Kids in Print 2016 Edition

60 (3 hours) / Zachary Nation-Miller, Age 16

2016 Edition / Richland Library / Columbia, SC

contributors Allen, Caroline

43

Jackman, Victoria

Arnold, Adam

36

Jackson, Aiden

Ashroff, Wafiya

23

Batson, Sierra Bokesch, Olivia

21

Broome, Jada

44 46

Rollins, Logan

53

7, 34

Scher, Elliot

Jacobs, Sara

10

Shadd, Camryn

Back Cover

Shadd, Morgan

29 5

12

26

Kapoor, Ishita

39

Shaffer, Hannah

36

Shull, Anna

14

Kowalke, Mya

Brown, Sarah

54

Lacy, Amelia

49

25

Jackson, Ava

Brown, Lucia Bryan, Isis

45

Rogers, Whitman

3

Jeffcoat, Mika’el

Broughton, Sadee

Robles, Daniel

56

Jackson, Alex

40

19, 35

12

51

Singleton, Ava

McBrayer-Donath, Jubilee

34

Title Page, 20

Stevick-Brown, Calvin

Chen, Kaylee

41

McCollum, Edyn 32

Thomas, Da’Shawn

Chen, Lauren

21

Medlock, Sadie

VanDenBerg, Emerson

Coffey, Carolyn

28

Miller, Brant

David, Addison

52

Mirosavich, Lillian

Davidson, Daniel

37, 42

Davidson, Mary Kathryn Davis, Alia Ducra, Ana

27

Peck, Sutton

22

Verwers, Eliana

50

8

33

Reddy, Kerry

Griswold, Vance 23

49

15

Waters, Amelia Weinkle, Naja

9 24

11

9 48 2, Back Cover

Williams, MaxWell

38

Wilson, Jayden

34 47

30

Wright, Abigail

Robichaud, Andrea

13, 33

Wright, Baylis

22

55

Williams, Jerryana

Reinhard, Rebekah Robichaud, Clover

4

18

Whitelaw, Haley

32

34

10

Wachtel, Eleanor Cover

Peterson-Griffin, Jacob

Ellington, Susan Faith Harris, Blythe

Nyberg, Aza

Papaletsos, Michael

6, 31

Eady, Mikayla

16, 53

Nation-Miller, Zachary

39

Davis, Maya

21

16, 47

17

Walking on the South Carolina Shore / Ava Singleton, Age 12

2016 Edition / Richland Library / Columbia, SC

Suds / Jerryana Williams, Age 17

4 | Kids in Print 2016

While I Breathe I Hope I am proud to be an American And live in the land of the free.

I am proud to be a South Carolinian And live under the strength of the Palmetto Tree.

In 2015, Our state endured a lot…

Emanuel 9, the removal of the Confederate flag, The 1000 year flood, and Walter Scott.

Through it all, Mayor Steve Benjamin (Columbia’s first Black Mayor) Helped us stay #SCSTRONG Governor Nikki Haley (South Carolina’s first Indian American and female Governor) Encouraged everyone to get along.

I am proud to be an American And live in the land of the free.

I am proud to be a South Carolinian And live under the strength of the Palmetto Tree.

I have learned a lot about history And the direction we need to go.

Even though I am young, I see and understand more than you know.

I believe in hope and change, Along with hard work and dedication.

Those are the main beliefs That created OUR unique nation.

I am proud to be an American And live in the land of the free.

I am proud to be a South Carolinian And live under the strength of the Palmetto Tree.

Alex Jackson Age 11 Kids in Print 2016 | 5

When the Rain Came

When the rain came, I thought it was going to be pretty, though that was only the start of the storm. I’m someone who loved storms ever since I was little. My dad was away, it was only my sister, Mom, Grandma, and me. We packed our bags thinking we had to leave.

I was scared half out of my wits.

Not just a a flood.

storm‌

It was

Emerson VanDenBerg Age 11

6 | Kids in Print 2016

Coming and Going There goes houses roads

and trees

There goes

water bottles

off the shelves

There goes dams bridges

and cars

Here comes helicopters tanks

and firetrucks

Here comes police firefighters

and friends

Here comes love kindness

and gentle hearts

Hannah Shaffer Age 9

Kids in Print 2016 | 7

Blockbuster / Maya Davis, Age 11

8 | Kids in Print 2016

We Had to Leave sitting on the window seat in my kitchen watching the water rise I pinch myself so many times thinking I was dreaming Water crept up to our home

We knew we had to leave the home we bought because it backed up to the woods and to Gills Creek

My dad moved items from the basement My mom was packing up the car with photos She also packed my little sister, Leila.

I was trying to load all of our pets: Buckets and Cloe, our 2 cats Daisy, our dog Omelet and Rosie, the chickens Sunny, the guinea pig and Electric, the gecko

knock, knock, knock… my mom answered the door it was the Red Cross; he told us to leave My mom replied, “Yes.”

We knew we had to leave the home we bought because it backed up to the woods and to Gills Creek

Ava Jackson Age 10

Kids in Print 2016 | 9

Now I See / Aza Nyberg, Age 9 10 | Kids in Print 2016

A Lumberjack A lumberjack Cutting down our trees Slicing through our homes Forcing us to flee The axe went away but the damage was done

Michael Papaletsos Age 9

Eggs The dams broke like eggshells cracking onto the edge of the bowl.

Holding in the water for 1 minute before pouring out onto the land.

Naja Weinkle Age 9

Kids in Print 2016 | 11

The Floods It rained strong.

We got the umbrella, black.

It looked like a pentagon.

My mom went to the store.

25 minutes later she came back.

We sat on the front porch.

The water was high but we didn’t get hurt.

There was a blackout.

We ate together.

Chips and hummus.

Then the lights came back.

When the lights turned on, we went to sleep.

Eliana Verwers Age 7

Flood flood pulling up wet and smelly carpets breaking and pushing trees down ripping roads apart barricading us from passing until we are safe to go.

Sara Jacobs Age 9

12 | Kids in Print 2016

Why Did the Sky Have to Cry? / Kerry Reddy, Age 10

Kids in Print 2016 | 13

Fire Raging fire, burning into Earth’s core, boiling, 10,000 degrees, 1,800 miles beneath our feet, growing every second, the size of Mars a giant ball of lava living unaware

Mika’el Jeffcoat Age 11

Holding My Breath and Closing My Eyes Underwater is cold like a penguin in the Antarctic I go “Brrrr” I’m holding my breath I look like a chipmunk Closing my eyes so tight I see yellow dots that look like pixie dust My body is curled up like a turtle in a shell Holding my breath and closing my eyes

Amelia Lacy Age 10

14 | Kids in Print 2016

Song of the Flame / Andrea Robichaud, Age 14 Kids in Print 2016 | 15

Boulder, Bolder, Real At the beginning of the year I was a boulder rolling over everything in my path big attitude big goals big personality school hit me like a strong winter wind and slowly but surely eroded a little bit of that big away at the end of that quarter exhausted stressed wishing for it all to be over wishing for a break I was a little less of that big a little less bold but at the end of all that erosion hard winds stress-filled tears a pebble is left.

The pebble is me.

The pebble is who I really am because without all that pushing and effort and tears I wouldn’t know who I am.

I would be lost.

That boulder isn’t who I am.

That bolder is an amplified version of myself.

But the pebble, the pebble is the key to me.

Lucia Brown Age 13 16 | Kids in Print 2016

Rock Trio Magma Diorite Obsidian Crystals Granite Pressures Hardens Shiny Smooth Speckled Igneous Rock

Quartz Wind Glaciers Water Bits Pieces Limestone Sandstone Breaks Builds Uplifts Crumbles Sandy Eroding Slowly Common Sedimentary Rock

Minerals Calcite Stripes Layers Marble Squeezes Changes Creates Rearranges Polished Broken Sparkly Soft Metamorphic Rock

Susan Faith Ellington Age 8

Kids in Print 2016 | 17

Poem Parkour {Definition of parkour: To get from one point to another in a complex environment, without assistive equipment and in the fastest and coolest way possible.} Poems are like parkour.

Jumping over fences,

cars, and bridges like ideas and

creativity bouncing around in your head.

Doing backflips and front flips off of walls— awesome, amazing, and sick jumps.

Hanging on to the back of busses— Hopping from car to

car or

idea to idea.

Pencilternity / Brant Miller, Age 11

Until it is published

Calvin Stevick-Brown Age 10

18 | Kids in Print 2016

Empty Sheet The pulsing mouse teasing me, Nothing.

Still an empty sheet.

I feel dirty looking at prompts online, cheated.

There are endless possibilities.

And that’s my problem, Poem?

Fiction?

Short Story?

Novel?

Ummm… no.

I want something my own, but still an empty sheet Haunts me.

I am scared to try an idea – does it already exist?

Will people like it?

Do I apply rules? Ehh. Rules are made to be broken.

If my writing makes you cringe, stop reading.

If you want to correct me, complain to someone else. if the fact that I am not capitalizing this rubs salt in a wound, too bad.

I’m me, you’re you.

Wait…

That gives me an idea.

Thanks. Your judging actually helped me.

But don’t think that means I want any more.

No, really, Shut up.

Baylis Wright Age 12

Kids in Print 2016 | 19

Procrastination Huh. Look at that. There’s a dent in the wall Very small, shallow, 6 inches from the light switch.

There is a book slanted in the bookshelf. Precariously balanced.

Someone shoved it there. Why doesn’t it fall?

Is there a cat under my bed? What else purrs?

Squirrels? I am next to the attic.

Sydney, why did you do that? Now my light is hanging by a thread.

Over my bed. Over my head. I like my head.

Hey Siri. Text Mom. Yes, I’m working on it now.

I promise.

I forgot to brush my teeth today. Oops.

Did you know that the Spratley Islands are in the ….

South China Sea. I knew that.

That must be a really crappy hotel. Only 2 stars. Why would anyone book it now?

Or even later. With one click.

If I were Mozart, I could have written a symphony by now.

Hi, Mom. Close close close close close. Close all the windows.

But not the YouTube video of Sleeping Cats in Weird Positions.

The writing’s going great.

There’s no way that cat is 52 pounds.

Eleanor Wachtel Age 13

20 | Kids in Print 2016

Bibliophage: The Book Eater / Victoria Jackman, Age 16

Kids in Print 2016 | 21

Sandy Sea Life / Ava Singleton, Age 12

22 | Kids in Print 2016

The Sunflower all the world revolves around the sunflower the sunflower that comes out in the spring with tiny green leaves sprouting out of the stem the voluminous yellow flower that is powerful the wind carries the little seeds so there will be more royalty the empress that stands tall all the world revolves around the sunflower

Sadie Medlock Age 9

underground flower She was a leaf the world her stem.

It holding her up.

Struggling

Born from the Flower / Lauren Chen, Age 12

to reach above the rest.

She could only hope to catch a sunray.

Olivia Bokesch Age 12 Kids in Print 2016 | 23

Turtle in Shades / Ana Ducra, Age 12

Ivory / Blythe Harris, Age 10

24 | Kids in Print 2016

The Octopus / Clover Robichaud, Age 17

Hope / Wafiya Ashroff, Age 13

Kids in Print 2016 | 25

The Forest Jacob went through the woods. His stomach growled. The Enchanted Forest was a deep labyrinth of trees. He was exploring them when he found a river. He saw a dire stag, and thought he could get a meal. He got out the elven bow he got for his birthday. He pulled the string and fired. The stag went down. Golden ichor oozed from its sides, giving him a bit of protein. He put the river water in a vial, and set off.

He whistled a sweet tune until he heard a high pitched hum. Being Magykal, he could hear that bad magic was around. A witch jumped out, blasting magic at him. He got a crystal shield. The shield blasted the magic back at her. She disappeared. Life had gotten pretty strange since he left his family’s farm to have an adventure. Jacob put the shield in his endless bag, got out some dire wolf fur, and made a bed as the sun set.

When he woke up, he saw a beautiful face. “Taurien,” he said to the elf that took him in when he was tired on his first day in the forest. She was a few years older, and a bit more dirty, but otherwise they could be twins. She asked him to follow her. They walked until she pulled him into a bush. She pointed, Jacob followed her gaze until he saw a unicorn. No, it had wings AND a horn. Jacob gasped, this was the first Alicorn he had ever seen. Taurien walked slowly towards it. “Taurien, what are you doing?”

“Well, friend, I want to touch its horn and see the future.” He gasped as he remembered the Alicorn horn had that power. Something moved in the shadows. “Taurien, there is something out there!”

“I know, I think it’s something big.” Suddenly, a dire bear threw itself onto Taurien. “No!” Jacob got his ancient knife and threw the bear off Taurien. Suddenly, the Alicorn charged the bear and made it disappear. “Thank you,” they both said at once.

“Think none of it. I have been following you, and I admire your teamwork,” said the Alicorn, “I hope you will accept me as a friend.”

“Sure, if you protect us like that.” Jacob said jokingly as he looked around the forest. They traveled west for a few miles, dug down, and saw a great castle.

“Wait! I sense a great darkness here.” Alicorn said.

Suddenly, a booming voice shook the trees. “Taurien. Jacob. I know you’re there! For I am the Witch Reaper!” Jacob had heard that name before, but had never seen the Witch Reaper. Taurien got out her knives. Alicorn sharpened his horn on a tree and Jacob got out his bow and arrows. Suddenly a dragon let out an ear-splitting scream. The sound was even more unnerving when the Witch Reaper started cackling horribly. Jacob shot one of the dragon’s scales off, revealing a weak point. The dragon went for Jacob, but Taurien jumped on it, stabbed its weak point, and started battling the Witch Reaper. Jacob remembered that he always carried a bottle of vampire’s breath, a potion that makes you burn in sunlight. He opened the bottle and tossed it to Taurien. She knew what to do.

“Alicorn, can you fly with riders?” Alicorn thought for a moment. “I think I might be able to, long enough to escape at least.” Jacob helped Taurien up, then hopped on. While in the air, he could see the fairies and fey dancing in a ring of flowers as they soared away.

Jacob Peterson-Griffin Age 10

26 | Kids in Print 2016

The Elements Begin Long before time had a name, Before the emergence of mankind, There were two.

Tree and Fire.

They were the best of brothers.

One day when they were playing, Fire burned Tree.

Tree was angry.

He demanded an apology.

Fire laughed. His apology wasn’t sincere.

Greatly offended, Tree insisted on a true apology.

Fire refused.

“You are no brother of mine,” Tree declared.

And then there was war.

Their sons, and their son’s sons, and their son’s son’s sons continued the feud.

And so it went, for generation after generation, until one day…

There was hope.

Whitman Rogers Age 12

Kids in Print 2016 | 27

Drawing The pencil on the paper like leaves on a tree.

The eraser wiping out the mistakes like bare branches in winter.

The figures still, like the trunk of the tree.

Planes that I drew diving down like a peregrine falcon from the tallest bough.

The roots of my imagination hanging on my wall.

Elliot Scher Age 11

28 | Kids in Print 2016

Snow on Snow / Mary Kathryn Davidson, Age 15

Kids in Print 2016 | 29

TEST

Vampire!

5 Questions

It frightens you. It scares you! What do you

1) The title is—

think it is? Why does it haunt you? What do you think it is? Is it possibly what you fear

a. Oh, No Vampire

most?

b. Vampire! c. Blood Chase

A….Vampire

2) Is it what you— You must run! You must hide! It is coming!

a. Fear most b. Bleed most

He will search.

c. Eat most Run! Hide!

3) Run!— a. Spy!

He is calling for his team!

b. I’m dead!

He traps you! Why will it end like this? But

c. Hide

then I think….GARLIC! I have some around

4) Then I think—

my neck. I take pieces of garlic and throw

a. Garlic!

them!

b. Sun! The vampires are now ash and smoke.

c. Water!

5) Better buy some more

It’s over.

a. Water

“I better buy some more garlic!” I laugh to

b. Garlic

myself—just for the full moon!

c. Salads

Carolyn Coffey Age 8

30 | Kids in Print 2016

Beautiful Creatures Upon the hill Dancing, singing Laughing, playing In my coats I stay hidden A loner I am In my own little corner But I am beautiful That is what they’ll say Oh yes, that is what they’ll say On that great day Today was that day They ran to me and asked me to play My heart filled with joy As we ran up to that hill Upon that hill We danced and sang Then they asked an unusual question “Take off your coats” As I unbuttoned them Fear filled their eyes Terror pervaded their hearts As they stared at me Tumbling down the hill They ran in panic I am addled Aren’t I as beautiful as them?

Why must they run?

What did I do?

I know why I’m too beautiful for them I am a beautiful creature

Morgan Shadd Age 13

Kids in Print 2016 | 31

Kitty / Rebekah Reinhard, Age 17

32 | Kids in Print 2016

Maya Davis Age 11

Kids in Print 2016 | 33

One Day One day I’ll fly to the moon.

One day I hope all my dreams will come true.

One day I’ll see my friends down the street and say, “Hey, listen to my cool tune.”

I wonder as I become a woman what will I do.

In the mornings I say how I miss my old school.

Then God says it will be a good day if you believe in me and you!

One day…

One day good times and change will come.

One Day…

Edyn McCollum Age 9

34 | Kids in Print 2016

The Girl / Sutton Peck, Age 13

To Love

Pale Flowers / Andrea Robichaud, Age 14

To love is 2 put your pride aside and your heart on the line your feelings upfront and your past behind to stand beside somebody and vow to never step aside.

Mikayla Eady Age 13

Kids in Print 2016 | 35

Zentangle Hand / Ava Jackson, Age 10

3-D Hand / Da’Shawn Thomas, Age 12

Spectator / Jayden Wilson, Age 9

Handprint / Jubilee McBrayer-Donath, Age 6

36 | Kids in Print 2016

Monologue of an Aspergirl I’ve never had anyone ask me what it’s like having Asperger’s.

If (or when) someone asks me, this is what I’ll tell them: “It’s not easy growing up with Asperger’s; it’s not easy at all. It’s really hard. It was easy when I was a child and lived in blissful ignorance. As I got older, I became aware of what made me different from everybody else and why back then, people looked at me with concern or scorn.

I became self-conscious in everything I did and said, while inadvertently suppressing the need to speak my mind. I became aware of social norms and standards, and I tried hard to meet my goals for their sake as well as mine.

I was (and still am) worried that if I let one thing slip; if I put one toe out of line, everything I did to get where I am now will mean nothing compared to my mistakes. I don’t want that.

I don’t want people to think I’m stupid. I try to not talk to or even look at people who rub me the wrong way. I was teased for how my voice sounds when I was younger, so I tend to not talk too much in front of people I don’t know or not talk at all.

I fear that people will not take what I say seriously or not care at all.

So you see, it’s not easy being a girl who has Asperger’s syndrome. Then again, it’s not easy being anyone else, period. Everybody has their problems; there is no perfect person.

There are a couple of other things you should know about me: • I’m not stupid. I just think on a different wavelength than others. Some days I don’t feel smart even though I have my parents, teachers, and friends telling me I am.

• I often pay attention to detail a lot, little things that aren’t a big deal to other people are a big deal to me. I’m not as bothered about certain things now as I was then, but some days it still gets to me.

• I hate it when teachers call me out for something I did in front of the class. I know they’re just trying to help, but I have my reasons for being so self-conscious about it. During my elementary school years, I noticed that when a teacher calls out a student for something they did wrong, to me it meant, “Take a lesson here, do not make the same mistake they did. In other words, don’t be like this student.” Now, when I’m the one being called out by the teacher [which rarely happens but when it does], that’s what I think is happening; that people are noticing me for my mistake(s) and not who I really am.

• Some days I am confident; some days I am self-conscious. Sometimes I feel smart; sometimes I feel stupid.

And that’s okay.

This is who I am. :-)

Victoria Jackman Age 16 Kids in Print 2016 | 37

Softly Wrapped The cat sits on a blue wool blanket closes her eyes sandpaper tongue across her leg kneading with her paws purring circling then curling head tucked into her tummy tail softly wrapped around

Adam Arnold Age 10 Suspicious Mouse small, squeaky squeaking, squealing, scurrying house, whiskers, wild, trunk stomping, grunting, trumpeting massive, gray Elephant

Mya Kowalke Age 10

38 | Kids in Print 2016

The Definition of a Tree The alien asked a question, simple as could be, He asked it with confusion, "Tell me, what's a tree?"

I almost gave an answer, but then uncertainly Considered what I'd say, what my response ought to be.

"What is a tree," I wondered, "is it a tall green stick?

A stem with emerald leaves, on branches long and thick?

A towering trunk of wood, wider than a wall?

A leafy-limbed giant, ancient, proud, and tall?

Perhaps it is a biome vast, a home for creatures small."

And still my mind could not see the solution to it all.

"A tree's so many things,� I thought, "what shall my answer be?"

At last I told the alien, "You yourself must go and see."

Daniel Davidson Age 16

Kids in Print 2016 | 39

Weightless / MaxWell Williams, Age 13 40 | Kids in Print 2016

Ode to the Elements of Nature The four elements of the universe: wind, water, fire and earth work in harmony to protect all of us.

They all held a contest to see who had the most worth, as they irrationally fought and never sat to discuss.

Enmity soon broke and the harmony of the earth disrupted Mother Earth who is the protector of all forms of life provides us with the gift of life without being negligent Mother Earth was aware of the feud that had erupted and she worked to allay the strife Knowing that the universe is not intact without each element.

Each of the elements of nature are interdependent As the quaking earth rumbled the wind rustled and the destruction was transcendent As the growling wind blew a scorching fire mumbled Chaos on the earth had finished and then suddenly the mighty winds had abated the whirling water had placated the sweltering fire had diminished and the earth had finally arbitrated each of the elements had been satiated.

As the elements of nature came to rest as they worked together and began to share they realized that rather than cursed they had been blessed because there is no fire without water and air and without all elements there is no earth.

As the elements of nature finally combine they unleash the universe’s ultimate code that without one another the universe is dearth each and every one of the elements is divine.

The World Through My Eyes Alia Davis, Age 11

Ishita Kapoor Age 15 Kids in Print 2016 | 41

Born of Thunder This poem tells the tale of the prophesied son of Zeus. Desperate to save his own life and secure his throne, Zeus consumed Thetis, his first wife. He tried to escape fate, but that never really works.

Son of Thunder; Child of Lightning: With his father, the boy is fighting.

Zeus, the king, has reigned supreme.

His rule was cruel, long and mean.

Now his son stepped into light.

Now they battle; ‘til death they’ll fight.

Thunder rumbles. Lightning cracks.

The boy is winning, yet age he lacks.

Their swords ring, steel on steel.

The pouring rain they do not feel.

All goes black; the battle’s o’er.

Yet who will rise evermore?

Walking proudly, head held high, The new king steps bravely nigh.

He claims the throne as thunder clashes.

The son of Zeus smiles while lightning flashes.

Three fates arise to crown him King.

And all the while, the nymphs, they sing.

The Son of Thunder; Child of Lightning: He walks about, Olympus lighting.

Son of Thunder; the Child of Lightning: The lightning flashes, the throne room brightening.

The new King stands tall and bold.

His face is lined with tales, untold.

His short blond hair shines almost white.

His blue eyes crackle in firelight.

The deed is done; the battle’s won.

And his great reign has just begun.

All that see him, Ah! They wonder.

At the Son of Lightning, born of thunder.

Sierra Batson Age 13

42 | Kids in Print 2016

Arachne based on a Greek myth

Caught in a web of despair, She spins Twirling silver threads until she doesn’t know What’s right from wrong.

Her pride brought her down, and now She spins Pushing her hate and anger Into her webs.

She belittled the gods, and She spins Trying to satisfy her taste For vengeance.

She’s still weaving her own trap, and forever She spins Because she still doesn’t know What’s right from wrong.

Kaylee Chen Age 10

Kids in Print 2016 | 43

Inspirational / Daniel Davidson, Age 16 44 | Kids in Print 2016

Glimpses of Paris / Caroline Allen, Age 12 Kids in Print 2016 | 45

The Reasons I Want a Dog That Friday afternoon when I came home from school, I decided today was the day. Today I, Alexander Matthew Griffin III, was going to explain the 12 reasons I had thought of earlier that day of why I wanted a dog. So after a quick business meeting with my baby sister, Marcy, who could only say ‘yes’ and who agreed I should definitely stand up for my rights, I went ahead to my parents’ office.

The events afterward were mainly one long conversation. “Mother, Father,” I said, then decided to call my parents by their legal names to make the matter more official, “Alice Marian Griffin and Alexander Matthew Griffin II, I have a controversial topic to discuss,” I said slowly to make sure they heard.

Dad spoke first, “If the court appeases, if this is about a dog, I would disapprove.” Great. It was over already. “No, the court does not appease because Alexander Matthew Griffin III has 12 reasons why I need a dog,” I said. “Well, we’ll give you a chance, but we will say ‘no’ unless you have changed our minds,” Mom said.

“Okay. The 12 reasons I want a dog. Don’t you want to take notes? Important stuff I’m about to say,” I said. Both of my parents shook their heads. Of course they didn’t need notes. They were going to say no. “You know what? I’ll just give you the list and you can read it yourselves,” I said, because I really didn’t think I could play up being a court official and what not. Especially not in front of my parents.

I went through the reasons in my head as I waited in Marcy’s room. Marcy’s room was always the most fun because she had all the toys. I didn’t really care for toys, especially girls’ ones. Though I found her room more interesting than mine because the only ‘fun’ thing I had was a bunch of old video games and baseball cards, which I found boring the third time they were used.

At dinner that night, I reviewed my reasons again. The first reason was because the saying ‘A boy and his dog’ would go unfulfilled unless I had a dog. The second and third reasons were mainly the same, stating it was lonely with a little girl who could only say ‘yes’ and all my friends living miles away. The list mainly went on like that, but I hoped I was persuasive.

Mom spoke first. “We’ve made a choice because we fully agree with some of your reasons,” Mom said.

“You can say no. I lived the past eleven years of my life without a dog,” I said.

“So what would happen if we say yes?” Dad asked. I looked at both of my parents.

“A…are you saying yes?” I asked. Mom nodded.

“But on one condition. Your sister is allowed to be with the dog whenever she wants,” Dad said.

And of course Marcy said ‘yes’, because she knew she was the sister.

So later that month, I got a dog. And it was hard at first, because the dog stayed in Marcy’s room (because the dog was a girl) and always came out covered in baby food or milk or something. But in the end, I figured I didn’t need a long list of reasons. I learned that sometimes persuasion is all you need—and that I could be a pretty good lawyer when I grow up.

46 | Kids in Print 2016

Jada Broome Age 11

The Mouse Who Cried, “Cat!” "Aaouh!" yawned the tired and weary young mouse, who dreamily stretched as he woke from a deep sleep. He happily hopped and ascended in the air off his bouncy bed. Then he cheerfully opened the small window, which was a colossal window to him. It was breezy and chilly.

Click, click, clop. He lazily walked down his little stairs to his mother's kitchen. "Good morning," laughed Mama Mouse, a great cook, who was kindly creating a lovely breakfast for Little Mouse.

Smells of gourmet cheese omelets drifted through the air. Although Little Mouse was cute, he was a very rude rodent. He neglected his mother and walked straight to his closet to put on his warm coat and snug shoes.

"Brrrr" quaked Little Mouse, as he triumphantly opened the towering door to go outside. It was frightfully frigid. He played for a while and then, presently, got bored. He wanted adventure, so he eagerly hatched a plan.

"Cat! Cat! Cat!" He screeched, "Help! Help!" His mother, who was quite distressed, came streaking outside. To her relief, there was no cat, but to her dismay, Little Mouse was laughing. "I must have been mistaken," naughtily snickered Little Mouse, who was feeling quite amused. "That's okay, dear," gasped Mama Mouse as she turned back to the house.

A couple of minutes later, he bellowed, "Cat! Cat! Cat!" His mother came flying through the door, faster than Pharaoh's chariot, but again, to her dismay, she had been tricked. There was no cat.

"Ah ha ha!" mischievously boasted the mouse. "You should have seen your face!"

"Don't you ever do that again!" chided his irate mom, who briskly marched him inside and straight to bed.

The next day, feeling contrary, the little mouse went outside and defiantly did it again, but this time, there was a cat! "Help! Help! Cat! Cat!" desperately trembled the petrified mouse. No one came. "Please, help!" Little Mouse yelled mightily, quaking with fantastic fear, but no one came.

Gulp. The poor mouse was gone, voraciously devoured by a ruthless and sinister cat. Little Mouse was not as clever as he thought he was. After some silence, Mama Mouse curiously looked out the window. Where was Little Mouse? Then she saw the cat. She barged through the door and charged straight towards it. But it was too late. She was devastated. Mama Mouse heartbreakingly fell to her knees. She wailed with despair.

All the commotion suddenly startled the cat's tummy. Cough, cough, gag, gag. Whoosh! Just like a tidal wave, all of the spit and food and Little Mouse came flying out.

"Yuk!" blurted Little Mouse, emerging from the slimy Kibbles and Bits. "Hip hip hooray!” rejoiced Mama Mouse. She hurriedly sped toward her son and gave him endless hugs. Little Mouse pleaded for forgiveness. From then on, he never again tricked his mother.

Daniel Robles Age 10

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Music Daydreams / Sadee Broughton, Age 9

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My Family is Unique My family is unique Yes they are So no need to be shy Embrace your weird side

Abigail Wright Age 10

The Dark Side in the Sunlight / Calvin Stevick-Brown, Age 10

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First Day, Worst Day Today’s my first day of school, But it’s my worst day of school!

It all started with my hair...

It looked like spaghetti and meatballs!

Today’s my first day My worst day My bad hair day!

Next, I was late...

My little sister I knew it took her too long To pick out her clothes Today’s my first day My worst day My bad hair day My late for school day Can it get any worse?

Well...it did.

I couldn’t find my room AB1 or AB2?

Today’s my first day My worst day My bad hair day My late for school day My couldn’t find my room day Have you had this bad of a first day?

Well...

I did!

Haley Whitelaw Age 9

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The Shrinking Problem When I was eating my cereal, the table started shrinking.

I was growing bigger…bigger…and…all of a sudden, I WAS A GIANT!!

It was bad because Dad and Mom were coming home from a date.

When I tried to sit down, the chair broke.

BOOM!!!

When I tried to sit on the sofa, it cracked!

C…R…A…C…K… All of a sudden, my parents came back.

I was biting my fingernails.

I was shivering…ALAKAZUNK, I shrunk.

I was back to my normal size.

The End

Isis Bryan Age 6

Lazy Dawg / Vance Griswold, Age 10

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The Kitchen Utensils Once upon a time, there were five kitchen utensils. Those five kitchen utensils were a spatula, a whisk, a wooden spoon, a measuring cup, and a butcher knife. The five kitchen utensils were very agitated because they weren’t being used. They were so upset that they all called a meeting.

“This isn’t working,” said the wooden spoon.

“We’re barely being used. This isn’t fair! All of the other utensils are being used all of the time, but we are almost never even thought about,” said the measuring cup. “Our brothers and sisters are being used so much, but all of us are being left out.”

The whisk told all of the others, “I’ve noticed that every time that we get in the front of the line, our owners are reaching over us.”

The butcher knife said, ”I just realized something. We’re all very, very, very dirty!” The kitchen utensils looked at each other and noticed that the butcher knife was right.

The spatula said,”So, I guess that is why we aren’t being used. We’re too dirty.”

The kitchen utensils crawled over to the kitchen sink and took a long bubble bath with dish detergent.

They washed themselves until all of the dirt and grime was gone. They were sparkling clean, and there wasn’t even a speck of dirt. When their parents and siblings saw them, they didn’t recognize them. The next time they were in the front of the line, their owner took them. For the first time in years, they were used. After that, they all were very happy.

Lillian Mirosavich Age 9

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Dear Bacon Dear Bacon: It is amazing how you manage to look, smell, and, most of all, taste like perfection. This is a skill that many other foods – such as Brussels sprouts – do not POSSESS – hearing the sizzle, crack & pop when you are in the skillet. The way that you taste when I bite into your maroon and red skin takes my breath away.

The lovely scent that your presence leaves reminds me that life is good.

Even though I have only written this now, my love for you has always, and always will be, true. Bacon can solve all problems and create world peace.

We just have to embrace it. Thank you for your service, Bacon.

Love, Your admirer Anna #baconcanfixit

Anna Shull Age 11

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Mermaid / Addison David, Age 8

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Library Workout / Logan Rollins, Age 9

Backwards Co. / Brant Miller, Age 11

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Wildflower Mountain / Sarah Brown, Age 9 56 | Kids in Print 2016

Rain Glorious rain as you fall from the sky.

Some people sit and wonder why?

Without you, everything would surely die.

Animals, plants and people, too,

all know we need you.

Rain you feed the hungry grass,

and fill the lakes and ponds so fast.

I love you rain, so wet and sweet.

As you fall to the ground and hit my feet.

When you come, you ease my pain.

Mighty and wonderful, glorious rain.

Amelia Waters Age 12

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Mother Emanuel / Aiden Jackson, Age 7

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A Look Into Your Dream Room / Camryn Shadd, Age 10

Many people made this edition of Kids in Print possible and we each worked hard to make this publication the best yet.

PrintSouth Printing / Families, teachers and school staff / Darion McCloud / Vicky Saye Henderson / Programs and Partnerships / Marketing and Digital Strategies Kids In Print Selection Committee Heather McCue / Jennifer Naimzadeh / Sherry Williams Emily Johansson / The Children’s Room / Teen Center

Rosewood Arts Festival Public Art / Jerryana Williams, Age 17