Essay
Writing
The Brain in Colour
By Natalie NimsIsn’t it weird that we know the least about ourselves? As a species, we have conquered nations and created thousands of societies paired with complex languages. Yet, scientists still work to figure out the very thing that sits in all of our skulls. The brain. Where does every thought come from?
Bread is Forever
By Daria VolkovaThe issue with a great deal of things in life is that they are impermanent. We’d like to think they last millennia, that wearing raccoon eyeliner won’t be a phase, Mom.
Untitled
By Brook PippinProbation is very difficult for me. I feel like it’s weighing me down,So much more every day. I believe some kids learn. I think I am one of those kids.But some don’t learn. Some families can’t afford probation, It’s not their fault their kids make mistakes; They need a break.
Quoteworthy
By Patrick BarryI’ll be the Jack Kerouac for my generation, ‘Cause’ I think it’s time for some beatnick innovation...
Quoteworth
By Katie BrockmannA life, a life. Can be amusing. Fun and free, to do what you want. Enjoy it.
Coconut Kid
By Neha SridharGiggling, Aditi grabs my hand and twirls me along as her ghagra’s elaborate mirror embroidery catches in colorful lighting.
To Mom: Inspired by Ocean Vuong’s Poem “A Letter to My Mother That She Will Never Read”
By Katie StanosBut you need it, you said. I thought you wanted to be beautiful. I slammed my hands on the wheel of your Land Rover and pulled over to the side of the road near the big houses with green lawns and trampolines, Norfolk Way.
The Heaven We’ve Been Slouching Toward Is Not the Heaven
By Haley Renee BornI feel that if I move from this spot I will die. But I take a step forward and don’t.
Forgive me father for I have sinned.
Never Gone: an essay on grieving
By Utsa RamaswamiA lonely tear gently drifted its way down my cheek. I wasn’t sure if it was because my rabbit, Hopper, had just died, or because my brother, standing next to me, was also crying.
Out of Breath: an essay on travel
By Iris DewI stared at the adorable stuffed plush donkeys on the shelf. “Do you think I should get one for Tommy?” my aunt asked me, thinking about adding another plushy to her dog’s collection. We were in line for the cable cars in Santorini.
Bodies Revealed: A Non-Linear Essay
By Candice Ladd*
“I am going on a diet,” she announced.
“But McKenzie, you're only six! Besides, you’re beautiful!” I shot back.
“But,” she insisted, “I need to lose weight.
“No, you do not. I’m your nanny, I know these things. Now eat your lunch.”
featured young adult artist: Michelle Willard
By Michelle WillardDescribe yourself in one word.
Punny
How did you get involved with the library?
I had a friend with connections.
What inspires you?
featured young adult writer: Jaden Gragg
By Jaden GraggJaden Gragg is 14 years old. Her writing submissions received the highest marks from our team of young adults. The poise and focus displayed in her writing is simply suburb. Jaden has three poems and one prose poem published in this issue.
Oh Snow
By Jack StelzerSnow is deceiving. It likes to play hard-to-get. Like so many other things in life, I have developed a love-hate relationship with the whole idea of snow. The “dog days” of summer reach their finale, the leaves start falling, and everyone excitedly awaits the first snowfall.
Our Beasts
By Erin AshleyIt was quiet like it always was. Not dead quiet, you could still hear the waves and the insects. I sat on the beach, my hands clasped around my knees. I had buried the last of them in the cavern, then sealed it shut. Now it was just me.
An Open Letter to Joseph Conrad
By Jess HolmesDear Mr. Uber-Goth,
I don’t pretend to understand the intricacies within the mind of any literary genius, but I’ve got to let it out...your endless pessimism is bringing me down.