Dream Catcher Story Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: grades 3-5) “The Dream Catching Girl” by Angel Tchigui Koundang Age 9, Grade 4 Once upon a time, there lived a little girl. She lived with her small family in one tiny house. They were very poor and she did […]
“Web of Dreams” by Malena Zamora
Published on :Dream Catcher Story Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: grades 3-5) “Web of Dreams” by Malena Zamora Age 10, Grade 4 In a little teepee, images of ice cream and donuts floated into the heavy night air. Magical wooden hoops of bent Willow branches, covered in a net of […]
Kids’ Writing Workshop: Summer Reading Inspirations
Published on :On Friday we read excerpts from the middle grade books that are available as prizes for Summer Reading Challenge participants. Then we explored how those books can teach us something about writing. Hooks To learn about writing a first page that will “hook” the reader, we read the first page […]
Hidden History Contest Winners
Published on :We’re pleased to announce the winners of the “Hidden History” Writing and Art Contests. This year, youth ages 8-14 who live or attend school in Pasadena were challenged to put their own spin on a piece of history. All artwork and stories were inspired by characters or moments from past […]
Jesse Owens Dreams — a story by Canaan Pettit
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 1st place (Category 1: ages 8-11) “Jesse Owens Dreams” by Canaan Pettit Grade 5 Summary: A runner is inspired by Jesse Owens’ words, “The best part about running is feeling free.” Wouldn’t you want to run as fast as […]
One Step Ahead — a story by Carolyn Wang
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 2nd place (Category 1: ages 8-11) “One Step Ahead” by Carolyn Wang Age 11 Summary: Cameron found a note with a mystery waiting to be solved: “Seek the Heart, Solve the clues, Find the fortune” “Seek the Heart, Solve the […]
The English Men — a story by Ishbel Tyler
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest 3rd place (Category 1: ages 8-11) “The English Men” by Ishbel Tyler Grade 5 Summary: A grandmother recalls a night when she overhears unwanted visitors at their village. “It all started when mama told me to go to the […]
The Secret — a story by Aaron Young
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11) “The Secret” by Aaron Young Grade 3 Summary: Zach finds out something interesting about his father. There was a kid named Zach who had a dad named Cody Bellinger. They lived in a […]
The Time Tempest — a story by Ellis Gruesbeck
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11) “The Time Tempest” by Ellis Gruesbeck Age 11 Summary: Ritchie finds a mysterious box which grants him an adventure of a lifetime. “Ritchie! Come inside for dinner.” “Aw mom, just one more dig […]
Mystery Package — a story by Emelia Lagousis
Published on :Young Readers League 2019 “Hidden History” Writing Contest Honorable Mention (Category 1: ages 8-11) “Mystery Package” by Emelia Lagousis Grade 6 Summary: The narrator finds a mysterious letter with a mission. The door creaked open, revealing the storm outside- and the strange, battered package on my porch. […]