terrified. What I saw was the mother of all spiders. This spider was bigger then my father, and wider than my old school bully. It had nine sparkling green eyes, and legs hairier than a teacher at my old school. The spider called to me, using a type of morse code, using her legs to tap on the ground. I do not know how, but I picked up death and child. That was all I needed. At that exact moment, I was overwhelmed by spiders. I woke up sweating, sweat drenched my pillow. I ran downstairs, to find the most horrifying thing I have ever seen. My father lay motionless on the couch, a red liquid protruding from a hole in his head. I was paralyzed by fear, then a small spider climbed out of the hole. That was the same spider that almost killed me the day before. I broke out of my trance and ran to my mothers room. I found empty bed covers, no sign of anything. I remembered she had gone to a party, to welcome us, with the new neighbors. I ran to my brothers room to find him sleeping like a log, but just like a log there were cobwebs on it. Cobwebs covered my brother so he looked like a mummy. My brother turned in his sleep and muttered something about spiders. I ran downstairs and opened the door to the garden. The soft breeze hit me like an anvil, and that was the only moment when I felt safe. I ran to the neighbors house, where my mother was. When I knocked on the house, I felt relieved when my mother opened the door to greet me. I told her about what happened, and she screamed like a banshee giving birth. My mother and I went running to the Victorian house, to find my father watching his movie marathon. My mouth gaped open. My mother was angry at me for making her leave the party for a fake thing. Where is your brother? she asked me. I told her that he was sleeping, covered in cobwebs. She chuckled and went upstairs to find my brother snoring like he always does. My mother left the room, and nine sparkling eyes opened up in front of me. You are next it whispered in a hiss. Then I woke up.

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Sprinkler Summer
By Lauren Lemer Grade 3

The mornings of the sunny summer are still bright. As the sun shines through my eyes, I wake up. It is hard to get out of the toasty, warm bed, but I do, I run to the sticky white window and rub my face against it. I see the sun shine up into the blue, airy sky. I run downstairs with big foot-stomps. I grab the railing and slide my hand down the wooden thick stick. I check the downstairs windows. Its a beautiful, sunny, sprinkler day, I say. I run back upstairs and into my room. I run to the closet, reach for the gold handle, and open it with a big bang! as it hits the wall. I grab my bathing suit and slip it on. I find the sprinkler, it is rusted from the cold winter wet rain and hot summer, but its still in good shape. I swish through the door. The beaming, hot sun hits me, its so yellow like a lemon on a tree. I plug the hose into the sprinkler and watch as the lines of water sprout out of the their little circles. When its the right time, I take my first step. I run through the cold, silky water as it drips down on my arms, legs, back, and all over. I jump onto the wet, green grass and it tickles my toes beneath me. The lines of water start to curve at the top and rain on the top of my head. I unplug the hose from the sprinkler with a twist and pull, as the water dies down it gets quiet. Its only 5:00, so I grab a towel and walk inside. Brrrr! I say as I step inside, the cold air -conditioning blows on me. I run upstairs and throw on my pjs and prance into the bed, bongg! I curl myself into a ball and get cozy in my bed. Laura Ingalls Wilder Monologue
By Sabrina Kestnbaum-Cook Grade 2

How to Make Pancakes

Text and art (above) by Owen Egger Grade 1

You get some flour, then you get chocolate chips. You get some eggs, then get milk. Then you mix up the milk in the butter churn. Then you get some syrup. Then you eat it.

Wind Dancer

Text and art (below) by Abby Kelso Grade 1

I am Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was born in Wisconsin in 1867. When I was a child, I lived in the woods and on the prairie. Then we moved to a dugout house next to Plum Creek and lived there for a while. Then we moved to De Smet, South Dakota. We experienced bad prairie fires. Then I became a teacher. After a while, my family and I moved to Missouri. I kept a special writing desk where I wrote my first story. We moved to Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri. Several years later, I wrote the Little House series. These books helped to make me a famous childrens author.
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Run till youre sleepy. Lie down on the grass. Wind on you back. As the clouds pass. The wind dances.

005 (excerpt)

By Lucy Netchvolodoff Grade 4

The Worst Hour of My Life Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock the clock goes. I cant wait to get out of the jailhouse, otherwise known as school, and go home and watch Correct! with Chuck Chowy. Im in Chemistry now and all I can think about is the game show. B-b-bring, bring! The bell rings. Finally, I can go home. Once Im off the grounds, I start to think about what position Ill play in softball. The season has just started and I always make the team. Swoosh! Johnny, your skateboard is too much! My braid was all messed up and now my brown hair needs repair. I pick up my high top and Im off, past Strosnyders hardware and Firehook bakery, past Medium Rare and Bubbles hair salon. Finally my house is in sight, I can go to a mirror. The Weirdest Stranger I Have Ever Met Hey Dad! No reply, I decide to go to the kitchen, he might be cooking and cant hear. Daddy, arent you excited for tonight! Nothing, no Hey Hitty! or I cant wait to hear Chuck Chowy! Nothing. Hi! Ahh! an unfamiliar face pops in front of me. Hi Anna. Im Sylvie, but you can call me Sylvie! Isnt this exciting! Whats so exciting? I say in a mocking tone. Oh, right, you dont know. This is not so fun, Anna, why dont you sit down. What are you doing here? Ill explain that, now sit down! Alright, alright, I say with an edge. Your father is a secret agent. While saying this Sylvie looked affectionately at the portrait of my father. Ah, whah?! A secret agent. He never told you to keep you safe. If you knew, you would live in fear. How could he be a secret agent, he was here all the time! You know what Im gonna get a plane ticket for you right now. All Im thinking of right now is to get this person out of my house. Ugg! No seats on any plane available tonight. No seats tonight, so I guess you can spend the night here Sylvie. Okay, but please let me cook dinner, I have the most amazing tomato sauce recipe! Alright. I rush upstairs and fix up my hair quick. I need to get downstairs, I dont want Sylvie burning the house down. I need a cover up. I see my book and grab it. La, la, la la, la!
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My Hormones Kick In (I Wish) I sit on a stool next to the kitchen and watch her cook. Rob always said to add tomato paste, then the corn starch. Wait... a minute, Sylvie, whos Rob? Your dad of course!She blushed, thats just plain weird. Anyway, anybodys dad could be named Rob, she could be confused. Just to make sure, The corn starch, when my dad taught it to you, what did he call it at first? Corn flour! I know crazy right? My dad would only entrust the secret ingredient in his recipe to someone he really trusted. I cant help but think that corn flour proves her right. I believe her, now I need to learn more. Sylvie? Yeah Anna. Well, I changed my mind, tell me all about my Dads secret life. The Big News From the Weird Stranger Well, first please sit down. Now he never told you to keep you safe-- I know, now go to the good part. Well, I was his apprentice and I have never been on a mission before! Okay Sylvie calm down, she is so cra-cra. Sylvie, wheres my father now? Hes been captured by the evil Dr. Pedro! My mind blanks, no! Why cant it be another girls life thats torn up in 5 seconds. He was on a mission and he fell in a trap. Hell be fine, only if you try and save him. Me? I know nothing about being a secret agent! Ill teach you and its in your blood! Alright, shouldnt there be a headquarters or something where we get weapons? Yes, but Ive never been there. WHAT?! You said you were an agent! No, an apprentice. Apprentices arent allowed in headquarters. Well then, how do we get more info? The agent left me a clue to the route. Okay, what is it? Metal cages not for creatures. fruits and veggies, one of many features Jump over the brook and you get to France. Now find the bread for fancy pants.

Angry Birds

Text and art (right) by C.J. Hanauer Grade 1

Abraham Lincoln Monologue

By Jackson Groves Grade 2

1. Get a pencil and paper. 2. Draw a circle. 3. Draw a triangle. 4. Draw a dragon.

I, Abe Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States, stopped slavery. I worked very hard to become a lawyer. Later, I became a president. It was very hard work. I brought the north and south to war to stop slavery. The war was called the Civil War. It was one of our countrys longest wars that we ever fought. I signed the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery. I changed laws in the United States and made a difference in our country.

Testing a Time Machine (excerpt)

By Marcus Kamen Grade 4

Chapter 1: The Sign A guy named Oliver is walking through the park, and then he teleports unexpectedly! He thinks his teleporter might have malfunctioned and he went somewhere he thought was 2000 years in the future. Then he teleports back. In the year 28004, there are flying cars, sky cities, and people with rocket boots. The technology is very advanced. The world sounds like things malfunctioning, looks like wires all over the place, and smells like a lot of iodine all around. Now to get back to the story. Oliver is a tall thin man whos the opposite of ugly. Oliver hears a big flash and squints his eyes. When he goes to the other side, he finds a sign to test a time machine. He thinks about what could happen if he does it. Oliver thinks hes going to be famous. The next day, he runs to get to the time machine guy just in case anyone else tries to come. Chapter 2: The 1st Test Oliver runs to the time machine guy. He bursts open the door and yells, Where's the time machine!? I will tell you, said the time machine guy. Oliver now finds out he is luckily the first person to

come to test the time machine. He meets the maker of the time machine whose name is Alex. Alex looks like an average man. Alex tells him what he has to do. He explains,Heres what you should do. Go inside and close the door. Type in what date you want to go to, then press Away we go. Then you will time travel to wherever you go. Go to 1912 so if you get lost, Ill help. Oliver went in the time machine and typed in 1912 then pressed Away we go. He started shaking and shaking, then finally stopped. Chapter 3: Into the Past When Oliver stopped, he looked out of the time machine. He found out he was in 1912! He got very confused. He didnt know what anything was. He heard people talking with some words he didnt know. He saw people wearing confusing things. Oliver actually doesnt see any horses. Oliver tries to ask people what things are, but no one listens. Finally, he talks to a nice old man who told him what everything was. So then Oliver walked through the town to find something to do. Then, he froze, Oliver saw a sign to test the automobile. He asks himself if he should test it. He gets really curious on what a automobile is. So he says yes with a capital Y in his head. And so, he sets off to find the automobile guy.

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Artwork by Zoe Oboler Grade 5

George Washington Monologue

By Thomas Luck Grade 2

Niccolo Paganini (excerpt)

By Sofia Pereira Grade 6

Hi. My name is George Washington. I was born in 1732. When I was 8, I was reading books like chapter books. I got better and better at reading. Then I was learning math. One of the things that I did was learning about a compass - like north, east, south and west. I had a little trouble reading a compass but I got better and better. Then I was great at using a compass. I was a major in the military. I fought in a war to make the French leave North America. I tried as hard as I could. Our side won! My work was done. Then something amazing happened. I became the first president of the United States.

My Amazing Question Have you ever wondered who developed the modern violin technique? Who wrote some of the most technically difficult pieces for the violin? These are all questions that can be answered with one word, Paganini. Many people have never even heard his name mentioned in all the years of their lives. How can such an influential violin virtuoso have gone unnoticed throughout the years? What happened that the pillar of modern violin technique was forgotten among Bach, Vivaldi, and others? These are some of the many reasons that I chose Paganini as my research topic. I wanted to show people how great this person really was, how much he influenced the music that is now played today. When I was coming up with ideas for my question, I realized that I mostly had questions about Paganinis life. I didnt want to quite go in that direction, I wanted to show people how important Nicolo Paganini really was. I chose the question Why is Paganini important? as my research question.
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Last Breath ofAir

By Ben Kaslow-Zieve, Eddie Scott and Gerard Hormiga Grade 8

Drifting in and out, Life hanging in the balance. Memories, sadness, joy. A darkness reaches towards me, Extending an arm that is easy to reach for... But impossible to escape. A light Small, yet bright. Shining in through the window of death. I strain to grab hold of it. Attempting to consume it like a child starving during a famine His thin hand the only meat he sees. But it is elusive And easily avoids me. Everyone feels the darkness eventually. The starving child feels it slowly creep towards him like shadows Cast by the sun setting over the mountains under which he rests. The old man feels it snatch him quickly from the light, As if someone had flipped a switch. Almost numb to it. The soldier runs toward it half-willingly, Assuming arrogantly that they will not succumb to it. The man drowning attempts to breathe one more time But he swallows water, as darkness swallows him. Quickly and quietly, drowning in his own despair. I know death is coming, I hear her silent footsteps, Im too old and tired to avoid her So I fall into her arms, A dark and quiet peace remembering my past, imagining a future that I know I wont see.

It lives in cemeteries populated by those who dont deserve to be there yet. It breathes through those that it craves. It feeds on the thousands who enter its cold grasp every day, Not knowing they are on their way to their graves. The light is always there too, Surrounding the kids running and playing. Emanating from the loving parents watching them. Light is the noise of a city The serenity in the mountains. And the calmness of the countryside. But there is a moment, When the starving child is teetering on the brink, As the bullet heads toward the soldier, The panic as the heart stops The last breath of air. This is where I am. I reach for the light and grab it. Enough to open my eyes to a pile of rubble. But the thin stream becomes fluid and falls through my clenched hand. Leaving me with hope, yet knowing Im in trouble. But the energy this life demands I can not muster. So as I sink slowly into black, I think back and try to cluster All these memories into one moment. But at least I wont suffer For this dark poison is potent. And in my last second, I wonder if I was just deaths pawn If they will remember what I spent my life on. But it doesnt matter, Cus now I am gone.

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All About Tennis

Text and art (left) By Jadran Saric Grade 1

How to hit a forehand: 1. Go to the ready position and split step. 2. Turn your shoulders. 3.Your racket is under the ball 4. End on the other side of neck. How to hit a backhand 1. Go to the ready position and split step. 2. Turn your shoulders. 3. Your racket under the ball. 4. End on the other side of your neck.

How to hit a serve: 1. Right hand hold the racket one foot in front of the other. 2. Left hand holding the ball. 3. And start the motion. 4. And hit the ball and finish the motion.

More Sports, More Fun!

By Henry Cheetham Grade 3

There should be more sports courts, fields, and areas around the country. There arent enough sport areas anywhere. If there were more sports fields and courts, people could pass time and have more fun. Sometimes, people go outside all ready to go, but they cant find anywhere to play! If there are two or more groups of people and they want to play different sports, there probably are not enough places to play. Some people dont have the option of being fit. With more sports courts and places to play, people could get more fit. There are other ways to get fit besides playing sports, like eating healthy. Some people dont like to play sports. There are probably so many sports that you didnt know about, at least one you will like and fits your needs. If you dont want to play a sport, you can watch sports instead. Playing sports is a great job and it earns a lot of

money. If you cant find a job, but you like or play sports, you can sign up for a club or if youre good, play competitively. Some people think that extra space should be used for other things, like offices, restaurants, and lots else. While that might be nice, playing sports is a great job without an office, and most facilities have cafs or snack bars. Some people say that big sports areas destroy the environment. With that concern in mind, architects will tear down old and unnecessary buildings and use that space, not the woods. A few people might think that there is no use to playing sports. Well, that is completely not true, there are tons of reasons to play sports, but a few of them are: getting fit, having fun, and making friends. Supporting sports is important and you can help by building facilities and passing-on the idea. If you want a happy, healthy life, please support sports courts and fields to have more fun.

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I Guess the Maya Were Right, After All (excerpt)

By Tillman Lanyi Grade 5

The plane touched down on the runway at Khandar International Airport. Knight stepped off the 707 and immediately the heat overwhelmed him. Khandar sat squarely on the equator, a completely different atmosphere from the cold November weather in the District of Columbia. Jet lag had completely drained him, and he was anxious to get into his air conditioned hotel room. There was a small pub at the terminal. The television was broadcasting, so he sat down at the bar. Hello, I am Jack Johnson, broadcasting live from Khandar. The Zirat rebel network has launched an attack on government based companies and organizations. The government has countered by assaulting on the Zirats base in downtown... The bartender asked Knight if he was interested in a drink. Knight handed him a credit card and was given a bottle. He took a swig and turned his attention to the television again. Meanwhile, the Zirats have stolen a nuclear trigger. This is a huge setback for the government. The rebels could now create a nuclear weapon using Khandars vast uranium fields, which would be a death sentence for the Prime Minister... Knight finished the bottle, tossed it into the trash can. It hit with a metallic ring, and he walked out of the airport. * * * The service elevator obviously hadnt been used for years. The feeble incandescent light bulb couldnt stay on for more than five seconds, and the walls of the steel box were grated. Knight saw the rock walls of the elevator shaft. The rickety old crate stopped somewhere too dark for Knight to see. He waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness and saw the dank service tunnel in the quarter-light. Two guards walked around the corner. Knight slipped behind a hot water tank. You think some uns ere? said a heavily accented voice. Maye. I eard some in. Let's turn on e spotlights, said the next guard. Keh, said guard number one. Guard number two walked out of the room. A minute later, guard number one followed suit. Knight stepped out from behind the tank. Four security cameras swept the tunnel. Knight cursed.

He walked up to a camera, being careful to avoid the sweeping light. There was a port on the camera. Knight opened it. Inside were three batteries and a gauge that said in big, red capital letters: MAX 20 VOLT At that moment, Knight knew what to do. He dodged light beams going from camera to camera, removing the batteries that werent permanently attached to the power case. He went back and forth, making combinations with the batteries that amounted to twenty volts. One by one, the hum of machinery fell silent. Knight walked down the service tunnel. He opened a grate in the ceiling, climbed up through it, and replaced the grate on the floor. He continued down the hallway until he came to a door marked 13M. There was an electronic lock on the door. Knight didnt have the time to crack the lock. Instead, he put a small chip into it. It beeped, and he pulled the chip out. The door opened with ease. The basement office was large. There was a trunk in one corner. Drawers and shelves lined the walls. A desk and chair sat in the middle of the room. Next to the chest, a safe stood on a low table. It might as well had been an elephant with the word score written in capital letters. Knight walked to the safe and examined the lock. There were four different combinations that needed to be put in to the safe to make it possible to open. Whoever owned this was probably up to their neck in money. The safe probably also had a glass relocker, a sheet of glass on the inside of the safe. When it shattered, the safe locked up for good. For Khandar, he thought as he began his work. He guessed it would take him about thirty minutes to crack the safe. It took longer than he expected. When the safe opened, all that there was was a small glass case, but the case was not the prize: the prize was in the case. What a prize it was! The trigger. With this prototype, the Zirats could create an armada of nuclear weapons. This was what he was looking for, all right. But proof? How was Knight supposed to get proof that the Zirats were behind the trigger heist?

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Adventures in Central Park (excerpt)

By Ella Farr Grade 4

Sitting on a bench in New York City is a little orphan girl, with big brown eyes and a smile like the sun that lit up the world even if it was a rainy day, wearing pretty earrings. However, the bench has been transformed into a bit of a fort, with blankets draped on it. Next to her, there is a regular silver shopping cart that she found on the street, which she uses to keep her belongings in. You usually find her on her little bench, because she has a lot of pretty things and she is worried that kidnappers might be interested. One day while the little girl, Allie, was taking a walk around the block as she did every day, she heard a voice saying, Excuse me, maam. Scuse me sir, Sorry!! It was a strange voice and it seemed to be in a hurry. When he got to her, she could see that it was a boy about her age but much shorter. As he passed, she reached out and stopped him. She said, Are you alright? Just then he fell on his face, there and then, out of his mouth, came a sound like a fingernail on a chalkboard. Allie gaped, and a crowd of adults around them began asking, Are you alright, are you alright?! Allie remembered that she had her first aid kit. She snapped out of her trance and calmly got out the first aid kit from the knapsack she kept for occasions as such this. Here is a bandaid for your head, she smiled generously. Lets go back to the bench in Central Park that I keep all my important stuff on. I have some ice. The boy, whose name was John, nodded meekly.

On the walk to the bench in Central Park, they heard a low bark and a sand colored labrador came loping out of the bushes. After they completely patted her down for a collar or some sort of identification, they walked her home. Then they went to the pet store to buy some food for her. Later, they decided that she needed a vet-- she was limping and they found a burr in her paw. At the vet the vet gave her a much dreaded shot. She jumped off the table and ran around the office, upsetting the cats, birds, and other dogs at the office. Eventually, they caught her and left. Then, after Johns face had stopped swelling, they went to the absolutely AWESOME zoo. It had cotton candy and A LOT of animals (it was in Central Park, that was the one and only thing John really wanted to do). After two or three days of fun and treats, then sleeping in a tent, John woke up and his face was swollen like a balloon and it was so red it looked like it was on fire. Allie screamed and a nice rich lady who had one child came running over and said, What happened? Allie relayed the events since she met John. The woman said she was a nurse and it looked like the boo boo was badly infected and he needed to go to the hospital. But we cant afford the hospital, Allie thought, right as the woman (who had said her name was Mrs. Foxworthy) cried, Ill bring some liquid medicine to this hotel. Here is the address. Allie jumped up so high her neon orange skirt and electric blue shirt flew up and she landed 3 feet from where she started. It took a minute for her shoulder length golden curls to stop bouncing. I almost forgot. But by any chance, can we bring our dog? Shellie came running. Of course Mrs. Foxworthy said.

Artwork by Ben Adomaitis Grade 4

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Libby Riddles Monologue

By Lucy Perl Grade 2

How to Make a PB and J Sandwich

Texts and art (below) by Clara Lieppe Grade 1

Get a hold of the materials and get on the Have you ever heard of the Iditarod. countertop. Spread the peanut butter and jelly onto The Iditarod is a sled dog race. the bread pieces. Smoosh the pieces together and eat My name is Libby Riddles. it up. DONT SMOOSH TOO HARD! I am the worlds first female Iditarod winner. When I discovered the Iditarod, I was a kid, a long time ago. Back then, I had many brothers and sisters and pets. I was an animal lover. I was planning to have a farm of my very own, but that never happened. I got interested in the Iditarod instead. I believe in my dogs so much. I know they do their best for me. I take a lot of risks. When there is a blizzard on the way, I push through it. Pushing through storms is the hardest thing Ive ever done. In 1985, when I finally reached the finish line, I was so happy I could have screamed. I won trophies and medals. It was the happiest day of my life. I pushed myself. That is the way you fight for what you want. Have you ever pushed yourself for something youve dreamed of?

Time for a Yummy Time!

Text and art (right) by Campbell McClellan Grade 1

All About Making Valentines Cakes & Cookies 1. Start with dough. 2. Use juice 3. Mold it into the shape of a heart. 4. Put frosting on the cookie. 5. Put sprinkles on, too! All about Making play Valentines Cookies 1. Start with dough. 2. Pour a little out. 3. Mold it into a shape of a heart. 4. Put frosting on the cookie, put sprinkles on too! You have a Valentines Cookie! Yummy!

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Two Bullets Wont Stop Me

By Kate Williams Grade 7

I watch your class By the side of the road. Im a girl. Im strong. Im Malala. I want to learn more about Things like Geometry And even physics too. So I cant understand why You dont want me to join your school. You know, Ive been wondering lately, Trying to figure out just how it could be That you never seem to want Education to be part of me. You Dont want me to succeed. Doing what I want You tried to kill me Thats why I was shot A bullet in my neck Another in my head You swear that next time Ill be Dead. I am a local hero Fame surrounds me day and night Bloggers say Get well Malala! Keep up The fight. You know,

Ive been wondering lately, Trying to figure out just how it could be, That you never seem to want Education to be part of me. I live next door to you, you are a girl like me. You want an education too, But your parents wont let it be. They have still traditional views. Girls don't belong in school. No brain power would be put to use. Tending to the mule. Youre just another girl A small speck on this earth. At least thats what all the others say. But you know what youre worth. You can do great things But only if you try. You have to spread your wings To let them touch the sky. You know, Ive been wondering lately Trying to figure out just how it could be That our families are not alike. Yet we are almost identical, you and me. Last night I had a dream It reminded me whats right That nothing can ever stop A girl in all her might. Two bullets wont stop me. Keep me from what Ill find, That my destiny Can always truly be mine.

Ruby Bridges Monologue

By Marta Weigand-Vera Grade 2

Benjamin Franklin Monologue

By Jared Baughns Grade 2

When blacks and whites were separated, I Ruby Bridges, went to a white school. Meanwhile, I had black skin. I went up the steps of the school with two police officers. A lot of people gathered in front of the school and yelled at me because they didnt want me to go to the school. But I wanted to go to school, so I went up the steps. I prayed before and after school for courage, strength and to get through troubles. There were protests but I didnt stop going to school. I went there as long as I could. I taught people that no matter what color their skin was, they could be together.

I, Ben Franklin, invented a lot of things you might know. For example, I invented fins that go on hands to help people swim faster. Do you know how I proved that lightning was made of electricity? I flew a kite in a thunderstorm. I also invented a stove called the Franklin stove. It heated a room better than a regular fireplace. I wrote Poor Richards Almanack. This gave information on the weather, recipes, and it had important dates. My brother, James, ran a newspaper. Using a different name, I wrote articles for that paper. When my brother found out that I wrote them, he was mad and didnt let me write for the paper anymore. I was a scientist, an inventor and a printer.
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Guided by Spirits (excerpt)

By Nicholas Lampietti Grade 4

Forward Leon Link, world explorer and adventurous dare devil, was kicking back in his e320 recliner chair admiring the view from his LA high rise apartment. Click. He turned on the tv, absentmindedly flipping through channels. Suddenly his beady eyes turned to the tv. Breaking news, a girl named Malia Chia, who went missing ten years ago, is believed to be on one of the remote Indonesian islands. A $100,000 reward has been offered for whoever can find her and bring her back to Jakarta. Click! Well, looks like I am shipping off to Indonesia. Chapter 1 The wind was whistling through the trees, the waves crashing against the rocks, one eye staring out of a jungle of green. Pitter patter, rough, calloused feet creeping towards the waters edge, with coal black hair rippling behind. I kneel down cupping my hands to quench my thirst. I pause for a moment, taking in the island's natural beauty. Pitter Patter. I race towards the ocean rocks riming the island and pose just before the water's edge. Clik clik clik. I stare down the ocean rocks. There, leaping freely on the horizon are dolphins, magnificent gray, beautiful creatures, alive with wonder. I call to them they echo back, and so I scramble down the slippery rocks to the water's edge. They speed toward me with their dorsal fins just breaking the water. Suddenly, I am surrounded by the clicking and chirping of dolphins. They are all there. Thunder, the leader, fierce with pride and boldness. Then comes Steel, Ash and Rainbow, the rough and curious teenagers who are forever exploring. Next, Sandy the

youngest male of about five moons, followed by Saphier, Calusa, Ripple, and Marina the care-free, wise adult females. All the dolphins old and young, of various personas, making up one whole family. I dive into the water and let the cool, fresh liquid engulf me. I bob up and grab onto Sapphire and Ash's dorsal fins and let them swiftly glide me through the water. As the sun rises higher in the sky I splash up against the rocks not wanting to leave the warm crystal clear water. I bid them a farewell and light heartedly skip up through the mangroves to my territory. It is nothing all too fancy, just a clearing, a place to renew my strength. Now, what for lunch? After much debating I indulge on grilled catfish bathed in coconut milk and sea salt. It is the perfect way to relax after a busy morning. Chapter 2 Soaring into Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia was Leon Link lounging in first class. As the plane came to a halt outside the gate, the door was slid open and warm air engulfed him as he dismounted to the ground. A porter handed him his luggage and he proceeded to make his way to the airport exit. Outside, a limousine was waiting to take him to the harbor. As he was chauffeured down the dirt highway he thought what a disgrace, crumbling brick, moldy wood, and everything in between. He pulled up to the harbor, got out of the limousine and walked up to the boat. There the mayor was patiently waiting for him, Thank you for taking this risk to go out and find our Malia. Without further ado he made his way up onto the boat and settled himself for the long journey ahead. As the island moved farther into the distance he thought to himself, could this be more than bringing back a girl?
Artwork by Abby Kelso Grade 1

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Artwork by Liam McCabe Grade 1

Buffalo Bill Monologue

By Joshua Weisman Grade 2

Martin Luther King Jr. Monologue

By Daniel Farber Grade 2

Hunting was the way I spent most of my time. My name is Buffalo Bill. When I delivered mail, I had to go hundreds of miles without water and there were bandits on the path. It was hard to pass these challenges, but I was tough and brave. During the Civil War, I fought for the military. After I fought, I won the Medal of Honor. Some people challenged me to kill three buffalo. If I did, I could win the best horse in the west. I did it! So from then on, I had the best horse in the west. Later, I owned a rodeo show that showed the real wild west. There were real Indians and it was outdoors. I was well known for shooting buffalo and thats how I got my nickname - Buffalo Bill.
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I had a dream. One day all black people will be free. One day there will be equal rights for all people. I said a famous speech about my dream. Can you guess who I am? (pause) Yes, I am Martin Luther King Jr. In my childhood, I loved sports. One day I was stopped from playing with my white friends. I wanted to change the laws and turn the world upside down. When I grew up, I became a minister. I demanded fair laws for black people. I protested and spoke against the laws they had then. I was a powerful speaker and a great leader. I led protests. I believed no fighting - just peace. I led many marches for freedom. Eventually, my goals were met. I turned the world upside down

Artwork by Jessica Kamen Grade 8

Sitting Bull Monologue

By Madi Miller Grade 2

World of Dreams (excerpt)

By Miranda Rothberg Grade 4

I am the great Sitting Bull! I am a Native American who grew up in Dakota. I belonged to the Hunkpapa tribe. Before I became a warrior, I did the bravest thing a warrior a could do. At a battle, I hit a Crow warrior with a long, red stick called a coup stick. After we got back to our camp, the chief declared me as a Hunkpapa tribe warrior. Soon after the battle, the white men came. They built roads, towns and forts. The soldiers tried to take us to a reserve. We were not free to hunt our food. Some tribes wanted to fight together with one chief as leader. They chose me. They gave me a strong horse and a long headdress. The white men had many soldiers and they killed many of ours. Finally, I knew it was hopeless. I said, We have to turn back. Only cowards surrender, one of my warriors yelled. I got off my horse and smoked my peace pipe. In 1876, the famous soldier named George Custer underestimated us. He was wrong. We killed him! I was a great chief and led my people to victory many times.

Its just the beginning. In a small town, once there is a girl named Tori. She is 10 yrs. old, she has wavy brown hair, blue eyes, she's adventurous and curious and she's funny sometimes, but really smart. This is her story of a mysterious tale and adventure. I will tell this mysterious exciting story to you: Once upon a town, there was a girl and her cat and a very unlikely dragon... Good afternoon, Lily, Tori says, getting up from her nap. Lily, her cat, gets up and says, Hi Tori! AHHH!!!! What am I doing on the doorstep! Lily? Why are you-but-you UUUGGGHHH!! Why are you talking!? Tell me, tell me! Am I crazy, or what? Tori yells. Hi Tori! This is going to freak you out so do- What do you mean dont freak me out? You are a talking cat, Lily, and youre my REAL CAT!! So I have to stick with you for the rest of my life! Tori, listen. Let me speak or else Im going to stick duct tape on your face. Lily holds up a roll of rainbow duct tape by her tail. It says, LILY ROCKS in bold black. Fine. So anyways, youre going to see me in a lot of your dre- Lily began. Then at the last minute, she quickly fades away.

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The Forcing (excerpt)

By Elise Van Meter Grade 4

start hitting on. I see all of the roaring tigers and beastly lions. One tiger in the right corner is making a face like get me out of here! Thats exactly how I feel with Ross pushing me Chapter One - Ugh... again! around all of the time. Its the same face I make when I twirled my red hair around my finger. I was tired I say bye to my friends and hop into Rosss car. from playing football all day. The smell of the barn After dinner, I went to bed. I heard a noise outside was springy and the sun shone through the windows, and I yelled, Not funny, Ross. making the sun shine in just the right way to make When he didnt respond, I walked into his room the barn sparkle. and poked him in the He didnt laugh or stir. I Alisson, come out from the barn, we are going to walked into my sister side. Kates room and she was sound the zoo! I might get a girlfriend today! Ross calls. I asleep with all of her pranking tools (ropes, glue, make my eyes roll all of the way around and hop into gooey stuff and break away furniture --she also has the car. I wish Ross could sometimes leave me alone! whoopie cushions) that she uses to prank Ross when He can get a girlfriend without my help! And my 16- she is mad at him, are there. I walked back to my year-old brother was already in the front with the room. The next morning I went to school. First I had heated seats while I only have the seat in the back to feed the horses. When I was carrying the water with no heat or luxury goods. Ross was yelling at me, the stalls, I spilled water on my shoes and shirt. to saying that Im the reason that he never has a Great, just great, now Marie (my arch enemy) was girlfriend. going to laugh at me. After the ride in the car, I get out and smell the When I walked into school, as usual, Marie was fresh new spring smell, like a new start. I run to the waiting by the door to see what she could make fun Big Cats section while Ross is looking for a girl to of me for and how.

The Big Trip

Text and art (above) by Olivia Berman Kindergarten

I was so excited. I was going to Paris, France and Ireland. I left school early. I saw my cousins at the airport - a 5 month baby and a 3 year old. Finally our plane was leaving. I got my seatbelt on and the plane took off. We were on the plane for 7 hours. It was a night flight. We got to Paris, France at 6:30 am in the morning. I did not have breakfast. We went to the hotel. It took a long time to get to the hotel. When we got to the hotel, it was 8:30 am. We unpacked and it was 12:00 already. We went to lunch. That night my mom got us tickets to the Eiffel Tower. That night we went to dinner on the first floor and I had mousse pudding for dessert, and then we went to the top of

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the Eiffel tower and the city looked like a toy. The next day we got up early so we could make it to the plane to Ireland. We went to brunch at 11:00 but we did make the plane. They had shrimp. I dont like shrimp. And if I remember correctly they had pudding and I ate that. It was yummy. After that, it was about 20 minutes until we arrived in Ireland. When we got to Ireland, we drove to the rental car place. After that we went to farm where my Great Great Nana grew up. I got to see a calf and we have a picture of me holding onto a tree with stones. After that we got back in the car and we went to the castle. Oh I did not tell you about the castle. Ashford Castle. We were staying there for two days. The next day we went to the falconry. I went with my cousin and my brother and mom. This is how it worked. You had a glove. You would hold the bird. The bird would fly away. It would come back to you. Two days later, we went to a different hotel where the wedding was. Oh I did not tell you about the wedding. The wedding was the whole reason we came. Well the next night there was a big wedding for my moms cousin. It went until 4:00 in the morning. And then came the day we had to go home. We went to Paris for one more day but we got there at 9:00 pm. We went to dinner but I fell asleep for dinner so I had ice cream for dinner. We had to get up early. It was 6:30 am. Finally it was time to go. We went on the plane but as a souvenir I got a little Eiffel Tower. The plane landed. I was home again and I will never ever forget that trip. The End.

Les Saisons
By Alex Satola Grade 8

Printemps Le froid est parti La belle est ici Mais, le temps orageux Va et vient. Les gens sont heureux Les enfants courent et jouent Il fait un peu de vent Et un peu de soleil. Les belles fleurs Elles sont assises dans lherbe molle Leurs ptales calmes dansent dans la brise Les fleurs sont patientes Elles attendent un jour de pluie. t Peut-tre un jour, je men irai Les journes d't prs de la piscine tincelante Et les nuits d't Les insectes bruyant Et les jours remplis de soleil. C'est un pige cruel Parfois, vous pouvez tre ennuy en t C'est parce que vous avez trop de temps Ne vous inquitez pas aujourd'hui Automne sera l demain.

Automne Cest difficile se rintgrer dans le monde de travail Mais vous tombez tout de suite en place Il y a aussi autre chose qui tombe Les feuilles vertes Soudain, ils sont de couleur rouge, jaune et marron Le changement est bon Le monde est plein de cadeaux Il est maintenant temps d'tre nerveux Le ciel est nuageux et le ciel est gris Les vestes sont achets Le froid infiltre le monde Le monde est courageux accepter le changement Ainsi, vous tes. Hiver Les feuilles ont disparu Les choses sont encore en baisse blanc Le blanc est en baisse neige L'hiver, comme toutes les autres saisons est sournois Sauf qu'au lieu d'une agrable surprise il gle et il fait triste Les gens avec un coeur froid, restent froid et solitaire l'hiver offrant une petite consolation Chaque anne, les gens avec un coeur chaud. Donnent et recoivent. Et ils restent confortables.

Artwork by Ellie Kimmelman Grade 8

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Elvis Presley Monologue

By Ben Schirmeier Grade 2

Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender and Blue Suede Shoes. But in 1958, I was drafted into the army and I was no longer a rock star. I, Elvis Presley, introduced rock and roll to the world. Then when I was done serving in the army, bands In fact, people like my music so much they called me like The Beatles had been inspired by my music. the King of Rock and Roll. They made big hits and people forgot about me. I was born very poor and my house was small and But in 1968, I made my big comeback. broken down. I was handsome, I grew my hair long and I was Elvis My family did have enough money for me to go to again. school though. I got older, I gained a lot of weight. To make a little money, I sang in the choir at church. Then My lips got puffy and I couldnt fit in my clothes. People in the church loved my voice so I went to Sun I was embarrassed. Studios where I sang for the manager with no One time, I collapsed and had to go to the hospital. hesitation. But they couldnt cure me, so I died. Then he told me to sing for Scotty Moore, a local They didnt want people to know how I really died, guitar player. so they told a different story. So I went to Scottys house and showed up with a They said I had heart problems but really I took a lot black shirt, pink pants and white shoes. of drugs and medicines when I didnt need them. I looked a little crazy. That made me sick. I sang for him and he made records of me singing. It was a bad end to my career as the King of Rock So I started a band and we made an album. and Roll. Some big hits I made were songs like Hound Dog,

Frederick Douglass Monologue

By James Gaeta Grade 2

Amelia Earhart Monologue

By Sophia Champion Grade 2

I was born into slavery. I never got to know my parents. Like most slaves, I lived in a very small, rough cabin with dirt floors. I used to sleep in a grain bag. I hated not being free! I ran away and got on a train to New York that brought me to freedom. I traveled to one hundred public meetings around the country. I talked about the cruel way of slave life. My speeches were very good. My sons were some of the first blacks to fight in the Civil War. I spoke to President Lincoln to ask that the black soldiers would get paid more, since they were getting harder jobs and less pay. I gave many more speeches about equal rights. I helped change the world!

I am Amelia Earhart and I am going to tell you how airplanes changed my life. My inspiration for flying airplanes started when my friend and I saw an airplane for the first time. We were both 10 years old when we went to an airshow. My friend ran because the airplane pilot scared her by pretending he was going to hit her with the airplane. When I grew up, I got married to a man named Fred. Fred was actually my flight helper. When I got my license to fly, only a dozen other women in the world had their licenses to fly. After I started flying, I taught kids about my flights. One day, when I was trying to take a flight around the world, my last words were heard over my flight radio. Give me the weather! Ive got to know the weather! Gas is running low! I was never heard from again.

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The Doll (excerpt)

By Aves Mocek Grade 6

Goodnight, honey. See you in the morning, my mom said. I waved a little goodbye and she shut the door. My name is Molly and I am 11 years old. My mom gave me this new Barbie doll one week before my dad died last month. I couldnt stop crying for three weeks. All I wanted to know was how it happened. I haven't told anybody but I think it was my doll that did it. I fell asleep with her on my right arm and woke up with her on my dresser. I wish my mom would stop crying. It isnt helping the fact that he died. I think my Barbie killed him because he called her stupid and a piece of junk. My mom found Dad the next morning in the dining room on the table with stab wounds all over his chest. Tonight I am going to lock my Barbie in the toy chest. I am going to do it because my mom said to me that we need to sell that piece of junk because we dont have enough money since my dad died. I am so scared my mom will be next. I woke up that night to a grinding noise. I sat straight up and saw my toy chest moving on the floor. Oh. My. God. I screamed and my mom started coming towards my room. Oh darn. Wrong idea. MOM, DO NOT COME IN!!! I screamed. A little hand punched through the wood. The Barbie climbed out of the chest. She turned toward me. Im Barbie. Wanna play? Your dad was first. Next is your mom. Thats my game. The dolls eyes glowed red. Whats wrong, Molly? Molly, please respond to me! She opened the door and looked at me. Whats wrong? She asked and I pointed at the doll. AHHH! my mom screamed. I was just telling your daughter about my game. I kill anyone who calls me names. I killed your husband, and now you. She started toward my mom. My mom ran to the end of the hallway -- a dead end. My mom looked around for a way out. Barbie walked out of my room blocking the stairs. BARBIE! STOP! I jumped out of bed and ran toward the doll with a lamp. She turned toward me. I wouldnt do that if I were you, Molly. I will kill you too if you try and stop me. The Barbie said. Oh no. What should I do? I cant let a plastic doll kill my mom! Barbie was on the move, and she was going FAST. Um.... Call the police! Wait, they wont believe that a doll is a killing monster. Its worth a try. I grabbed the phone and dialed 911. Hello? Police!! My mom is about to be murdered! I spoke into the phone. Okay, sweetie. Just calm down and hide. The woman spoke calmly. I am sending the police over now. Where do you live?
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I live on 4679 Hill- Barbie threw something at the phone and it dropped to the floor. Hello? Are you there? I heard the lady say through the phone. Your call has been disconnected. Now watch your mom die. Barbie spoke calmly but creepily. Then the phone died. Mom was still trying to find a way out. The doll started to get closer. I had to do something or my mom would end up just like my dad. Mom was crying. I threw the lamp. It hit Barbie and cracked the plastic leaving a huge gash. That's when I heard the police sirens in the distance. I was about to go to my mom when the Barbie got up and started toward her again. You shouldnt have done that, Molly. Now your mom will get it, for sure. She walked with a limp and her right arm fell off. Then someone busted down the front door. Lie on the floor with your hands behind your back! NOW! said the police officer. Barbies eyes turned back to their normal color as the police officers entered the room. Barbie dropped to the floor. My mom was too stunned to speak. Is everybody okay? The police officer lowered his gun. Yeah. We are okay. I said. What's wrong with your mother? She's too stunned to speak, I replied. I cant tell the officer that the doll was about murder us. What can I say? The murderer ran out the back door. I started shaking to make it look true. You mean the murderer is still on the loose? Yes. Okay, that wasnt a complete lie. Hey isnt this where the man who got murdered? the chief asked. That was my father. Sir, how are we going to stay safe? I asked. We will move you out of the state for now. It sounds like the murder is targeting your family. I think so, too, I replied. Do you have any relatives out of the state, maybe far away? My grandma lives in Wisconsin. I dont want to go to grandmas. That seems far enough from Connecticut. We'll move you tomorrow. He evaluated the room, What happened to this ugly doll? Barbies eyes flicked red once. I could almost hear that voice in my head saying: I kill anyone who calls me names.

Finally, the Closet Gets Cleaned!

By Nina DeCola Grade 6

The Anaconda (excerpt)

By Sebastian Gaeta Grade 5

For the first time ever, the closet in the sixth grade room gets cleaned! Starting in the beginning of March, two girls of the sixth grade, Leah Melrod and Nina DeCola decided that the closet needed some major help. The closet in sixth grade used to be the place where you would spend long periods of time searching for materials, but not anymore. Leah Melrod and Nina DeCola took all of the things out of the closet, and put them back, in an organized fashion so that everyone could find what they needed to in no time at all. In barely any time at all, this big cleaning job caught the attention of many who wanted to help out. Dinah Beneka helped to organize the items in baskets after Leah helped to take all of the items out of the closet and the shelves were swept by Sofia Pereira and items put back neatly by Nina. Now after the help of a couple sixth graders, the closet is happier and cleaner. That is very useful.

If you thought the anaconda was a vicious reptile, a giant monster, and a fearsome reptile you were right. But if you dont know anything about the anaconda and think its all right, you should listen very closely to this! The anaconda is a constrictor so its not poisonous but that doesnt make it any nicer. Do not own this reptile as a pet! This giant snake is not to be reckoned with! Characteristics The anaconda can grow up to 6 meters long. It sometimes can get up to 8.8 meters long (29 feet). Also the female is bigger and wider than the male. The anaconda can weigh up to 550 pounds and is also the biggest and the heaviest of all snakes. The anacondas habitat isnt the prettiest of all but it is perfect for this kind of aquatic snake. The Amazon jungle is home of plenty victims for the anaconda, and the rivers and swamps are a very nice home.

A Surprising Day (excerpt)

By Oliver Sandground Grade 4

What a nice day! Mark said, walking to work down his the street of his small beat up town. Glass was all over the place. Hi, CJ, said Mark. Hi Mark, said CJ. What are you doing? CJ said. Just going to the mail place to work, said Mark. Im so happy to get there. We'll see you later, CJ said. Ok. Im so happy at work, Mark said to himself as he walked to his office. He heard footsteps coming. Hello, sir, Mark said to his boss. His boss said, Oh, hi, Mark,- my least favorite worker. I wanted to assign you to a big job. You have to type 100 posters by the time you leave today and no later than 6 oclock, exactly. Ok, said Mark, sitting in his old beat up swivel chair looking at his scraggly old computer (missing 12 keys). Well, got to get to work.

Tick. Six oclock on the dot, time to go home. Then he started to go home, but all of a sudden a big green bug came flying out of the sky and then... Zap! Ouch! he said, falling to the ground. Well, that hurt, he said, stumbling to his feet as fast as he could and continuing to go home. But he did not know that his suitcase was now made of 100% gold. When he got to his home he pulled out his home keys then notice that his keys were gold, too. Oh my God! said Mark, thats so magical. And to see if the doorknob would turn to gold he touched it and... it turned to gold! Wow! said Mark amazed. So everything, I touch turns to gold, said Mark Thats so cool.

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Dirty Hot Dogs, A Change of Name, and a Not-So-stray Dog (excerpt)

By Olivia Filed Grade 4

Im Journee and Oreo. I know its complicated so let me explain my story. Before you get too excited, you should know Im a dog. Im a chocolate lab but from the dust and grime of the streets I look black with little stray white hairs. I didnt always live on the streets. A long time ago I had a family called the Petersons. They werent rich, they werent poor, but they were kind. Aside from the high pitched gibberish they called television (it was on all the time), I was very happy. They called me Journee. One night, the worst night of my life, late, late, late when Maddie, the Petersons youngest daughter, and Tesa, the Petersons eldest daughter were asleep, I was cocooned under a pile of dirty sheets. The Petersons must have gotten so sucked into their American Idol that they didnt notice the oven starting to catch fire. A minute later the smoke alarm was blaring along with the fire alarm. Maddie and Tesa jumped out of bed screaming. I threw the sheets

off, gasping for air. Maddie started to cry when Tesa held her as they rushed down the stairs. Tesas hair was black with grime, and I heard firemen shouting. Mrs. Peterson was praying at the top of her lungs. How effective, I thought. Wheres Journee? I heard Tesa say. But I was hurt when Mr. Petersons immediate reply was, Hes dead. I almost barked! Slowly my eyes started to adjust to the smoke and dust and the fire went out. I heard sirens fading away, so did my family. They were gone, I was alive but my heart was still with them. By the time I got out of the charred house, my family, and my life, were gone. So I had to start a new one, but how could I?! I was panting like I'd just run a marathon. In the meantime I would dream of starting a new life.

Harper and the Mad Scientist (excerpt)

By Owen Perrins Grade 4

were working on a giant robot-like machine. The man was wearing a lab coat, but he looked sort of goofy. This was not the kind of guy you would see every day. Chapter One - The Meeting Marcus?! Harper asked. Harper was walking down the street wondering Harper? Marcus said in response. Marcus why his best friend wasnt by the curb waiting for seemed sort of embarrassed. Sorry, that man over him. Every day, his best friend Marcus was usually there asked me if I wanted to see a cool robot and I waiting for him so that they could go about their day, love robots so I came to see it. doing what they like to do. Usually they would do Why did you knowing that you had to meet things like playing sports or going to the park. They me? Harper said, go sort of mad. were best friends, they had known each other since They left the room. Harper thought that they were they were two years old. going to hang out like they usually did. Who were When Harper went into his apartment building, he you working with Marcus, and why are you here? was worried because theyve been using this routine Harper said confused. every day for a few months now, and Marcus is I am working for him. I know his name but I am usually the type of person who sticks to his not supposed to tell it to anyone that does not work commitments. with us. He is the one that makes all the decisions sort In the lobby, Harper found a room that he had of like the boss, said Marcus. As they walked out of never seen before. What the heck? Harper liked to the building, Harper asked why Marcus didnt meet find out new things, so he opened the door. Inside, he him earlier that day. I told you I got caught up found his best friend, Marcus, working with another working, said Marcus. man who had a lab coat and khaki shorts and they

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Rising (excerpt)

2 years later, I was promoted to commander and I got my own SEAL team 6 squad. I met someone there named Harper. Harper is an extremely skilled I see my dad putting alcohol on a burn that he got sniper but also a great assault specialist. Maybe not as good as me, but still amazing. Hes also good at while working with my mom at the HAZMAT facility. They're about to do some heavy work. They hacking things because we are great at technology. He has the gadgets that we need for our missions. say its not dangerous, but I know it is. Then the commander tells me and Harper that we I wake up the next day and I watch the news. It are going to be working together for everything. He says a nuclear plant exploded. They say they didnt said that we have a mission. Something is in the find the bodies, but they found footsteps, a lot of sewers of New York, Manhattan specifically. He says them. Then I call my parents. They dont pick up. I that people have been disappearing and there have call again, again, and again. I start sobbing. been mysterious sounds coming from the sewers. The commander doesnt know what it is so they want us I call my grandma. She says I should move in to scout it. He tells us to gear up. He orders me to get with my aunt and uncle. They hate me. They dont a MTAR and MMS sight (millimeter scanner). Then care about me so they dont care if I play M games and watch R rated movies. My favorites always were he shows us the ship we are going to be jumping out of. After, he shows us the belt we will attach the wire soldier movies. Then it was my dream to become a to jump down. He said we are going to land in the Navy SEAL team 6 warrior. They dont make me water so no one will see us. Later, there will be a study so I actually study on my own. hatch that Harper will use a mini blowtorch to open I was the only one to finish an extremely hard fitness test. I was always the best at math, history and the gate with. Afterwards, we will move in. English in all of 10th grade. When I got older I went to the University ofAlabama for football. I was the starting quarterback. I couldve been drafted for the NFL but I chose to become a lawyer and met someone named Sarah Burk, soon to be Sarah Mason. Then I tried out for the Navy. A year later I made it in SEAL team 6.
By Jonathan Schwartz Grade 4 Artwork by Will McCormick Grade 8

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