Review by Kira Toal, teen reviewer The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the Northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars (people with inhuman characteristics that make them despised by the […]
YA Book Club — Orphan Train
Published on :YA Book Club recap by Kara Eng, grade 11 “A nice combination of American history and a look into the experience of orphans and the foster care system. It’s the first time I’ve heard about orphan trains. I’m curious to learn more.” –Kara E., grade 11 “This is the first […]
“A Vivid Memory” — story by Alana Connor
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” Honorable mention Category 3: Grades 9-12 “A Vivid Memory” by Alana Connor Grade 11 Blair High School It was nearing the end of the day and the sun was setting, cast low in the sky and steadily disappearing […]
“The Operation of Love” — story by Eliyah Sims
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” Honorable mention Category 3: Grades 9-12 “The Operation of Love” by Eliyah Sims Grade 11 Pasadena Youth Build I’d sing a song in December just to remember you. I was 16 when I first laid eyes on you; […]
“A Whole New Underwater World” — story by Alyssa Ho
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” Honorable mention Category 2: Grades 6-8 “A Whole New Underwater World” by Alyssa Ho Grade 6 Emperor Elementary School It was a crisp, clear Tuesday morning as I was dragged onto the beach of Toyon Bay in my tight, […]
“Astronaut” — story by Brianna Granados
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” Honorable mention Category 2: Grades 6-8 “Astronaut” by Brianna Granados Grade 8 Southmore Intermediate School Alfred wanted to be an astronaut. When he was a kid, his parents would smile warmly and encouraged his dream. They bought him […]
“Sidekick” — story by Karla Ortiz Burden
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” Honorable mention Category 2: Grades 6-8 “Sidekick” by Karla Ortiz Burden Grade 8 Southmore Intermediate School There was a girl in my preschool, I remember. She was crying. Most of her black hair was on her face, wet, due […]
“Vivid Memory” –story by Marlene Romero-Cortez
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” 1st place Category 3: Grades 9-12 “Vivid Memory” by Marlene Romero-Cortez Grade 9 Blair High School On February 2, 2016, I was informed my aunt, Lydia, was diagnosed with Sarcoma. I was the type of cancer that began in […]
“Lost and Found” –story by Kaitlyn Chiu
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” 1st place Category 2: Grades 6-8 “Lost and Found” by Kaitlyn Chiu Grade 7 Oak Avenue Intermediate School I walk leisurely down the street, taking my time. The vibrant flowers around me catch my attention as if they are […]
“Dear Diary” –story by Jocelyn D. Chea
Published on :One City One Story 2016 Writing Contest: “A Vivid Memory” 2nd place Category 3: Grades 9-12 “Dear Diary” by Jocelyn D. Chea Grade 12 Blair High School May 9, 2005 Dear Diary, I feel silly writing like this, but I thought since mommy gave you to me, I should […]