Monday, August 10, 2009
Winner!
Lila the Long Tailed Cat
by Lily Mancini
Once upon a time there was a cat named Lila. Lila was a very nice and cute cat but everybody laughed at her because her tail was really, really long. She was teased at school, teased at the park and basically just teased everywhere she went.
Then one day, as a birthday surprise, her mom signed her up for a basketball camp. This made Lila feel very nervous. More and more nervous day by day because she was worried that everybody at basketball camp would laugh at her too.
Her mom told her not to worry and that it would be fun. Guess what happened… she got to camp and they laughed at her. As hard as it was, Lila just ignored their laughter and tried again and again to do her best for many days.
The last day of camp finally came. This was the day of the big competition and each team had to score at least two baskets.
The game went on and on and it seemed that no team could score. So, Lila decided it was up to her. She knew that if she would just believe in herself and her long tail that she could do it.
For the first time in her life, Lila ignored all the laughter, grabbed the ball and sprang up on her long tail and threw the ball right in the basket! Score.
The crowd went wild and now Lila was laughing. Then she decided to do it again. She grabbed the ball with her tail and slam dunked the ball through the hoop and scored again.
She did it, she believed in herself and she won the game.
After that Lila and her parents were so happy and her friends never ever laughed at her again.
Monday, August 3, 2009
A Summer Break Story
“Hey, mom…” she said. “Yes, honey?” “I really want to have a pet!” Mable begged. “No, how many times do I have to tell you that!” her mom yelled. “Please…” “I said no! Instead, say good morning properly, do your morning hygiene, get dressed, and tidy up your room.”
Mable went back to her room. “Oh, well…” she muttered and started doing what her mother told her to do.
After a while her brother George knocked on the door. “Come in,” she mumbled. “Katie is at the door,” he whispered.
Mable walked downstairs. “Hi, Katie” “Oh, hi Mable” Katie murmured. “What’s the problem?” “My mom and dad got in a really big fight last night. I didn’t even get to sleep,” she said unhappily.
“I know what’ll cheer you up,” Mable exclaimed. “What will that be?” asked Katie. “We can run around the neighborhood to find me a stray pet.” “Yippee!” screamed Katie. “Let’s go!” they both said at the same time.
The two girls ran and ran until they came to a back alley in their neighborhood. They looked carefully at all the cats and dogs around. “Look at that kitten,” Katie pointed excitedly at a cute gray tabby. “It seems so scared,” said Mable. They each picked up the kitten. “I like this little guy!” Katie said.
While Mable was holding the kitten and cleaning hiss eyes gently, Katie noticed a sandwich leftover on the ground. “Why don’t we feed him with the sandwich?” said Katie. “No!” yelled Mable, but Katie grabbed it in the meantime. The dogs gathered around, ready to attack. Katie screamed loudly for help. At that point, the kitten leaped in front of Katie and hissed ferociously to the dogs. Both girls got really scared. Then Mable courageously shoved Katie backwards and they both run for their lives.
While running away, the two girls were amazed to find out, that the tubby kitten followed them all the way. So, all three of them were back at Mable’s house pretty soon.
Mable decided she just made a new friend and she will do anything to keep him home and take care of him. The hardest part was to convince her mom.
After Katie and Mable told Mable’s mom what happened and what Mable wants to do, she thought for awhile. Then she said: “I was watching you this morning while you took care of your morning hygiene and your room all by yourself. I’ve decided that if you promise to take care of the kitten, you can keep it.”
Mable kept the kitten and took good care of it. They became the best of friends. She named it Myth.
-By Alexandra G. Angeloff
Age 8
Peace
“Grandpa,” said Peace, “What was my mother like?”
“Its 9:30 now. Off to bed. You have a trip to the museum tomorrow at 9:00. So go to bed!”
Her grandparents never told Peace about her parents.
“Sigh.”
Peace woke up about 7:00 in the morning, got dressed, took Toto for a walk, fed him and ate breakfast.
After all that is was 8:30.
“Grandma, what was my father like?”
“Oh, you will be late for the trip. Hurry and get in the van!”
“OK. You don’t have to yell.”
“This fossil was donated by a young kid about 14 years old. He found it in his own yard!
“Any Questions? None? Ok, let’s move on,” said the guide.
Peace got home about 4:00. Her Grandma and Grandpa had already left for a big party that night. So Peace was all alone. She found a note on the fridge door:
Dear Peace,
We will be home at 11:00. If you want, you can stay up till then, but make sure you have the left over pasta from last night.
And stay out of the attic! Keep the lights on.
Grandma.
“Stay out of the attic.” She heard that one all the time!
What was up there? Money? No that can’t be it. Maybe she could peek up there just this once.
Peace ran up the attic stairs and grabbed the attic door knob and…
It was locked. There was a rug in the front of the door.
That was stupid; put a rug in front of a locked attic door.
A rug in front of a locked door? I know! The keys are probably under the rug. Yep!
Peace opened the door and walked in, the room was full of boxes, and one of them was full to the top with journals. Peace grabbed the one on the bottom, and on the front it said, “Violet Humbearg.” Humbearg…that was Peace’s last name! The journal must have belonged to her mother. Inside on the first page it said…
Today we get to go to China and save the panda’s. I’ve got to go. Shaun is ready. Bye!
Violet
“What do those words say? They went where to save what? Could my parents still be alive?” Peace said.
The next Morning Peace got up and got ready for school.
Then she realized it was Saturday! She had all day to find out more about her parents.
Maybe she should start by finding out their flight information. Peace knew that they would have flown out of Lancing because her grandparents said they’d lived there all their life.
She ran to her computer and looked up flight histories for the three air ports in Lancing. She did a search on the names Violet and Shaun Humbearg, and she found information on an old flight to China.
China? Could it be true? Is it just a weird coincidence? Peace was going to China herself in just three days, to visit her aunt Mary. Perfect! Peace hoped her luck would continue when she got there.
Three days later Peace arrived at her Aunts house. Aunt Mary was a scientist studying the endangerment of the panda species.
“Hello Peace. Wow, you have grown a whole lot since the last time I saw you.”
“Hi Aunt Mary. I missed you so much! China is so beautiful. Maybe after I unpack I can go for a walk in the forest? Your property here is amazing.”
“Sure, Peace. Quite independent aren’t you? Hmmm…you remind me of someone I know. Okay, I’ll show you to your room so you can get settled. Then come have a snack and chat with me for a few minutes.”
After they talked for a little while, Aunt Mary gave Peace a compass, a phone and small dagger to cut through any thick branches.
As Peace began her walk, she went a different way than her aunt showed her. She thought it would be more fun, but within ten minuets she realized she was lost. When she reached for her compass she noticed that it wasn’t in her pocket. She must have dropped it. As she opened the phone to call her aunt, she noticed the battery was dead, and as she tried to remember her path, she ended up feeling further and further away from her aunt’s house.
Up ahead she saw a light and began walking toward it. As she got closer, she could see a camp and two people that looked like Americans talking to some kind of native villagers.
They seemed to be speaking Chinese. Peace didn’t know what they were saying, but it looked like the man and woman were introducing themselves. Peace listened carefully. She could have sworn she heard the woman say “Violet and Shaun.” Could it be?
Peace walked quickly toward the tribe.
“Mom! Dad!” Said Peace as she stepped out of the bushes.
“Peace?” Said Veronica and Shaun at the same time.
“Yes!”
-By Skyler Stahlmann
Age 10
Soul Revenge
“I want 98.7, Jessica!” I scream as she puts down the top of the convertible.
“Too bad, it’s my car! And you’re lucky that I driving you and your little friend.” She snaps.
Matt is in the back seat huddled into the car door (he doesn’t have other siblings). He’s looking pretty scared. I’m choosing to ignore Jessica and her obnoxious music.
“Matt, sorry that you have to listen to this stuff every time you wanna go to the mall. Or we have a gig.” I apologize.
“Dude, it’s alright.” Matt says putting himself back into normal position.
Today we have a gig and we are the opening act. We’re playing three of our best songs. I’m the lead singer and do some electric guitaring. Matt’s the drummer and we’re meeting the rest of the dudes (and girls) there which consists of our backup singers: Haley and McKenzie, then backup guitarist Soul and our bass player Tommi. Our band’s name is “Soul Revenge.” The whole idea of that came from Soul.
We are in the parking lot of the mall. “Okay kids, once the concert is over I’ll meet you at Claire’s, the earring store, okay?” Jessica laughs.
“No, Jess, no!” I protest, “How about Hot Topic?”
“Um… I don’t see why not. I just might shop in there come to think of it,” she thinks while hopping out of the shiny red convertible that she proudly says is her’s.
Matt and I get out of the car and by the time we actually get into the mall Jessica already has shopping bags in her arms. Matt has his lucky drum sticks in his hand and I’ve got my green and black electric guitar.
We strut over to the little stage that we usually play on. “There’s Haley and McKenzie!” Matt points out. McKenzie has her long wavy blonde hair down to her waist, and Haley (as always) is in her gray hoodie with her hair tucked under a black Fox surf hat. No one would think she’s a girl especially in those baggy jeans.
McKenzie runs over to us, “Hey guys, OMG! There’s gonna be a guy in the audience specifically for the opening acts! And this means… IF WE’RE GOOD WE COULD GET A RECORD DEAL! Group scream!” Only Mckenzie screams. We think doing “Group Screams” are for girls.
People stare at McKenzie while she screams. I actually thought I heard some guy say “Who’s the crazy blonde chick?”
“Okay McKenzie… you can stop now.” Matt says quietly, not looking directly at her so people wouldn’t see that he’s with the “Crazy Blonde Chick.” I start laughing inside my head. Soon I’m laughing so hard (in my head) that I start breathing through my nose weirdly.
Ok. Getting over that, I see Soul and Tommi coming into the mall. McKenzie sees them too and runs over to where they are (I guess to tell them the news).
We walk over to our stage and Soul and Tommi follow. Everybody in our band gathers around next to the stage. As the lead singer I am put in charge of the band so I give them a quick talk, “Okay dudes and dudettes, as you heard from Mckenzie, there is going to be someone special in the audience- someone from All Star Records. So in order to get a record deal, we MUST get our act together and go out there and…” I say as a cue to begin our motto, everyone screams together, “DO SOME SOUL REVENGE!” Our motto is kind of corny but oh well, it’s a band!
Now everyone in Soul Revenge is pumped up to rock the socks off of whoever it is from All Star records. The first song is the best so we can get everybody to love it and stay for more. It’s called “Spin Me Round.” Tommi was the best on the first song, the bass he played was so distinctive.
On the second song, “Crashing Down,” I sing heavily “We all come crashing down crashing smashing down, down, down.” As I try to wrap up the next few verses I get distracted by a guy that look exactly like Ozzy Osbourne in the audience. I try to pick it up a notch to impress him. Suddenly I see him walk away with a head shake as in saying no.
All of a sudden it hits me, my band just got rejected by the guy who eats bat heads. My legs feel unstable and I want to barf. Ozzy Osbourne, my idol, just rejected my band.
I can’t say any more but the last word of my Crashing Down song, then fall light headedly down off the stage. I close my eyes to the stopping of music. I can’t hear anything anymore, or maybe the mall just became completely silent.
Suddenly I hear shouting in my ear, “Dude your band totally rocked! Nice gimmick, falling off the stage at the end of Crashing Down!” It sounds just like… just like Ozzy!
I suddenly crack open my eyes to see if it is Ozzy Osbourne. It is! Ozzy Osbourne is touching me! Wanting to know if I’m ok (or checking out my “Gimmick”)!
I push myself up to stand, grabbing the mic off the stage, I scream into it, “Yeeeeeeeeeess!!” The whole mall joins in, “Yeeeeeeeeeess!!”
“Get back on stage and finish up our last song!” McKenzie shrieks. So I did, but first I want to ask Ozzy something, “Yo Ozzy, why’d you walk away from our band?”
“Oh, well, it was that out of all the songs, I did, this one would have been so great for me, I guess it was a little too good. Now do as she says and finish up your gig!”
Ozzy was the record dude from All Star Records, and of course we got the deal, but it didn’t all turn out great… my sister, Jessica (as you know) totally spent too much money on ridiculous things like candy that makes you cry (so sour) at Hot Topic. She’s grounded but, she still has to drive us around. (My mom is proud that I got the record deal!)
-By Daisy Karnas
Age 10
Violet and Moonbeam Win First Place
Her mom and dad said that she was just old enough to and she could do it. She was so excited that she thanked her mom and dad and ran back to the stables as fast as she could to sign her name. After she signed her name she was so exhausted from all the excitement that she went into the barn and slept in the hay. The next morning she woke up and she was so excited because today was the race. She ran out of the barn as fast as she could to get ready and eat breakfast so she could get Moonbeam ready.
After she got dressed and ate breakfast, Violet ran as fast as she could to the stables to get Moonbeam clean for the race. When she got there Moonbeam was already awake and ready to be cleaned. Violet started to wash Moonbeam. Then she brushed and groomed him. When she was done it was time to drive to the race. Violet’s dad put Moonbeam in the back of the truck and they started driving off to the race.
When they got there, other people were getting ready for the race. They picked their stable and started getting ready too. When they were done, her mom and dad told her that they would be in the audience. Violet joined the other contestants. The announcer said, “Ready, Get set, GO!”
They started with Violet in the lead then someone passed her with Violet in second place. Then Violet passed him again. Then two people passed her but then Violet passed both of them. It was the second lap with Violet in third place, and then in second, and then, on the last lap, she was in the lead.
Violet won first place! Violet got a medal and she got to be in the newspaper and Moonbeam got a blue ribbon in his mane.
-By Maya Nightsky
Age 9
BALLET and TAP
“I love those colors,” said Kate when saw the costumes. “I am glad you like them,” said Mary. “We are going to be horses in the recital!”
They practiced there dance over and over until they were good enough to do there dance! Soon they planned there dance because they were good at it!
The next day when Mary and Kate woke up it was the day there recital was on! When they got on stage Mary forgot her dance but Kate saved the day! She helped Mary learn there dance again and they were a hit! Every one loved them. After the dance Mary said “thank you Kate for helping me”. Now Kate and Mary do a dance every year!
THE END
-By Sarah Shaw
Age 7
The Magic Rock
One day Samantha found a rock that was blue by the sea. She thought that was strange. So she called Thasa.
“Have you ever seen a blue rock?” asked Samantha.
“No”, answered Thasa, “Why did you ask?”
“I saw one and have it now”, said Samantha.
“ That’s impossible”, said Thasa.
“Bye”, said Samantha. She hung up the phone. She was unhappy now since Thasa did not believe her.
When she is not happy, Samantha would usually go to seashore and look for dolphins. So she went to seashore. But she did not see any dolphin. She took out the blue rock and wished that she would have a dolphin friend. Just then, she saw a dolphin coming out of water and swimming straight toward her.
The dolphin was beautiful. Samantha named her Sabrina. They became friends. Sabrina told Samantha the rock is a magic rock. Your wish will become true when you have the blue rock. Sabrina told Samantha there are many things in the world of sea.
“What kinds of thing?” asked Samantha.
“Want me to show you?” said Sabrina.
Samantha got a ride on Sabrina. They saw a sea turtle .It was eight feet long. It was a leather back sea turtle. They saw a sea horse. It was a baby. They saw a squid. It was so much fun.
Days past, Samantha would turn nine on her birthday. On her birthday, She went to see Sabrina. Sabrina had a friend named Jack. He was a dolphin too. That day Jack was at Sabrina’s house as well. Sabrina told Jack about Samantha. Jack liked Samantha. So Sabrina and Jack both went to Samantha birthday party. Samantha showed Thasa the blue rock and her dolphin friends. They became good friends again.
The End
-By Christiana Guan
Age 7
Wake Up!!
-By Jared A. Baird
Age 9
Mystery at Grandma's House
The first place they search was the kitchen, but they only found Grandma baking her famous cookies. They kept looking. In the hallway they found some dirt and footprints. They kept going down the hallway and Jack stopped at the bathroom where he found more dirt and a mess. Dan decided to look in the attic, but nothing was found, just a bad smell.
Jack, Dan and George met again in the hallway and they follow the noise. It was coming from Grandma's bedroom. They all had a scary look in their faces. The room was very cold and dark. The noise was very loud and it got louder and louder as they got closer to the closet doors. They turn on the lights and open the doors, and to their surprise, it was their neighbor cat.
Boy, they were relieved that the mystery at Grandma's house was resolved! But they sure enjoyed telling the story over and over again.
-By Andrew Williams
Age: 9
Hope
-ByAnna Wright
Age 9
The Legendary Pill
One day while he was at home, a package came to him. “Huh, wonder what this is?” He opened the box and skimmed around for anything. Suddenly, he found a note in the bottom. It said: Does your family need money? Well lucky for you, here’s a recipe. I don’t have the ingredients to make this. Hope you have them. Bye. The recipe used laser beams, tator tots, and sugar.
“Wow,” Ricky thought, “how convenient. I have all those things.” He mixed the ingredients together at a friend’s house. To his surprise the recipe made a pill. He ate it. Then somehow he was a year older. He noticed this too. He had grown a little taller and heavier. It was amazing! He had to show this to everybody.
The next day, Ricky told everyone in school about the recipe and what had happened and they believed him. They all wanted to have one of these great pills. It was a long day, everyone gathering around asking to have a pill. It was exhausting for Rick.
The following day the principal found out about the magic pills and told all the parents and staff in the school about it. Within a few hours everybody, except Ricky, kept taking the legendary pill and they were getting old. He had to make an antidote for this! He rushed back to his house and figured out a cure: blueberries and pumpkin juice. He mixed them and brought it back to school. He gave it to everybody and they all went back to their original age.
Somehow, The Newscast was watching and filming all of this. They sent $1,000,000 to Ricky’s house to get new furniture. Shortly after school, he got home and there was $1,000,000. “Oh my goodness! I knew the note said I’d get some money, but I never imagined it would be this much! Now we can buy a new house and every that we need. I guess fame is a great reward, but it requires a lot of care.”
-By Richard Pekarski
Age 9
Stories You Are About To Believe
Chapter 1 The News
”Morning Mom, morning Pa,” said Princess Sparkles as she woke up. Sun shined through the glass windows. “Honey, it is time you get married,” said the Queen. I don't want to marry a prince. “It's your duty,” said the King. I don't have to listen. Princess Sparkles ran outside into the dark woods. She thought about her marrying a prince. She did not like the idea. Then she turned around, and right before her eyes was a unicorn.
Its body shined like the sun. Its mane was golden. “Who are you?” asked the princess. I am a unicorn. “WOW!” exclaimed the princess. My name is Princess Sparkles. “It is nice to meet you princess,” said the unicorn. Ring, ring, ring, ring, oh no! I have to go unicorn. “I will come back tomorrow,” said the princess. “Okay,” said the unicorn. The princess ran to the castle. Her parents asked where have you been? Oh, I was taking a stroll in the garden. “Go to your room darling,” said the King.
Chapter 2 In the Lair
Meanwhile, in the dragon’s lair go guard the
magic one now, Goliee, said the dragon. “Yes, I will,” said Goliee. Thank you. Goliee went to the magic lair and went to his guarding spot.
One hour later “ZZZZZZZZZZZZ” went
Goliee. “GOLIEE!” roared the dragon. “AHHH!” Goliee yelled has he fell out of his chair. “Yes,” he said has he scrambled up and ran to the dragon. “Get me our supper,” he said. “Yes,” said Goliee.
Chapter 3 The Prince
Back at the castle it was time for dinner. “Honey, you are going to marry in two days. Your dad and I made the agreement. You have two days to choose,” said the Queen. “That’s not an agreement. I’m going to bed,” said Princess Sparkles.
The next day Princess Sparkles ate quickly and ran to the unicorn. “I have to marry in two days, and I don’t want to marry, unicorn,” said Princess Sparkles. I want to marry you because you’re so pretty, but my parents would not let me marry you unless you were a prince. She kissed the unicorn on the head. Then as quick as a flash, the unicorn changed into a prince. “I will explain later, but first if you want to marry me
help me we have to find the magic wand,” said the prince. “Why?” asked the princess. “If you want me to stay a prince, then we have to find it,” said the prince, “okay.” The prince led them to the dragon’s lair. “Who is guarding the magic wand?” asked the princess. “A goblin named Goliee that works for a dragon,” said the prince. The prince made sure he had his sword. They ran to the magic lair where the wand was hidden. The goblin saw them, and the prince said to try to get the keys while he fought the goblin. The prince took his sword and started to sword fight with the goblin as the princess sneaked behind the goblin to the keys. The keys were on the goblin’s belt. She tried to snatch the keys, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, on the seventh try she caught the keys. When she was about to unlock the magic door, the goblin saw her
and started sword fighting her! When the prince saw she was cornered, he threw the sword to her. She cornered the goblin. Then the prince took the sword and made sure the goblin was cornered as the princess unlocked the magic door and got the magic wand. The prince told her the spell for the goblin, but just as the princess was about to say the spell the dragon came in. The princess then said the spell, “This goblin has been bad so punish him well until he gets sad and take away his powers please or else I will get mad.” The spell happened and the dragon turned good. The dragon said that the goblin thought he needed a master, so he turned me evil and used me as his master. He wanted me because I had more powers than him. “WOW!” exclaimed the prince.
“I will fly you guys home,” said the dragon. “Thank you,” said Princess Sparkles and the prince.
Chapter 4 Plans
They got to the castle. “Hi mom! Hi dad!” shouted the princess, “this is the prince I want to marry!” “How did you meet this prince and where is his family?” asked the Queen. “He will go get his family today, and I met him in the forest,” said the princess. Someone else is added to the family, welcome, and tomorrow we will have a wedding, ball, and feast and invite villagers, princesses, princes, queens, and kings.
Chapter 5 The End
They got married and rode in a carriage to their own castle near the woods.
Their pets were a dragon and a unicorn.
Princess Sparkles passed the story on to her kids. It will be past on Forever.
The End
-By Cayleen C.
Age 8
The Magical Forest
But, mermaids are the secret!
They were the powerful one’s,
They did every thing. But they weren’t the only ones,
There was a boy, one stepbrother, who was not fair. But the
Other boy Bill he was nice to his brother Ben. Their mom’s name was Rosy, oh yes, Rosy, she tried to be nice to Ben
But Ben refused. It was Monday, Bill got dressed and
Ate his toast. Then he went out to play. He liked to play in the forest! It rained last night, so early in the morning he saw a
Rainbow. Bill saw where it ended. Could it really
Be? A POT OF GOLD!!! Bill said, “I have to show my mom! Then he went to look a little more and then he saw a fairy and a mermaid jump from the lake! When he looked up he saw a kingdom next to the lake. He spotted a path and followed it. At the end of the path there was a wizard. Bill said,” may I have this gold. “Yes”, said the wizard. “Where am I”, said Bill. “You are in the Magical Forest”, said the wizard. “My name is Bob”, said the wizard. “My name is Bill”. “Nice to meet you”. You to. Said Bill. Our Kingdom needs a new “King, would you be our new King”? “Yes, I would be honored.” “Good”!! So he got ready and got crowned King!!
THE END!!!!
-By Morgan Waltimyer
Age 7
Black Dragon
One day their village was attacked by none other than the Black Dragon. As soon as he got there he started for Shawn and Katie’s street. When Shawn and Katie got there he was nowhere to be found.
After that they decided that they would go after him. Everyone told them not to go. They did not listen.
They walked miles and miles until it occurred to them that they needed supplies to fight the dragon. Finally they came to a black smith. The black smith gave them two swords and two sheaths.
When they started on the road again they wondered what was waiting for them.
After walking for miles they came to a dirt road.
They followed the road thinking that it would take them to the dragon`s lair. It did not lead them to the black dragon`s lair.
It leads them to a deserted forest. At least they thought it was deserted.
When they went in Katie said " I do not think we are near the Black Dragon`s lair." Shawn said "I think you are right."
They looked around. They were completely lost.
They split up.
Katie finally said "I found a way out." Shawn said “Thanks for telling me."
Shawn looked and he saw a light. Shawn and Katie were so excited; they could not wait until they could get out of the forest. They burst through the leaves and jumped with joy.
After that they walked twenty more miles without taking a break when they spotted a river. Shawn and Katie ran to the river overjoyed.
They filled four large jars with water.
Katie said "I think we should go on.” Shawn agreed and then walked on.
“I see the ocean over there” Katie said pointing to the west.
“Awesome!” said Shawn.
They went through the trees to get to the ocean.
When they got to the water they found a lot of mangrove tree branches.
Shawn said that he knew how to cross over the ocean by building a boat out of the mangrove tree branches. Katie said “That is a great idea."
Then they started to build their boat. They took the fallen mangrove tree branches and put them in a special place.
As soon as they finished they rode on the ocean. The days were foggy and the nights were stormy and gloomy. One night there was a huge storm that destroyed their boat.
Shawn fell to the bottom of the sea, but Katie stayed on top of the water. She woke up and dived to the bottom to get Shawn. She grabbed his arm and pulled him to the top of the water.
When he woke up Shawn was in the water.
He saw Katie floating in the water like a dead fish. He went to her and helped her up."Thanks" said Katie.
Then they started to swim together.
Soon they saw a beautiful island ahead. It had so many palm trees with coconuts.
When they came to the island they made two small houses.
Shawn`s house was made out of fallen branches and dead leaves. Katie’s house was made out of thick wood and big leaves that she had picked herself.
They were also finding out which animals are safe and which are not. They also started to build a boat out of thick wood.
They finished quite quickly.
When they did finish they sailed off.
One night when Katie was look out she saw a pack of sharks and woke Shawn up.
They took out their swords. They were in danger.
All of a sudden Shawn fell into the water.
Katie tried to grab him but she missed.
She dived into the water.
She could not see anything. All was dark.
She felt something touch her back.
She turned around and grabbed it without seeing that it was one of the deadly sharks. She screamed but nobody could hear her.
That same minute Shawn rose to the surface.
He saw blood in the water. He grabbed an arm and pulled her up. “Thank you so much”. “No problem”. Said Shawn.
“Let’s keep going.” They kept going on as if nothing ever happened.
Then silvery mist flew out of the wide ocean.
“Who dares to wake me Neptune the god of the sea.”
“We are Shawn and Katie Seray.” Said Katie.
“Why did you tell him who we are?” Shawn whispered. “What harm could it bring?” Said Katie.
“Well Shawn and Katie I do not want you present so leave.”Ordered Neptune. “Fine then I guess I won`t tell any stories about you.” Said Katie. “ Fine you may cross.”
Girls can be very persuasive.
They went on.
It was cold and dreary.
Katie was very sick and Shawn had to take care of her.
He didn`t know what to do. Thankfully she wasn`t very sick and was easily nursed back to health.
“Are you okay?” Said Shawn. “Yes” Said Katie.
They were still in the ocean looking for the dragon’s lair.
They heard waves crashing every night. They could not sleep because of all that noise.
In the morning they saw something they had not seen in weeks. They saw land.
It was just a small island but to them was all land the same.
They tried to get the boat in faster but it was no use.
They would just have to wait for the waves to pull them in.
Eventually they pulled were pulled in by the waves. They loved that small island so much for saving them from starvation.
Although the island only had coconuts and bananas it was food all the same.
They found shelter in two small hollow trees.
Shawn and Katie looked around the island for new things to eat and new places to live. They looked around and they either didn`t find anything or they kept going in circles.
They checked every part of the island except one dark and mysterious part that neither of them wanted to go in.
Then one day they ran out of food in their trees.
“It`s okay.” Said Katie “I`ll just go find some more.” So Katie left to go find some more food. She look all over the island but she couldn`t find anything.
Of course she left out the dark, scary place on the island.
She ran back to Shawn.
“We`ll only find food in the dark, scary part of the island.”Panted Katie.
“Let’s go see what’s in there.” Said Shawn. So they walked to the mysterious part of the island.
They took a few steps into the darkness.
They were holding the breathe so the wouldn`t make any noise.
It was pretty clever until they couldn’t hold their breath anymore.
They made so much noise when they took a breath some of the animals around them woke up.
“Look over there!” Screamed Katie pointing at something large in front of them.
“Ahhhhhh!”They yelled. The thing that stood before them was the black dragon.
They could tell because the dragon had black armor for skin and eyes that sparkled like diamonds.
They took out their swords and started to fight.
“Bang, clash!” The dragon didn`t seem to have a weak spot. Then Katie spotted regular skin. It was on it`s stomach.
Shawn was howling in pain.
Katie was going towards the dragon. She was trying to get to the stomach.
Her head was almost cut off but she managed.
She finally got to it`s stomach and stabbed it. After that the dragon was no more.
Shawn and Katie had a long way home but they knew they could survive it now and they knew they saved a lot of innocent people that was what really matters.
That was the time of their lives but it was over and they had to go home.
That was about the two bravest kids who ever walked the face of the earth and how they defeated the black dragon.
The End.
-By Kaitlyn King
Age 8
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Lila The Long Tailed Cat
Then one day, as a birthday surprise, her mom signed her up for a basketball camp. This made Lila feel very nervous. More and more nervous day by day because she was worried that everybody at basketball camp would laugh at her too.
Her mom told her not to worry and that it would be fun. Guess what happened… she got to camp and they laughed at her. As hard as it was, Lila just ignored their laughter and tried again and again to do her best for many days.
The last day of camp finally came. This was the day of the big competition and each team had to score at least two baskets.
The game went on and on and it seemed that no team could score. So, Lila decided it was up to her. She knew that if she would just believe in herself and her long tail that she could do it.
For the first time in her life, Lila ignored all the laughter, grabbed the ball and sprang up on her long tail and threw the ball right in the basket! Score.
The crowd went wild and now Lila was laughing. Then she decided to do it again. She grabbed the ball with her tail and slam dunked the ball through the hoop and scored again.
She did it, she believed in herself and she won the game.
After that Lila and her parents were so happy and her friends never ever laughed at her again.
-By Lily Mancini
Age 7
The Magic Clock
Sprinting back up the stairs to turn the clock back on he noticed something. “Oh no! The clock won’t unfreeze anyone, even if the clock is on!” Tyler shouted frightfully! Suddenly, he scrambled to the cabinet with the batteries. Triple A batteries is what the broken clock needs, Tyler decides fretfully. Opening the clock, Tyler removes the old batteries and places in the new batteries. He flips the switch to the off, then the on position. Hopefully, the boy spurted down the stairs to find his parents, who were still frozen! The clock must not need new batteries, maybe something else has to be done. “What to do…?” Tyler questions.
As Tyler stares thoughtfully at the clock, an idea forms in his head. “The clock repairman could most likely fix my clock!” The boy shouts gleefully. Blasting through the house and neighborhood, he finally reaches the shop he’s looking for. Tyler slowly enters the shop. All of the items lying in the shop: tools, clocks, springs, clock arms, and blue prints. “Hello?” Tyler calls. No response, just like nobody’s there. He suddenly realizes, everybody’s frozen, including the clock repairman!
While Tyler trudges home, he thinks, “I might as well live a lonely life.” Tyler flops onto his bed setting the clock down on a nightstand. “Wait a minute!” he exclaims. He picks up the other clock and turns it on. The buzzing of the city floods back. Tyler, as gleeful as a smiley face, he sprints to his parents, happy they’re unfrozen.
-By Nicole Lukowski
Age 10
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Moon
-By Courtney Botelho
Age 9
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Tree that Had no Name
There was a tree… only one tree that was standing so broad, tall, and looked strong. It never leaned forward and not one leave fell, but something accrued to others that past. You see, this tree was planted on a corner with rushing people. Now in days people past very slowly, just admiring the tree, the tree that had no name.
As the tree it self, can’t talk like others, or really, have no mind of its own, it has a personality, of which nobody figured out. The tree with no name was much different than other trees. Like when seasons come and go… Spring, the tree with no name blooms flowers that you never seen before, people are so speechless when it is this time of year. It’s because of the golden flowers that the tree blooms. Summer, the tree sways with a hot summer wind. Everyone quickly hops under it for cool shelter from the blazing sun. Fall, the unnamed tree’s leaves turn brown, but just don’t fall to the ground. They stay there, with no help, just looking like any minute they will fall to the ground. The people watch to see if one of them falls, but not one of them fall. Some of them wait for hours. Winter, pretty soon all the leaves fall with ease. It’s a big site. Everyone watches as all of them fall. When all of them are fallen, the tree looks bare with just the branches and they look tough too. The people walk away with sadness in their eyes.
Right now it’s summer. So most of the people walk under the tree for cool shelter. Some just don’t care and walk to and fro. One summer day, an older kid, named Lexie, came along. Lexie herd about the tree with no name and wanted to see it. Lexie was 12 years old and can walk around the city be her self. When Lexie reached the tree, she stood, just in shocked like never before. She like a statue for a second then snapped out of it and without hesitation she climbed up it so steady she didn’t even have to stop. When Lexie reached the top, she was so very tired, but used the rest of her strength to stand up. She stood up with all her strength and was amazed by what she did and could see the city from above.
The tree with no name felt good to have company all the time. Just there was always one thing missing, no name. It’s like the tree felt lonely in side and hollow too. The tree had all the parts expect one, no name. How come all of these people are staring, but not giving the tree a name? Just how come? Since the tree couldn’t talk, it showed it by shaking its branches and leaves. Everyone ran with scared faces, not relaxed at all. Lexie was still climbing down the tree when this all happened, she was just about to put her foot on the ground when the tree shook and Lexie was pushed backwards and cut her knee a little bit. Some people’s attention was on her. Others were on the tree. They couldn’t believe what was happening. Half of the people were gone. Only some stayed in shocked. It was so hot. They wanted to go under the tree but were afraid to. Then someone spoke up.
There was a younger kid, Manny. He was only 7 years old. Manny walked right under the tree. His mom was there and let him go. He spoke in his loudest voice he could get out. Manny was the one who spoke up the everyone, “Please you guys, don’t walk away, it’s just a tree that wants a name.” All the people’s mouths went down. Then the whispers started. Manny spoke up again, “Can any one think of a name for this tree that helps us?” Someone yelled out” WHAT ABOUT, TREE OF PRESONLITYS?”
Most of the crowd agreed. Then that was that. Everyone went back over the tree and told the boy how thrilled they were of his speaking up. A year later the community came and put a little stand up that had the techniques of the tree. The best part though, was the letters, the name of the tree in the big, bold solid black letters that read, TREE OF PRESONLITYS. Everyone was happy and full of glee. They all celebrated. The tree with no name came to be the tree with a name.
-The End-
-By Alaska
Age 10
My Temporary Pet Dragon
There I was, sitting frustrated on a bench in
As you know, I would not just toss Fiercy, my new pet, out the window because she blew fire at any boy she ever saw. I knew there was some way that I could eliminate her hate for boys. After I thought for about five minutes, I decided to see if putting a muzzle on Fiercy would prevent her despicable behavior. I walked to the Walmart thinking," This is the best idea I've ever had!" I walked in to isle three, and picked out a scarlet red muzzle for Fiercy. I purchased the muzzle for two dollars and took long strides outside to where I had tied Fiercy to a light pole. Before I untied the metal chain, I attached the muzzle to the fire breathing thing's mouth. After the rope was untied, we started walking towards home when the mailman drove by. I grinned, knowing that my plan would work. All the sudden the muzzle was gone, leaving a pitch black substance on the ground. Thankfully, the fire breathing beast was to far away from the mailman to hit him with her epic weapon. The petrified and astonished mailman sped away in terror. His face looked like me when I found a tarantula in the bathtub. I felt stupid because I had never supposed that the dragon could burn off the muzzle, but she had and that was a problem. I slowly trudged home moaning the whole way with Fiercy at my side. I decided to make a home for my new dragon in the ancient dog house that had been at my house for as long as I can remember. I tidied it up a bit and put an old ripped up blanket inside. Fiercy seemed to enjoy her new home. When I was finished creating Fiercy's home, I casually entered my house. My mom had gone to work, and the house was silent. I literally fell down on the comfortable leather couch in our living room. I thought, "There must be someway I can stop Fiercy's strange actions!"
I searched the World Wide Web on my Dell laptop for interesting ways to tame a dragon. I typed in: how to tame a dragon, and the first thing that popped up was an add about hiring a wizard to tame dragons or any mythical creatures. I clicked the add and surprisingly, a wizard formed right beside me. I never expected to have a real live wizard pop out of my own computer! He stated," I'm here to train your dragon." I explained to him the entire situation and he replied, "No problem." As the trainer and I approached the dog house very quietly, I heard growling and I knew that this wouldn't be pretty. The trainer from the Internet told me to stay back. The dragon tamer walked calmly to the hotel for the fire breathing monster. Fiercy stepped out of the mini house and stared at the wizard with eyes filled with hatred. The bizarre man who spoke like a zombie started to say what I thought must have been a spell, but Fiercy knew what he attempting. Fiercy spit fire out of her jaws and in seconds the wizard had vanished and left behind a pile of dirt. I looked at Fiercy and sighed a very deep and gloomy sigh. "How am I supposed to fix this?" I wondered aloud. "I can't just let this dragon burn all the males in the universe!"
Andy and the Talking Pencil
Andy is a human man, a young adult. Andy has brown hair just like his little boy, Jason. Andy is a quiet man, but he likes to put his thoughts on paper. Andy was going to write a story, but he had no ideas. He knew he was going to give the story to Jason. Andy barely searched the house looking for a pencil when Andy found a brand new number 2 pencil with an unused eraser, and sharp lead rolling across the tile floor right in front of him. Andy, not having any shoes on, picked up the pencil with his toes. Andy put the pencil in his hand and began to think.
The pencil shouted, “No!”
Andy, in complete surprise murmured, “oh my gosh. Did you just talk?”
Wanting Andy to be surprised the pencil refused to talk.
Andy, mad at the pencil, said, “I know you talked, say something.”
“Something.”
Andy yelled, “say something besides something.”
“Hi.”
Andy said, “hi” back to the pencil.
“What do you want?” the pencil asked.
“I need ideas for a story for my son Jason.” Andy said.
“I have a lot of ideas,” answered the pencil. So, the pencil began to whisper ideas to Andy about the adventures of the talking pencil.
Finally, Andy finished his story for Jason and Jason loved it.
-THE END-
-By Quinn Rassel
Age 8
The Lonely Giant
There once was a giant named rogber he was separated from his family at birth. When Rogber turned ten, he moved to a village made for little people. The village was named
“I just don’t get it,” said Rogber. “Why isn’t anyone home?”
“I think you're just overreacting. Who wouldn’t anyone like you? You're the coolest guy I know.” Replied Phill.
“I know but I’m worried,” said Rogber. “If no one likes me I might as well just move again.”
A couple of weeks passed, and Rogber had a strange dream. There was a man with a beard. The man spoke.
“Hello Robber,” he said his name incorrectly. Rogber opened his mouth to correct him but was interrupted.
“You think your friends have left you. You are lonely, I know. I can solve all of your problems. Just take this apple from my hands.” Rogber took it. “Now, take one bite. Only one.” Rogber followed the strange mans instructions. The apple was delicious! More delicious than anything he had ever tasted! He went to take another bite, when he remembered. The man said only one bite. And he wanted his friends back. Rogber handed it back to the man quickly, before he was tempted too far. The apple disappeared and the man laughed at Rogber’s expression.
“Take the pebble from my hand, grasshopper.” The man said jokingly, chuckling.
Then, the strange man was gone, and Rogber was sitting upright on his bed, panting. Almost as if he had just had a nightmare. Only Rogber knew he hadn’t. If the man in the dream really did solve his problems, his friends would be back. So, Rogber got out of bed, careful not to hit his head on the low ceiling. He traveled out of his too small cottage, to discover all of his friends gathered around! He was so excited, but then confused when one little person, Nosey, jumped on his back and pulled a scarf around his eyes. Rogber was so cofused! The little people led him away from the village, and removed the scarf. As he looked around, Rogber realized it was a bigger village, the perfect size for him.
“Will you stay here with me here?” Rogber asked his friends. They all replied, “Of course!” They decided the name of the village would be The Only Giant.
-By Carly Norris
Age 9
