June/July Newsletter

NEWSLETTER #2, 16 August 2024

Please click here to read  all submissions

Hello everyone, in this issue, we have reviews of two entries from prior months written by Aaron Han. Thank you so much to him and his amazing writing! If anyone reading is interested in also writing reviews, please let us know!

March 2024 Submissions:

The Mostly Impossible Journey - Lily Trost [Robert Frost Middle School, Seventh Grade]

This was a concise story yet filled with so many exciting ideas and moments for the 4 children on their journey to save their village. The descriptive dialogue was appealing and it felt as if I was playing a movie in my head with the descriptive words. I can definitely see Liam, Gwen, Harper, and Jason going on more and more adventures, conquering different tribulations in their lives.

The Fox - Jack McConnel [The Tatnall School, Eleventh Grade]

I really enjoyed the reminiscent nature of your essay where everything around me seemed silent as the story continued to draw me in. Your vivid descriptions of Abe and Joad's daily routine create a strong sense of place and character, allowing me to deeply connect and understand their bond. I particularly liked how you portrayed Abe's playful innocence contrasting with Joad's introverted and self-observant nature, highlighting the complexities of their relationship. The scene where Joad confronts the fox was both intense and emotionally charged, serving as a powerful turning point. Your attention to detail, such as the repeated references to the scent of coffee and the ever-changing sun, added a layer of warmth to the story. Overall, your essay beautifully captures the themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of learning through experience.

April 2024 Submissions:

Blue Ira - Ollie Caillier [Alabama School of Fine Arts, Tenth Grade]

This story has such vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing the reader's attention from the start. The portrayal of Jay's relationship with his mother is chilling and compelling, effectively conveying the fear he experiences. The dialogue is natural and provides nice insight into the characters' personalities. The narrative shifts well between Jay's inner thoughts and external interactions, adding nice layers to the story. The themes of isolation and longing for escape are well explored, making Jay's misfortune deeply relatable. Overall, "Blue Ira" is a powerful and haunting piece that left a lasting impression for me.

Mirror, Mirror of My Heart - Diane Kim [MMI Preparatory School, 11th Grade]

"Odysseus awoke with a start" captivated me with its sustained suspense. The vivid descriptions and emotional intensity drew me into Odysseus's world, making me feel his inner turmoil and guilt throughout the narrative. I thought the hall of mirrors was a really clever idea in reflecting his past triumphs and failures, and leading to profound self-realization. I find the balance between action, introspection, and mythology particularly effective, especially the powerful encounter with Athena. This moment goes over the themes of pride, redemption, and leadership. Overall, the narrative is engaging, offering a fresh perspective on Odysseus's journey that I personally found very compelling.

May 2024 Submissions:

Effects of Bullying - Zoë Laney [Jackson Academy, Ninth Grade]

Your story, "Effects of Bullying," really pulled me in with its heartfelt opening and the way you show the main character's mix of emotions on her first day. The interaction with her mom is sweet and sets up a hopeful vibe, which makes the bullying scene hit harder. The coffee stain incident feels real and intense, perfectly capturing the cruelty that can happen at school. I love how you shift to the main character comforting Rory, showing the power of kindness and standing up for someone. The story does a great job highlighting the importance of support and friendship, even in tough times. Overall, it’s a compelling read that makes you think about the real effects of bullying and how much a little kindness can mean in our everyday lives.

"Please, Help Me."  - Hayley Rae Shaffer [La Costa Canyon High School, Eleventh Grade]

Your poem, “Please, Help Me,” deeply resonates with the struggles faced by those with mental illnesses. The use of phrases like "shameful demons" and "incessant voices" captures the internal torment that people deal with. The mood is somewhat heavy, bringing a sense of desperation and the longing for understanding and support. The lines about subtle hints and overlooked cries highlight the painful reality of being unheard, which can stir strong emotions in readers. The imagery of "lips stitched together with shame" is particularly striking, creating a vivid picture of the silence that those with mental illnesses or depression often feel forced into. Overall, the poem powerfully conveys the impact of mental illness on both individuals and those around them, encouraging empathy and awareness of this ongoing problem in our society.

June 2024 Submissions:

Breaking Free - Aanya Sharma [Cambridge High School, Eighth Grade]

"Breaking Free" is a powerful poem that challenges traditional gender roles and expectations placed on women. The mood transitions from constrained and resigned to determined and liberated, bringing a strong emotional response. It starts with a sense of suffocation under societal pressures, making readers feel the weight of these imposed limitations. I feel like as society grows and adds these limitations and judgements on younger generations, this poem can be one that many will resonate with. As the poem progresses, it shifts to a tone of awakening and empowerment, inspiring feelings of hope and strength. This journey from oppression to confidence resonates deeply, highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self and breaking free from societal restrictions.

A Wondrous Walk - Sophie Simonian [River Dell High School, Ninth Grade]

"A Wondrous Walk" captures this surreal experience of a sleepless night stroll in London. The mood shifts from restless to mystical as the narrator steps into a quiet, rain-soaked city, only to witness an extraordinary display in the sky. This narrative has added a new lens to how I will be perceiving this world during my morning walks. The vivid description of colors lighting up the night sky creates a sense of wonder which really captured my reading experience. The unexpected encounter with an old woman, who vanishes mysteriously, adds to the dreamlike quality of the narrative. The echoes, the singing sky, and the illuminated streets guide the narrator back home, blending reality with a magical illusion. The story leaves a lasting impression, recalling feelings of awe and the subtle magic that can be found in the most unexpected moments of our lives.

July 2024 Submissions:

How to Contrive your own Grimoire - Emma Hall [American Heritage Academy, Eighth Grade]

"How to Contrive Your Own Grimoire" is an enchanting tale that captures the journey of Clementine, a struggling witch, and her optimistic ladle, Brotheen. The story shines with its imaginative setting and the heartening message that personal success often comes from developing one's own path rather than sticking strictly to tradition. The turning point, where Clementine’s mother encourages her to create her own grimoire, is a satisfying moment of growth. While the playful tone is delightful, adding a bit more detail to Clementine’s emotional journey and the magical elements could make the story even more immersive. Overall, this was a charming and enjoyable read about finding one's unique way to success.

Two Waterfalls - Michael Han [Sierra Vista Middle School, 7th Grade]

“Two Waterfalls” is a cool story about how two very different forces are actually pretty interdependent. The way you show one waterfall bringing destruction and the other peace makes it clear that both are needed for balance. I liked how the animals’ initial relief turns into a problem when they take away the “angry” waterfall and end up needing it back. It’s a neat way to show that extremes, whether good or bad, need each other to keep things in check. Maybe adding a bit more about how the animals feel during this process or how they solve the problem could make the story even more engaging. Overall, it’s a fun and thoughtful reminder that balance is key and how the way we view certain things may be different from the value they actually hold.