| Mini Sagas

Holiday to the Jungle

By Richard, 10, Guang Zhou, China

My friend's name is Korato. He is smart and from Canada.

My friend and I went to the jungle named Mungaztgi in South Africa for holiday. The first day, my friend was very tired so he sat down. When he sat down his pants were broken because he sat on a crab. The crab used his claws to tear apart his pants. My friend got really mad and he chased the crab but it got away. At night, my friend slept outside beside the tent he likes the outside. I slept in the tent because I don't like sleeping outside.

The next morning, my friend's face, body and legs were covered with ants. I was very happy because I wasn't covered with ants. I tried to help but he swung the ants on the floor by dancing like a crazy monkey. When we finished our holiday my friend was very angry.

Next holiday I don't think we will go to the jungle again. (June 2007)

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The international thief........ Syndy

By Jessie, 11, Guangzhou, China

I have many good friends, one of them is Syndy. She was born in Malaysia and she came to China because she was chased by the police. She told me that she has stole 10,000,000,000,000 pairs of expensive ear rings and 20,000,000,000 gold rings.

Even though Syndy is a international thief, I still like her because she is always funny, even when the police see her. Syndy is around 90,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years old,and she knew how to change herself into another person so that the police could not find her easily.

One time she saw a very beautiful gold ring in a shop, she told me that she was going to steal it, then I saw her walking in to the shop and pretending to look at the ring then when the shop keeper was not looking she took the ring and put the fake one in there.

I hope Syndy can stay in China until she dies, I also hope that Syndy will not be caught by the police. (June 2007)

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Hidden Beneath Lace

By Sarah, 14, Naperville, Illinois, USA

'Miss Wilkinson, a visitor has arrived.'
'I'll be one moment, Ariana.' I sighed at my reflection in the ornate
mirror on my chiffonier. I was dressed in an icy green gown, covered in dark
green and silver embroidery creating an explosion of leaves made with
miniscule stitches. My honey blond locks were partly hidden under a forest
green cap edged in creamy lace, as Ariana, my maid, had artfully arranged
several curls around my face.
'Miss Sarah' Ariana whispered.
'I will be down shortly.' I expressed curtly. I felt horrid for snapping at
Ariana, but she knows more than any other person how much I dislike
meeting Father's guests. Ever since I became thirteen years of age last month
on May 7th, Father has asked me to sit in on our family's callers. My father is
an honest man, no doubt, but the life of a proper British lady is not for me. I
fingered the pearls around my neck and stood to exit my room.
As I gracefully strode into the sitting room, my heart thumped wildly
inside my chest. My 'father's visitor' was not his at all! Our company was my
dear friend from Paris, Guinevere Rousseau. I last saw her when Father took
Edmund and me on business to Paris. Edmund and I were fortunate enough
to have stayed at the Rousseau estate. I could detect little change in
Guinevere, whom I nicknamed Guin, since last summer! Guin only wears the
latest fashions and keeps her attire tidy. How Guin can look so perfect and
be as intelligent as she is?
'Why didn't you tell me you were coming to England?' I rushed over.
'I wanted to surprise you! I see that my plan worked. Thank you Ariana.
You may go fetch the tea.' Guin laughed, her bright green eyes shining with
humor and wit. I glanced enviously at her luxurious auburn hair. I am
somewhat attractive, but that is after hours of Ariana's pampering. The first
hour of every day is spent enhancing my looks. Not that I care much about
the way I look. I would rather not live a life of etiquette and propriety, but I
have no say in my future. My stepmother has already taken care of that.
My real mother died when I was five years of age. My father didn't
remarry until six months ago. Father, who used to be constantly happy and
joyful, grew depressed, and stayed in his study to devote himself to his work.
During the seven years without a mother to guide me in my manners, I
became somewhat of a tomboy. I would ride my horse, Henrietta, named
after my mother, every day. I played with my brother often. Edmund is a year
older than I; however, he treats me like a twin one day, and a little princess
the next. I was grateful for the attention; Father hardly spoke to me and was
never home to pay attention to his daughter when I needed him most. Father
was always off visiting one of his wealthy friends or locked in his study.
Some weeks, only the cook is allowed in over the course of two or three days,
while Father continued to work. Even with Father absent, I did have Ariana to
fuss over me. Ariana is three years my elder, and though a maid, I have
always thought of her as an older sister, to give me advice on my everyday
predicaments.
Lately, this advice has been greatly needed. My new stepmother, Molly,
is not harsh, but is often bossy, and expects perfection from everyone. After
Father's marriage to his second wife, Molly made it clear that I was a disgrace
and showed favoritism towards Edmund immediately. Luckily, I still had
Ariana, otherwise I would be a ghost wandering the exquisite hallways of the
Wilkinson's expansive estate, invisible.
'Sarah, before I forget, the Turners are hosting a party to welcome my
family and me to Britain. Your family is invited; I promised to deliver your
invitation.' Guin spoke with a well-known excitement as she placed a small
envelope on the tea tray. 'How are you?' Guin questioned.
'Molly is forcing me to attend finishing school in September,' I stated
dryly.
'Oh! Where to?' Guin gasped.
'Madame Deveraux's School of Etiquette for Young Ladies,' I
proclaimed, falling into a recent memory.
A few nights before my birthday, Father and Molly argued about my
upbringing. Molly was convinced that I was a hopeless case, always writing
and riding my horse. Father didn't see a problem with my being an educated
girl, but Molly was positively horrified that I didn't know how to correctly set a
table. Molly exclaimed that without the proper etiquette and skills a young
lady needs, I would never find a husband.
'And that temper! It's enough to make my hair stand on end whenever
she glares at me! That must be tamed!' Molly screeched. If I were about to
fall asleep then, I was awake after I heard someone who was supposed to be
my mother talk about me like I were a wild animal that needed to be chained
up and disciplined. I know that I do not have perfect manners, but I'm only
thirteen years old! I don't have to worry about a husband for several years!
'I'm trying not to complain aloud, but I loath the fact that Father has
agreed to sending me away for a year to a boarding school! I want to be a
journalist; you know that!' I vented as Guin daintily sipped her steaming tea
from a delicate teacup.
'I'm sorry Sarah. You know that I attended boarding school for several
years. Think about your problem in a different way; this will give you and
your stepmother time apart. Your relationship might change by the winter
holidays when you discover that you have missed one another,' Guin pointed
out. 'Besides, maybe Madame Deveraux will be able to calm your wild
temper!' Guin teased.
'I do NOT have a temper!' I blushed. With a glance at each other, Guin
and I giggled. I was relieved to discover our relationship hadn't changed
since I left France.
'Where is the boarding school? You might be able to visit me, as I am
staying home with Mother at the beginning of the year to help with the
younger children,' Guin mentioned hopefully.
'I'm not sure where in France the school is located. I've tried not to
sound interested in all the facts, considering I don't want to go to Madame
Deveraux's School of Etiquette!' I sighed. 'How are you?' I changed the
subject to avoid awkwardness. 'I would wager that you already know what
you are going to wear for the Turners' party!'
'But Sarah - you shouldn't gamble!' Guin looked shocked.
'I'never mind. I should improve my manners. Do you know what you
are going to wear?'
'Yes,' Guin told me excitedly. 'The dress is the color of peaches ripe on
the tree with gold streaks in the fabric. My cap will be white with gold streaks
that shimmer in the light, matching the gown. The full skirt will be perfect
for dancing, providing you and I will be asked to dance. I won't go on the
floor without you, you know. You're my best friend; I wouldn't want to have
fun without you! Do you know what you will come in?'
'Ariana showed me a dress the other day that fits me well. The gown is
midnight blue and is trimmed in a creamy lace, much like the lace on the cap
I am currently wearing,' I unsurely replied.
'I was just about to comment on the embroidery on your skirt. Who is
the talented seamstress?' Guin complimented, as Ariana came in with a tray
of freshly baked pastries.
'Ask her yourself!' I laughed. Ariana blushed and accepted Guin's
ecstatic praise.
'I only stitched the leaves; the dress was already tailored for Miss Sarah,'
Ariana modestly explained.
'Oh, look at the hour! I'm late for tea with Mother with the Taylors! I'm
sorry Sarah; I must be off!' Guin called as she rushed out the door, nearly
forgetting her gloves on the table, leaving me to ponder the day's events.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'I wish Mother were still alive!' I cried out, frustrated.
'What's wrong?' Ariana asked slowly.
'Molly is pushing me into insanity! All morning, she has not stopped
prattling on about what I should pack for boarding school and how I should
greet my teachers upon arrival. Mother would not let me go through this!'
'The party is this evening. Have fun and try to forget about your
stepmother. Let's get you into that dress,' Ariana assisted me in stepping
into the gown I had described to Guin. Ariana styled my hair so strands fell
out of the periwinkle cap. Ariana then curled my hair with a rod of metal
heated in the fireplace. When she was done perfecting my appearance, I had
to admit I looked beautiful. I stared longingly at my worn writing desk where
I wrote daily in a journal and kept note of important news around town. I
thought about all the dancing and music at the party and left my room in a
finer mood than when I had entered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Turners' party was joyous and uplifting. The orchestra always
playing music, Guin and I watched with glee as the men waltzed their dance
partners around in a splash of color. Guin explained in detail about her
experiences during boarding school and was able to honestly tell me I would
have time to write. My opinion of attending Madame's Deveraux's school was
beginning to change after Guin's recollections. I was mostly opposed to
agreeing to something Molly wanted, but the only negative aspects I could
use to defend my stubbornness were the distance from home and the lessons
in etiquette. Being near other girls my own age would be good for me. I
might be able to at last recover from losing my mother by talking to people. I
might be able to trust a girl or two after several weeks of knowing and living
with them. However, I'm not sure if I have decided if I am going yet.
Fortunately, before Guin asked me if I knew if I was going to school,
Guin and I were asked to dance on the insistence of Edmund and his friend,
Randolph. The four of us had a lovely time leaping about in the complicated
reel that Edmund had luckily been teaching me since I was nine. Edmund was
proud of his dancing skills at a young age, and I was glad that he was an
eager young teacher who didn't tolerate being stepped on. When our young
group was exhausted and sore-footed, we stepped out of the ballroom.
Father had caught Edmund's attention and motioned that Molly was tired and
would like to go home. I was upset that I had to leave but glad of the excuse
to retire to my bedroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before I remained in my bedroom for the night, I visited Father in his
study. I told him that I would be cooperative in the future about going to
Madame Deveraux's School of Etiquette for Young Girls. I apologized for my
impoliteness toward Molly. As I was about to exit the room, I turned and
rushed over to Father's side.
'I miss Mother!' I disclosed, all the while trying to keep tears out of my
eyes.
Father nodded calmly, stood up from his large desk, and without saying
a word, led me into the hall. I followed Father into an unfamiliar room that I
was forbidden into. The clean, swept room was hung with detailed
embroideries. Above the fireplace hung a portrait of a lovely young lady. The
woman's blond curls peeked out shyly from her periwinkle cap. Her midnight
blue dress was trimmed in creamy lace. I knew after a moment that this was
the mother I never had a chance to know. The dress I was currently wearing
was hers. My eyes welled up with tears as I battled with my emotions. I
would NOT cry in front of Father. I turned my head to a swish of fabric. Over
in the corner, Father had whisked off a linen cloth, and there stood a
beautiful writing desk in luscious cherry wood.
'This was your mother's. She was a highly educated girl and wrote every
night. I've noticed that you inherited that trait from her,' Father smiled
awkwardly. 'Your mother would have wanted you to have this. I will have it
moved to your room.'
'Father!' I exclaimed. I raced into his arms, hugging him for the first
time since I was five. The tears were now rolling freely down my face. 'Could
I leave the desk in here?' I asked shyly, as I backed away.
'Henrietta would have liked that. This room was where she read and
wrote. Her study used to be the most radiant of all the rooms in this house.
Her joy in learning could not be surpassed. She was the one who taught you
to read at such a young age. You may not realize it, but you so look much
like your mother.' I could see by the candles that Father's eyes were
glistening with tears as he looked at my tear-stained face fondly.
'I never forgot that.' I whispered. It was Father's turn to pull me into a
comforting embrace, with me knowing that I would attend hundreds of
boarding schools knowing that he loved me.
I recalled a faint memory of this room. My four-year-old self skipped
into the room. I was welcomed into my mother's outstretched arms and
soaked in her luminous smile and sprightly attitude. Her jublilant laughter
echoed in my mind. I broke the memory by ending the embrace with my
father. Holding hands, we departed from my mother's sanctuary. I know that
as long as I followed my dreams, I will always keep the memory of Henrietta
Wilkinson alive.
March 2008)

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The amazing tunnel

By Chelsea, 9, Nowra, NSW, Australia

I was walking along. Suddenly I fell into a big hole. Down I went, I shut my eyes then I opened them. There I was standing in this magical world. It had lollie trees, money trees - there even was fairies. I turned around - there was a tunnel so I walked through it. ((May 2007)

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Madame Zeroni

By Charlotte, 11, UK

My story starts long, long ago in a small island called Meridian west of South America. Wars had begun between us and other islands over seas. Fire roared through the streets of my town scorching everything in its path, but this was no ordinary fire, it was demon. It would burn through houses leaving people homeless and alone. Possibly the worst thing this beast would do is; when he had destroyed all the houses he would take all the children and drown them in the sea. Parents watched in agony and despair as their children were taken.
I, Isabella Maria Zeroni, was one of the children which were snatched by the fire. Stars lit up the coal black sky giving just enough light for me to see. As I bobbed further and further out into the deep blue sea it was clear I was the only survivor from my island. Morning came and went but I still just floated along. One night in particular was filled with storms and high waves. I turned. All I could see was a wall of blue glistening in the moonlight. Seconds later I find myself being forced down, down, down to the sea bed. I hit the sandy bed and stroked the surface. Shell shock! I just lay there but then it hit me I couldn't breathe. I quickly rose to my feet and shot up, up, up. I reached the surface and gasped for air. My nose was sour from all the water I'd sucked up. A few more waves came that night but none as horrific as the first one. I thought this night would never come to an end.
In the distance I was sure I could see a faint light growing closer and closer, bigger and bigger. It brought back memories of the fire demon (they almost seemed too real). It became clear there really was a light. I felt as if the light was looking at me. It was. As the light neared me I could see what looked like a tiny human. I stared hypnotized by its beauty. I blinked, but the light had vanished. I looked down the sea now metres below me. I looked up. The tiny human's fist was clenched round my wet collar.
Next thing I know I'm approaching a tiny island with just one tree. We slowly glided down towards the lonely tree. As I stepped onto the sand it burned my bare feet. The tiny human held my hand and led me towards the tree. She waved her hand like she was casting a magical spell but nothing seemed to happen. Again she grasped my hand and guided me. Although I had full trust in her I still flinched when I walked into the tree.
Slowly I opened my eyes. All I could see was green grass and beautiful flowers for miles around. The light flew me past houses made from sugary sweets and bread. We passed lakes of jelly and chocolate trees. Everything was made from food even the clouds were made from candy floss. We reached a small cottage made from sweets. The tiny human who now looked a lot like the characters in the stories my mother used to tell me. Fairies. I saw many of these tiny beings as I crept into their home.
Over the years I got to know the fairies as my family. There was Cornelia, Aphrodite, Blue-bell, Alexa, Bella and little Bow. These fairies looked after me till I was nineteen years old. I'd asked the fairies if I to could have magical powers, so on my nineteenth birthday they gave me a gift of being able to read minds and predict the future, but in return they would need an offering to the gods. Sadly I had to give up my left foot for these powers but it was worth it.
Although I had to leave the fairies they told me they'd always be there for me and sometimes I can still see a light shining in the distance.
((May 2007)

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The Adventures of the Central Park Boys

By Andrew, 9, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Jake woke up from his sleep from under a rock in Central Park, New York.
"Marco, John, get up." Jake whispered.
"Awwww. What is it Jake?" Marco said lazily.
"We're going to explore the ravine, remember? We have to be there by 7:00 and it's already 6:52." Jake said. All the boys ran away from their cruel and greedy parents 6 months ago. Jake was 12 and was the eldest of the boys. He was also a natural leader. John was 11. He was the smartest. His nickname was Lightning because he made quick decisions. Marco was 9. He was the youngest and was the laziest.

"Let's get a move-on." John said. "We don't want the park rangers finding us out so early."
"Okay, Lightning." Jake replied. The boys walked through the trees in the chilly winter morning. In a few minutes, the boys reached the ravine fence.
"Let's climb over this fence." Jake called. Jake climbed first, since he was the leader. John climbed next. Marco climbed last. Finally all the boys were over the fence. They walked silently along, waiting for something interesting to happen. Everything was quite normal until the boys heard a strange sound ringing through the ravine. It sounded like a dog barking with a howling wolf.
"W-what was that?" Marco said nervously.
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out." Jake said bravely. Jake tiptoed towards the sound, with Marco and John following along. Jake and the others saw an animal that looked like a silver wolf crossed with a dog. The boys watched curiously as the animal spoke some strange words and stomped its paw. Then everything went black.

Jake lifted himself from the cold, damp ground.
"Guys, get up." Jake said. The other boys slowly sat up. A tiger streaked across the trees in a flash. A tiger in Central Park? Then Jake started to feel all tingly. Then an image of him being a wolf flashed through his mind. The ravine started spinning. Faster and faster until everything was a blur. Then the spinning slowed until everything was clear. The strange tiger had gone. Jake felt strangely hairy.
"John, is there anything wrong with me?"
"Um, I hate to say it, b-but you're a w-wolf." John said in a shaky voice.
"I just thought of me being a wolf and now I am! Try it!" John and Marco did what Jake told them to do and soon everybody were wolves.
"Um Jake, but the problem is how do we find our rock?" Marco said nervously.
"Oh, that's easy. We just turn into hawks and fly. That way we can see and we'll look normal. Let's do it this evening." So when the people and park rangers left, the boys turned into hawks and flew over the park.
"I don't see any rock." John said.
"Me neither." Marco agreed. Jake remained silent.
"I have an idea." He said quietly.
"Another failing idea I guess. None of your other ideas have worked. Why do you have to be the leader anyway? Because you're the oldest?"
"Marco, shushhhh. I want to hear Jake's idea."
"Well I'm going. I've had enough of this." Marco yelled as he flew away.
"Marco, come back!" Jake shouted as he flapped after Marco.
"Little kids." John muttered as he flapped after Jake.

Jake felt like his wings were going to break. He's been flying around for hours and he still hadn't found Marco.
"Marco!" Jake yelled weakly.
"Um...Jake?" A voice said. "I'm trapped. Could you help me?"
"I"m coming!" Jake immediately spotted a net. With Marco in it. Jake started to slash and peck at the net. Soon the net was in shreds.
"Uh, thanks. I'm really sorry about....you know."
"It's all right." John came flapping towards Jake and Marco.
"Friends again?"
"Yep."
"Let's change back now." Jake said. The hawks changed back into boys and walked off together as the sun set.
(May 2007)

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That was Harley

By Tahnee, 11, Melbourne, Vic., Australia

As I was sitting on the front balcony of my cousin's holiday house in Cape Patterson exhausted from a day at the beach, I could faintly hear a little whine in the background. My brother's mischievous puppy named Harley had a mountain of energy and was as ever, hyper active. The holiday house was raised from the ground so the boys had, had to place big heavy rocks in front of the house to stop Harley from digging his way out of the yard and escaping to his beloved beach. Guess who had to tire him out and make sure he didn't annoy the boys at work? ME. For a whole hour.
Now since no one was paying him any attention. I could hear his endless whining, he wanted to play.
Soon he stopped something had obviously caught his attention. Hooray! Harmony!
I was very content. At the time I didn't think much about what had stopped the pup from his never ending demand. I silently sat and watched the sunset settle over the beach laughing at a playful pup splashing around in the curling waves.
THEN I panicked. That wasn't any dog. THAT WAS HARLEY! I realised why he wasn't whining any more. He wasn't here and had found a way to escape. I yelled out, alerting the household. At first they didn't believe me then they realized there was no sign of Harley in the yard. We could still see him at the beach from the balcony. We all ran like leopards through the tea-tree until we reached the beach. By the time we got there he had disappeared. We searched for three hours but found no sign of him. We looked every where, asked people passing by, we knocked on almost every single door in the town and traveled to nearby towns. I shouted his name so many times, so loudly, that my voice was hoarse.
We despondently walked back to the house to make wanted posters, tears filling our eyes as we wondered what could have happened to our beloved pet. As we walked into the yard, there sitting down wagging his short little petite stump of a tail was Harley, looking as thrilled and excited to see us as ever. We wondered how long Harley had been sitting there as we hugged him. We noticed his sandy paws and coat and the crab he had brought home to play. The boys had to re-lay the bricks and this time it wasn't me keeping watch over Harley but my brother Sam, my Mum and my Dad.
Just so you know we found the hole and he never got out again, after all he's too big to fit though the crack. And he doesn't whine very much now except at passing cars. Perhaps he had got a fright out on his own in the big world.
(May 2007)

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JAson

By Hannah, 8, London, UK

Jason was a couple of years old and his mum wanted him to be safe so his uncle will not do anything to him so Jason's mother hid him far away from his uncle. But then Jason's uncle found him and Jason's uncle said "you need to cut off the head of Medusa's and get the Golden fleece and then come back with Medusa's head and the Golden fleece."
So off Jason went on his challenge that had been set for him and Jason brought these things with him: sword and a glass box with a cushion. A couple of weeks later Jason found Medusa and she was doing something so Jason ran and cut off her head and got the Golden Fleece
A couple of weeks later Jason arrived home and he(Jason) went to his uncle's palace and Jason said "I have got you the Golden Fleece and Madusa's head."
"Good, child, good," said Jason's uncle.
"So can I be king now?" said Jason.
"Sure sure," said Jason's uncle and everyone lived happily ever after.
(May 2007)

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Pursuing Liberty

By Hannah, 14, East Grand Forks, MN, USA

The sky was a beautiful shade of bright blue; the pure, cottony white clouds were scattered across the cerulean canvas and it felt as if the world and people around me disappeared. For just one second I felt as if I was free, that is until the all too familiar pain shot through my skin. The black leather of a whip became visible in my peripheral vision and I felt my body crumble to the dirt that was once beneath my feet.
I felt the same stinging agony when I tried to push my frail torso up by using my scrawny, dark arms. I quickly stood as straight as I could, which brought me face to face with the Master's son, Richard Freemont. His emotionless gaze made me flinch.
'Do I need to remind you, yet again, that you may not daydream instead of doing your work?'
'No, Sir.' You could've easily confused me for a field mouse when I talked to Richard.
'Get back to work, before you get yourself into more trouble.' He spat at me, before stomping off to harass other Negroes who he claimed were 'slackers who only wanted to sabotage the crops'. My eyes drifted to my left arm to see a crimson wound. I quickly went back to plucking fresh fruit from the orchards, trying to ignore the brutal pain resulting from the gash on my arm.
After a few more hours of sifting through plants it was finally time for rest. We all headed to the slave quarters. I was one of the last ones to enter the wooden domicile because I was too busy watching the now multi-colored sky turn darker shades of pink and orange. I wished that every human was like the sky; always changing colors so you wouldn't be able to enslave a person just because of the hue that their skin held.
When I entered the dark area I was met with the welcoming sensation of food and conversations. I smiled a little and headed to the far right cranny of the building, where I assumed my friend Bell would be. When I reached the corner of the room I was greeted with an empty bunk. Bell wasn't there. I squinted my eyes and scanned the room, yet I still couldn't find her.
'Molly! Molly!' My head snapped in the direction of the person who was calling my name. It was my brother, Timothy. I ran over to him, hoping he would have an answer to why my friend wasn't at her bunk.
'What happened to Bell?' I asked, tilting my head to one side. My dark curly bangs fell over my right eye. Tim brushed my hair back and smiled at me in a sympathetic way.
'I'm so sorry, Molly,' was all he said before walking away to the men's side of the room. I stood there for what felt like an eternity, people brushing past me every once in a while. Nessa Rose, a motherly figure to me, led me to my bed and gave me a little portion of food, telling me that I needed rest for tomorrow's trials. A few hours later when all eyes were closed and picturing beautiful images and dreams of freedom and deliverance, I was still wide awake. Bell should've been in the cot next to me, dreaming of the same optimistic views of everyone else. The whole nightfall I prayed.
I watched the sun rise through the rusted windows; I hadn't slept a wink at all last night. I sat up in bed and changed into my work rags, stuffing my stained, filthy night gown underneath the rickety, small bed. I climbed back onto the bunk and stared at the floor for a while until something caught my attention. There was a small hole on the floor between my bed and Bell's bed, some kind of parchment was sticking through the opening and I knelt on the floor quickly, pulling up the loose floorboard and retrieving the bit of tainted stationary with scribbled and sloppy writing on it. I knew it was Bell's because she had a fancy of collecting newspapers and would ask lessons from Delores, a slave who had been sold from a plantation which allowed her to learn the alphabet. I quickly ran over to Delores' bed and shook her awake.
'What d'you wants, child? Shouldn't you be 'n bed?' She grumbled, rubbing her eyes.
'I need you to read this.' I stated impatiently, thrusting the piece of paper in her hands. She squinted her eyes and read it aloud.
' 'Dear, Molly; I ran away and am hiding in the forest. Margaret is leading me to the Underground Railroad. I wanted to go first, without you so you wouldn't get in no trouble for my mistake if we was caught. If I make it, I'll tap on the window four times after everyone's sleepin' tonight. Don't worry 'bout me, I told Charlie to start a rumor sayin' that I was sold away. 'Member, four taps tonight!' ' Dolores finished reading, giving me a weak smile. I felt horrible for making her read a note about me getting away from this hell, while she would be stuck here for maybe the rest of her life.
'I'm sorry, Ma'am.' I said in a soft whisper. I felt her rough hand lift my chin up, forcing me to stare into her warm, chocolate brown eyes.
'Child, you have your whole life ahead o' you. Mine's gonna end soon, so there's not a lotta hope for me. You have to get away from this place and fight fer your freedom. Don't feel bad 'bout leavin' us behind. This is a gift from the Lord. You can't let guilt grab hold of you just 'cause your dreams have come true earlier than ours. We is all goin to a betta place after we're through with this one.' She smiled at me. I smiled back and right after I left her side, everyone else started getting ready for the day's work.
The day dragged on slowly. I tried my hardest not to day dream, but that's asking a lot of me. When the twilight appeared we all headed to the quarters for a meal and a few pleasant dreams. I spotted Timothy and realized I would have to tell him. I couldn't abandon him, though. I couldn't leave the only family member I had left.
'Molly, what's wrong? You look upset.' He inquired, handing me a plate of dinner. I pulled him aside from the crowd and began telling him about the Underground Railroad. He smiled when I told him that Bell was alright, but looked concerned after I finished informing him about the escape.
'You do realize that you could get caught?' Tim asked, lowering his voice. I nodded my head in response. He took a deep breath and looked me straight in the eye.
'I want you to be free, but this is risky, Molly. You could get killed if the Feds find you,' he pointed out. My eyes shifted to my feet and I didn't dare look at my brother.
'You need a better life than this, though. You need to be free.' Tim took a long pause and then continued. 'You have my permission. Remember that I love you though.' He stated softy. I smiled and I hugged him as tight as I could. My eyes started to water and I said the same thing back to him.
'I'm gonna miss you, Tim.' I said. He smiled at me and nodded, before walking off to his own bed. This would be the hardest night of my life.
A few hours after everyone was asleep, I heard rustling outside. My heart beat quickened and then I heard the four taps on the window to my left. I threw my covers off my body and pulled my leather bag that held a water canteen and extra food from my last dinner here. I put on my ratty boots and swiftly exited the Slave Quarters. I saw the dark silhouette of Bell and another of what I assume was Margaret. The chilly summer air tickled my bare arms and I watched the dark navy blue sky that was littered with sparkling stars for a moment before I crept into the thick woods. With one step, I ended my existence as a slave and gave birth to freedom, and the dawn of my life. (May 2007)

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The Frog and the Golden Ball

By Sydni, 7, New Port Richey, Florida, USA

One day a frog was sitting on a leaf rolling his golden ball back and forth.
Along came pretty ladybug. She said, "Why so down in the dumps today, friend frog?"
"Oh, it's just that I want my golden ball to be spotted or striped or soft. It's just so boring like this", said frog.
Ladybug flew away. Frog had decided that he would follow ladybug and steal her spots. He followed her to the garden. He hid under a flower behind ladybug. He extended one arm toward the spots on her back.
He didn't notice that a mud puddle was under his arm. He extended his arm a little farther. Just then, he fell straight into the mud puddle. The frog had learned his lesson.
MORAL: Be thankful for the way you are.
(April 2007)

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Dodging The Human Race

By Mary, 12, Kansas City, USA

Once upon a time there was a little black ant it was a girl and her name was Nicole. She lived on a street with lots of houses, cars went by night and day. There were also children, very dangerous children to Nicole, she could only go out in the night so she wouldn't be stepped on. Nicole lived by a huge oak tree, in a little whole, the whole was mostly always cozy. But Nicole had one problem.
Nicole's problem was the children that ran around and messed with the ant holes that they (the ants) had built, some times the children would stomp on the little ant wholes causing dirt to fill in the ant hole burring the ants alive and other times the massive children would poke sticks down the ant whole killing at what ever they could get at. Nicole once dodged a stick that almost killed her but she saved her life. So she was leaving her cozy little home that she herself had built, but Nicole had one BIG!!! problem on her mind it was getting stepped on when she was on her journey, Nicole put that out of her mind till she made her move to get out of that crazy spot. So Nicole the little black ant started considering places she should live. She considered living in the big white house that was behind the big oak tree but then she thought again they would kill me right away if they saw me crawling all over their stuff, so she erased that from her mind and considered something else, maybe living under a rock, but she thought it would be to dark, and those monsters would probably find her there and step on her with their huge feet. Then she considered to climb up the oak tree and find a little whole but that consideration didn't suit her mind at all. Then Nicole heard her neighbors talking so she went to talk with them, they were thinking of moving themselves, and they even gave her some advice where to move. But she heard them talking before she left her ant hole about a place, but they all turned it down and said they didn't want to go that far away so she decided to move there.

Nicole was packing her few things that she owned. The next day she would be leaving her cozy little dirt home that she herself had made (which the reader already knows).
Nicole was sad that she was moving she was drinking it all in so she wouldn't ever forget this lovely home. But she was moving to a safer better place, where the massive human beings don't often go. So it was worth the long journey and to leave her home. But it was a long, long journey it was a whole day for Nicole to travel.

Very early the next morning before the sun had risen, Nicole was on her way to her new home, a vacant log, Nicole was moving to a vacant rotten log on the other side of the garden in the middle really, where the children couldn't go. About noon she could see the vacant log but she wasn't there not yet, but soon only half a day more and she would be there. About 3:30pm (Nicole didn't know the time) Nicole heard voices they belonged to HUMAN BEINGS, Nicole ran as fast as she could to a broken stick which was very big to her, she hid under the stick, all of a sudden the ground was shaking, like a earth quake Nicole peeked out she only could peek out for a second for she herself was shaking, those human beings (children) were stomping on the ground where she use to live. Then the shaking stopped she peeked out once again cause the child's mother was calling him inside. Nicole hid there 5 minutes longer just in case, after that she crawled out from under the stick and continued onward toward her new home. About sunset she reached her new home, she was very tired so she sat by the vacant log, after a while she looked up at the huge rotten log then she climbed up the side of the log and went into a little whole ( it was pretty big compared to an ant) she was over joyed to see how nice it was it wan't that rotten so Nicole decided to settle down in that little whole all by herself. During the next few years Nicole lived there were only a few difficulties here and there but other then that it was the perfect home for Nicole.

The End
(April 2007)

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The Tale of the Fox and the Pearl

By Claire, 9, Kentucky, USA

Once upon a time there was a poor fox mother who was walking in the forest at night. Her baby was asleep, and the mother was tending to leave him in a hollow tree for safe keeping. No matter how much the fox mother wanted to keep him, she couldn't because she didn't have the right supplies to take care of him. She laid him down quietly and ran off into the darkness.

The fox cub grew up to be an older fox, and he was named Lov by the forest. By now, he had heard of the great gray pearl that was owned by The Mysterious Monster. That pearl needed to be returned to the ruler of the forest, but The Wise Owl said that all who valued their life would never enter the lair of the monster. However, the slyness of Lov made him think that he could get this gray pearl back.

So then, Lov began his journey to the monster's lair. When he got there, he saw it: The Mysterious Monster...was just an ugly rat. "Who goes there? Reveal yourself."
Lov faked a big voice.
"It is I, the ruler before you! Listen to me now! Give the gray pearl to me, or you will never gain true presence as true king of the forest."
"Wh-where do I put it, your majesty?"
"Throw it behind that rock!"
The rat did accordingly.
"Now, I sentence you to a life in this cave for life, never to come out of it!"
"Y-yes sir!"
Then Lov took the pearl and ran out of the lair. He took the pearl back to the forest, and he lived happily ever after. (April 2007)

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Maple

By Kevin, 12, Manitowoc, WI, USA

Maple was a tree, and a maple tree at that.

Maple was in the forest one day, when a flock of birds soared overhead. He looked up at them longingly.

'Oh, bully,' thought Maple. 'I wish I wasn't a dumb old tree, and I was free like a bird, or even a human.'

'At least I'm starting to look beautiful, as it's getting to autumn.'

Maple shook his red leaves. He stared in the sky like he sometimes did, as if in a trance. He sighed and a leaf fell off, drifting past his short, slender body and floated all the way down to his bare roots, past the area where his mouth should have been, if he wasn't born without a birth defect, and all the way into his section of Blackwood Forest, where you could see a variety of plants and wildlife. His leaves changed with the season, as well as his eyes, and now they were red in autumn, his favorite season of the year. He was a Sugar Maple, and he was proud of his heritage.

Just then a group of possums came past, riding on hogs. This gang was self-proclaimed as the Possums. They slowed down and stopped in front of the tree.

'Hey, want to rip off all these leaves, guys?' said the infamous the leader of the gang, Gekko. They all grinned. Slowly, they advanced towards Maple, who was suddenly afraid. He wished he could run, but he couldn't. He had already planted his roots for the night. As they pulled off the first leaves, Maple started to cry. That did not stop the possums, however, but they slowed for a moment to avoid the sticky sap dripping down the tree.

When the possums finished, they rushed away on their hogs. Maple wept.

'No!' thought Maple. 'It's a social nightmare!' The surrounding trees were grateful it wasn't them but still gave sympathy through the night.

The next day when the Great Oak woke up, their teachings began. Maple was glad he was in the back where no one saw his leaves (though there were none to be seen anyway) and his friends Pine and Birch ignored him, not wanting to be seen with him.

The day dragged on, and Maple wanted to play with his friends. He wished he had never got his leaves cut. Then he thought of something.

'What if I was a human?' Maple pondered this thought. 'Then I could talk and I would be free! I wouldn't be picked on anymore.' Maple wrote down these thoughts and shared them with his friends Birch and Pine. They were not pleased.

'Are you insane? You're a tree and you always will be; don't try to change the facts!' Birch screamed at Maple. 'You should be glad you are a Maple tree; it's the most respected family in the forest.'

Maple wrote furiously. 'Please, don't get mad, I was just thinking about what would happen if I was'different.'

Pine was gentler. 'You should be proud, Maple. I would be extremely grateful to be a Maple tree like you. I once thought the same things; I understand how you feel.'

'Thank you, Pine, I feel relieved now. This thought made me nervous, I wasn't sure if I should go get help or something,' Maple wrote down these words with speed. 'But I still do wish I could talk like you guys'

'Okay, now that you lovers are done, let's get back to class,' Birch said sarcastically. 'We're going to be late!'

The three friends raced back just in time for the Great Oak to start teaching. He droned on about the history of Blackwood Forest, and the students started feeling drowsy.

A skunk wandered past, and a green stench stayed, sticking to Maple as if it were his own.

'What is that malodorous smell?' the Great Oak wiggled his nose. 'Maple! Go clean that disgusting thing up right now! And I expect you back in time for geometry!'

Maple trudged away wearily. The class snickered. He found the skunk a little ways away and he went and took it out farther.

Maple headed back to class. The day resulted in more tedious subjects.

When it was time for the day to end, he rushed home and measured his height.

'Argh!' Maple thought to himself. 'Still only 60 Feet tall! I wish I would grow even 10 feet. I hate being so short. I'm always being picked on.'

Maple slumped beside his pile of leaves. He stared into the unchanging blue sky, and before he knew it, he fell asleep.



Ï Ï Ï



When Maple woke up, he realized it was already late at night.

'Why is it so bright?' Maple wondered. 'The moon isn't out and there aren't many stars tonight.

Maple looked around, confused. His head suddenly snapped up, alert. Slowly, slowly, he began to turn around. The undergrowth surrounding him was on fire!

'Possums!' Maple thought. They were known for their treachery in these parts. He had to escape. He needed help, and fast! The rotting carcasses of hollow trees were burning and crackling with an agonizing fury. Some were falling. Where was everybody? Maple peered over the ring of fire. Then he saw it. All of the living beings in the forest were completely surrounded by their own rings of fire.

Maple thought quickly. He saw the possibilities of escaping, and they seemed slim, if he wanted to do it without harm. Watching, waiting for a trunk to fall over the fire.

Maple saw his chance. He leaped onto a hollow tree trunk that just fell over the fire. He had to move quickly, before it burst into flames.

The leap of faith. Maple jumped from the end of the trunk. He had only barely made it. In fact, he could feel where the fire had scorched the back of his roots. He had made it, but certainly not surreptitiously.

But the trouble wasn't over yet. The Possums had heard his ordeal at the fire, and they didn't look too happy.

Walking in front was their leader Gekko, feared across the whole of Blackwood Forest. Gekko was carrying a sharp branch in his hands, and it wasn't for scratching backs.

Maple just stood there. He wanted to run, but he couldn't. His roots would not obey him.

Gekko thrusted his branch forward, letting it hang just in front of Maple's face.

'Did I give you permission to the leave the ring of fire I had placed around you?' Gekko snarled out this question like he was talking to scum.

Maple didn't respond. In words, that is. He made it perfectly clear what he meant, though, as he threw Gekko into the ring of fire. As Gekko soared through the air he knew what he meant: Leave me, my friends, family, and neighbors alone. Maple's brow was furrowed as if in anger.

Maple walked calmly over to the other gang members. Then he gave them the same treatment he gave to their leader.

Maple rushed over to the river, where he then went over to the many rings of fire in the forest. Then he extinguished the first ring. It was then easier to put out the other fires because he got someone new to help him each time.

Maple made sure that the fire holding the Possums was fed every day.
(April 2007)

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Long lost cave

By Amanda, 11, Miami, Florida, USA

Have you ever discovered a long lost cave made in 1723? Well I have..... it was a a day I would never be able to forget.
"Stephanie!" I called, "It's time to go to the campsite, Ms. Tina said not to be late!"
"I'm coming gosh, whats your problem?" Stephanie gave a sassy reply. "I just have the feeling today will be exciting!" I yelled from the kitchen. Soon enough we were heading to Camp Seventeen Fingers. It was 7:30 and we made it on time.
"Morning Ms. Tina!" the campers yelled.
"Morning gals, are you ready for another exciting day?!?" Ms. Tina questioned.
We answered yes and started getting ready to set off for another adventure in the sandy desert plains of Austin, Texas.
We picked partners and I was paired up with my sister. Stephanie and I laced our kleats and off we went. We took pictures of the weirdest things, like misshaped landforms.
Meanwhile half way to our destination, my sister and I fell down a hole about 20 feet underground! THUMP! We hit the bottom hard, our rear ends breaking our fall. It was pitch dark in the isolated cave. My sister and I kept walking searching in our backpacks for our flashlight.
Half way in the cave we tripped over a lump of something, we took out our flaslight and shinned the light on it, it was a sack of money with a green dollar sign on it. Then we noticed something hidden our shadow, it was a man that had fallen asleep. We carefully and quietly took out our walky-talkies and contacted Ms. Tina.
Soon, before Ms. Tina was there with the police, the man woke up. Stephanie and I were frightened and we sat shaking in a little corner. Then the police were here with Ms. Tina.
"Howdy Gals, I'm Officer Patrick R. Dilema." he introduced himself. "I reckon yon bandit was locked up!" Officer Dilema said.
Officer Dilema handcuffed the man, he was missing. He was a bank robber. We were awarded for solving the Top Texas Crime, but in deep trouble with mom and dad, we were grounded two weeks tops.
But we weren't done with Officer Dilema. He had to take us down town....................... for ice cream!!!!
We were on the news and in the newspapers and my sister and I were so popular everyone new us, but one week later all the famousness died down and we were old news.
My advice to you is never ever go out alone in the sandy desert plains of Texas, you may fall into a cave like my sister Stephanie and I did. (April 2007)

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Abby's Escape

By Demery, 10, Orange,CT, USA

This is my story. I was fortunate enough to be born and raised in 'The City that Never Sleeps', 'The Big Apple', or as you and I know it, New York City. They say in life everyone has a gift and a loss. Mine are both unique and special in many ways. By age ten, I had my own studio apartment, not very roomy but it fit my needs.
I traveled and explored very interesting and exciting places, each one special and different. My African Safari was filled with suspense.
Run! Run! I thought to myself. I hurriedly tore through the thick jungle, not daring to look back at the ferocious furry feline behind me. It roared with rage, paws ready to pounce on its prey at any moment. I hid behind a rock silently praying that the lion wouldn't catch me!
These treasurable adventures are unbelievable yet realistic to me. Sometimes, I'm treated like a queen and others, like a slave. This segment of a glorious memory brings emotions of happiness and joy.
'Queen!' squeaked the funny little fellow, dressed in a black suit that resembled a penguin. I looked up, I was in a royal palace with various colored satin streaming from the tall ceiling. I sat upon a throne of jewels and radiant colors. This grand place was white as snow. Sun shone through the windows of multi-colored glass, leaving the castle with the appearance of a rainbow. It was truly like heaven. 'Queen!' the kind gentleman restated in anticipation, 'The coronation shall begin soon! Make sure to dress in your finest of gowns. A spectacular crown will be chosen by the most famous of designers for this glorious event. Do hurry!' The small servant scurried out of the grand room, feet shuffling until the door closed with a click!
Mystery adventures are shocking! There are always twists and turns as you try to figure out cases. This part of my favorite experience made me feel courageous and brave.
'BREAKING NEWS! A large, rare diamond has been stolen from the jewelers shop!' blazed the radio. 'Pancy Frew is on the case, taking fingerprints and looking for clues. She keenly observes any differences in the small town of Levelsfield. This teen is an expert on solving mysteries across the United States. Everyone agrees that this child is perfect for the job.' I, Pancy Frew turned off the radio in my vehicle and spotted the criminal's car. The sirens screamed, "Weeohhh!!! Wee-ohhh!!!"
I adore days at the beach. There's something for everyone to enjoy. This adventure makes me think of fun in the sun.
Splash! Splash! The cool sea boomed. I could smell the saltiness in the air. In my two piece, pretty pink, flowered bikini, the intense warmth of the sun beat down on me. Drops of sweat streamed off of my forehead, like tears running down my face. The chestnut sand held the variety of radiant colored rocks and shells together, making the beach look like a summer wonderland. I ran to the ocean, my feet almost burnt from the scalding sand. I dipped my toe into the freezing, salty pool of water. I quickly decided to jump in, because of the intense heat. Splash! Water splattered in every direction. I floated on the water's surface, my eyes closed tightly. The beach and relaxation were meant to be together.
With a sudden jolt my travels came to an end. 'Abby,' the kind saleswoman tapped me softly. 'Can I suggest that you scurry along, people are beginning to stare.' I looked around, all eyes were drawn on me! A boy smirked and murmured, 'Her hair is like a bird's nest.' I had gotten used to people calling me names. Well, what would you expect when you saw my clothes tarnished with soot and ashes and my almost black bare feet. My hair that hadn't been brushed in ages, contained gum, bird droppings, and dirt. It was truly a city of lice and ticks. I got up unwillingly from my warm, comfy chair and went to the front counter of my favorite place in the world, the bookstore. The kind old cashier, Betty, took the book from my hand. 'I'll pay for it this time Abby.' she said quietly. 'No!' I debated. 'I'll purchase my own book!' I quickly put my hand into my pocket and counted $5.00, it was the money I had collected from searching for soda cans on the side of the street. The cashier handed me twenty-five cents back. 'Now please!' she begged. 'Buy some food, you're as gaunt as a skeleton.' 'Alright, I promise!' I responded trying to make the elder happy. I trudged out of the door, running down the street happily, like when I was a small child and my parents were with me. I smiled and remembered the times when I hadn't lived in my four by six foot refrigerator box, and remembered the times when my parents were actually alive. That unfortunate train accident, what a tragedy. I came to an abrupt halt, and opened the cardboard doors of the only place I could call home.
I glanced at the pile of books in the corner and smiled. What is my favorite place you ask? It's a place where I can escape this dark, dangerous world and start new journeys even though I hardly have $20.00 in my pocket, no clothes, and barely any food. In this grand place I can be anyone I want to be and start a new life. What is this marvelous place? Clearly, a bookstore, where new adventures begin and end everyday.

(April 2007)

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Humpty Dumpty retold

By Varun, 7, Lincoln, UK

On a cold freezing day, during the second world war, Humpty Dumpty was walking about on a street.
On that day he climbed up a two metre brick wall. When he got to the top he said, " I'm the best egg and Sam can't beat me for sure."
Then he stood up as a star on the wall. As he stood up he wobbled. Then he fell down. He cracked his shell and his yolk went splat.
All the doctors and all the soldiers ran swiftly to put Humpty together again. The doctors held the eggshell, the soldiers used their yolk blasters.
Then Humpty said, " If I climb a wall again I'll be sure not to wobble."
The End (April 2007)

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The Monster's Pearl

By Roxana a.k.a. ROX!, 14, Forest, VA, USA

A sunny day would usually mean that the day would bring good fortune. Which is why Professor Kellar had come out to the middle of a plain, yellow desert on the hottest day of summer to explore a newly discovered Pharaoh's tomb in the hope that this could very well be the turning point of her career. Her ambitious attitude and growing reputation had won her the acknowledgements of many. Though there might've been a better chance for the skilled archaeologist if she did not have the kind heart to bring along her hopeless student along for an extra credit project to up her grade, for this was quite a bad student. The dean had even threatened to throw her out if one more failure would be found on her report card. Yet for some reason, she wasn't frazzled by the statement.
'Rose!' The professor roared over the hum of the jeep, 'Did you bring along the supplies? The tavern is just a few kilometers away!'
The student replied not a word, for she was presently occupied watching something move in the dust of the speeding vehicle although the thing was utterly camouflaged.
The professor managed to free one arm from the steering wheel to confront Rose. 'Now did you, or did you not bring along the supplies?' Professor Kellar said irritably.
Blinking twice, the student gives no answer. With great risk, the professor quickly takes a peek at the back. An atrociously large, leather bag is strapped to the end of the vehicle, she sighs. As the professor turns forward, appearing before them is a grey boulder! Without a second thought, she slams on the brakes, and the vehicle swerves to the right, narrowly missing the rock, only to crash into a sand dune. Both of them jump out to inspect if any damage had incurred.
'Well Rose, I've got good news and bad news,' started Professor Kellar, 'Bad news is that this jeep will never drive again and we lost our supplies on that last turn, but on the other hand, the good news is that we've found the entrance!' She then points to a humongous, door completely scribbled with hieroglyphics.
The educator signals back to home-base using the car's radio, while the educatee examines some oddly shaped rocks that seem as if somebody put them there. However, none of them notices something stirring on the horizon.
'Okay Rose, let's get cracking,' says the Professor, 'have any ideas on opening this door?'
Rose, as usual, doesn't respond. Instead, she picks up one of those oddly shaped rocks and comes up to door. A mouse hole is found near the bottom of the door; there Rose jams the rock inside with all her might.
The Professor chuckles, 'I don't think you'll be able to break open the door with a puny rock like that!'
Amazingly, just as she said that, the entire wall begins to crack. Then suddenly the wind picks up, and blows up massive amounts of sand in the air, suffocating the Professor and Rose. Somehow they manage to take cover in the busted vehicle.
After about an eternity, the sandstorm finally passes. Slowly, the two peep over the side of the vehicle and find that the once magnificently huge ancient building had decomposed into a shabby, stone shrine.
The educator scratched her head, 'Boy, those guys at the History committee will have my head for this, but - since we've come so far, why not take a look?'
The pair reluctantly make their way over to the mysterious new establishment. When opening the door, shock gripped them to find that the tiny on the outside house was actually a wondrous, huge storage chamber loaded piles of shiny, gold coins and priceless gems. Many tunnels also had been drilled into the sides of the walls. But by far, the most magnificent item in the room was a jewel-encrusted, golden box, that sat on top of an altar, situated in the back with the sun looking upon it through a small window overhead. It was also quite large, maybe big enough to put a human in.
'Holy Cow, look at all that money! We'll be filthy stinkin' rich!' A voice says from behind them.
The Professor and student whirl around and find two masked men of differing heights, in black clothing standing a few feet behind them.
'Oh shoot! They found us!' says the taller one. The other one bonks him on the noggin, 'Shh! Be quiet and maybe they won't notice us!' The shady characters cover their eyes with their gloved hands, and go into a tree-like stance.
This action however, makes Rose stare at them harder. Professor Kellar raises an eyebrow, 'You realize the sun is at full blast, and you are the only dark objects in this completely landmark-deprived, yellow desert?'
Still, the two masked men stand without motion. Dismissing them as no threat, the Professor and student return to their quest.
As soon as they take a few steps in, Professor Kellar exclaims 'This is an architectural gold mine!' Rose picks up an antique scale and places a gem on one side, while putting a few coins on the other. The Professor on the other hand, inspects the tiny writing scratched onto the coins. Both of them play continue to play, until a sudden shattering sound grabs their attention.
From behind a pile of treasure, the masked men pounce on them, knocking them to the ground, and tie up their hands. Immediately, the shady characters had the archeologists immobilized.
The shorter of them brushed off his hands in satisfaction, 'There, now you two won't bother us anymore!'
The professor, outraged by this, shouts, 'What are you doing? Can't you see that we're just peaceful archeologists trying to uncover the past?!'
The man replies smugly, 'Oh yes, and can't you see that we're just peaceful thieves trying to get rich?'
The two burglars laugh, then they walk towards the huge, golden box. 'What do you think is inside boss?' asks the tall one.
'Let's open it up and see, sonny,' answers the boss.
Now any experienced archeologist who had studied the hieroglyphics painted on the wall would have realized that this Egyptian tomb belonged not to a Pharaoh, but to a lethal, juggernaut-like, monster, unstoppable to the human will. A closer study of the writing showed that the beast was sealed within a box that looked very much like the box the thieves were yanking open. With the finding of this fact, a pang of doom struck the Professor.
The archeologists had been bound together and tossed into a dusty, little corner; as much as they struggled, it did no good. Rose finally managed to take out another oddly shaped rock from somewhere which was sharp as a round, rubber ball, it somehow managed to cut through the rope.
Unfortunately it was still too late, the burglars had pried open the box and removed a magnificent, rosy pink pearl the sized of a grown manýs fist from its depths except it had an eerie sensation radiating from it.
'Ain't it gorgeous sonny?' said the boss, his eyes sparkling in admiration.
'Put that back!' shouts the Professor. 'You don't know what will happen!'
'Oh on contraire madam,' he replies, 'I know exactly what will happen. First, we sell this with all this other stuff and then, we become millionaires! Ha ha ha!'
The two masked men start laughing again. However, the strange, pink pearl begins to glow violently, then all lights flashes off, even the sunlight disappears, leaving them all in darkness, as if the world had fallen into a black hole.
The Professor broke the spell of silence. 'See! Look what you've done! Now hurry up and put that back!'
'Who's going to make me?' the boss answers smugly.
While those two bickered, a heavy downpour had started, seeping water inside. Then a lightning bolt struck the area nearby, sending a shockwave throughout the tavern, electrocuting everyone. The men fell limply to the ground besides the women.
Out of the depths of the gorgeous tomb very slowly, arose a demonic, pale face that emitted malice. Another bolt struck, revealing the body which had been much human-like except for the giant, protruding bat wings attached to its back and two canine teeth jutting out of its mouth. It wore a long, silky Egyptian robe that, ironically, looked brand new. Suddenly, the creature's eyes flash open and it gives a thunderous, inhuman roar. Pieces of ceiling fell of from the vibrations.
The thieves screamed like a little girl. They ran off into a random tunnel while Professor Kellar and Rose stood frozen in fear.
The monster turns towards the windows and somehow stops the rain. In fact, the clouds disperse, leaving the sun to start setting unaccompanied in the flamboyant, orange sky.
It turns back to face the archeologists. 'Who - has taken - the pearl?' it wheezes, as if its mouth has forgotten how to work.
The educator and the educatee look at each other in blind fear. Finally the Professor speaks up for the both of them.
'Um, sir... we, um... um...'
'GET OUT WITH IT!' it yells.
'Werenotalonetwoothermen attackedusandtheytookthepearland-'
The revered professor continued talking as that of a middle school celebrity while, the monstrosity listened, or try to at the babbling.
After the last of the information had sputtered out of Professor Kellar, the creature glared at the two for a moment before hovering into arms length of them. Its eyes had no pupil or iris, just the white, making it seem even more monstrous. Unexpectedly, it grabs Rose's neck and lifts her into the air; however, she does not say or even scream a bit. In fact, she almost seems relaxed.
'Leave her alone!' Professor Kellar frantically pleads, 'She's a hopeless student who won't answer anyone! Now please, put her down!'
The creature disregards the professor's comments and continues to examine it's human prisoner. Out of the midst of silence, it speaks. 'Madam, are you aware that this girl can neither speak nor hear?'
'But that's impossi...' she stops mid sentence. 'The papers that were given to me bear no evidence of any disabilities.'
'I have the power to read minds, madam,' the thing replies, 'Apparently it was a matter of honor, for if anyone knew, it would disgrace her parents. The Pharaoh's daughter was like this. Even though he deemed her useless, she's the most wonderful-' a pink tan surfaces on his face for a moment. He coughs, 'Nonetheless, more important things need to be take care of now.' The salient figure gently puts Rose back on the ground. 'As by now I hope you've noticed I am a creature of the undead.' They nod. 'I had no intention of becoming one nor do I wish to behave as such, yet we are not always in control of such things. In a few moments, my primary instincts will take over and then ... I think you understand what will happen.'
The archeologists ceased from the fear momentarily, except now curiosity gripped them. 'So I suppose if the pearl is returned to the tomb, the curse will be broken?' inquired the Professor.
'Not quite,' answers the thing, 'the pearl has to be in the palm of my hand. Also, not to put any pressure, but you have until sunset before I should lose control, which is in say, 20 minutes.'
'Aren't you coming?'
'No, it's best if I stay here, in case you don't find it, the tomb will be able to trap me.'
'Gee, thanks a lot, we'd better get going then Rose-' Professor Kellar started, only to be stopped to find Rose had vanished. However, a trail of gold coins led to the mouth of one of the tunnels. Without another word, she rushed off into the midst of darkness, leaving the creature by itself.
At the end of the tunnel was a light; the closer she got, the more it blinded the professor, until a giant fist punched her. She limply falls it got so bright, she couldn't see a giant fist coming towards her. The Professor falls limply to the ground. Again, something bounds and tosses her aside. She blindly looks up, 'You do you realize what you've unleashed?' Professor Kellar wheezes.
'On contraire, we know exactly what we've unleashed.' Comes the same smug reply, 'Right after we make our grand exit, the two of you will be sucked dry! Ingenious, isn't it?'
'It's great boss!' answers the second one, and puts the light down.
'Oh brother...' comments the Professor who could see clearly now, 'Wait a minute, these aren't real ropes. Ha ha, watch this!'
Using her inner power, Professor Kellar shatters the cloth binding her, striking a heroic pose.
'Uh oh,' piped the two thieves.
Rose also appears, with a gold sword-like object. The pairs rush at each other, going into a deathly, violent battle, slashing and punching with all their might. Sonny punches Professor Kellar to her abdomen only to be countered with a blow to his. The boss flung coins with lightening speed that where only to be blocked by the sword wielded by Rose.
Only ten minutes had gone by, and the fighting was still young, but it stopped due to an eerie sound that sent chills up the combatants' spines.
Footsteps, and there was only one explanation. The sun was long gone, making the moon a lone cheerio to light an endless expanse of navy milk.
'Hey boss, are you walkin'? Cause I think I hear footsteps.' said the tall one. A loud slap sounded.
'Yah think?' replies the other one.
From out of the obscure darkness, the creature captures Sonny and sinks its teeth into his neck. Sonny struggled and shrieked while the rest of them watched in horror as the very life got sucked out of him. Once the monster had finished its meal, it let go of him, and the entire corpse turned to dust, dispersing in the air, leaving only the black clothing and mask as a memoir.
Then, the winged creature turned its attention to other burglar who watched in terror at what happened. The creature's eyes had changed from pure white to pitch black.
'Um, hey mister, I don't want any trouble, uh...' the burglar takes out the pearl, 'Is this what you want? Here, take it! Take it!'
The creature merely smirks and knocks the pearl to the ground. It grabs the man's shoulders, and compresses him until a sickening crack is heard. Death hit the victim before the ground did.
The illustrious pearl had rolled out of the light's reach, yet the strange sensation was like an invisible roadmap that Rose took to use. However when she took the first step, the creature's ears twitched, giving a sense of location for its next victim.
In a desperate attempt, the professor began shouting her head off. 'YOU, YOU MONSTER! BET YA CAN'T CATCH ME, BET YA-' The creature already pinned her to the wall, and initiated on strangling her.
By this time, the student had found the pearl hidden within a pile of coins. With all her might, she threw it perfectly at the monster's head, who luckily, caught it. The pearl started to glow violently again, sending shockwaves all over the passage. Immediately, the thing drops the professor, and put his free arm on his head, apparently trying to resist the will of the curse. Finding this as an opportunity to escape, the archeologists dash out the way they came in. Once outside, they turn around to see the tiny shrine dispersing in the wind. A black jeep left by the thieves was present in the background.
'Well, no time like the present.' Remarks Professor Kellar and they headed to the vehicle, which still had the keys in them, and drove off towards home.
Afterward, it was found that indeed, Rose was deaf and unable to speak, which saved her from being expelled. Now she goes to classes better suited for her needs (don't tell the parents!). On the other hand, the revered Professor had no such luck. The History committee had dismissed her as a lunatic and now, she spend her lovely Thursday afternoons in a dull, grey room with a psychiatrist named Sydney. As for the creature, it was never disturbed againý at least for the moment. AHH!

"This will certify that the above work is completely original." Roxana a.k.a. ROX!

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The Good, The Bad and The Mafia

By James, 13, York, North Yorkshire, UK

For the average American citizen the I.Q level is 73. But Phil Morris' I.Q is 125. That was one of the main reasons the FBI recruited him. The fact that at school he had been team captain for most sports was also a key factor. At the age of 23, he was the ideal weapon for getting information from victims, suspects and any other form of life from whom the Americans needed information.

Phil had fulfilled the 'American Dream', despite his mother dying when he was 6, his father not being able to cope and sending him to an orphanage (with a healthy donation) Phil's life so far was a success story. Then, Phil was recruited.

Phil was taught by the very best in the F.B.I. as a special unit to fight the drugs and human trafficking circle created and run by the Mafia. He was taught how to handle every gun that the United States knew about.

That was how, one Wednesday at three o'clock in the afternoon, Phil found himself in the searing heat of Phoenix, Arizona. Like so many times before, the depressing site greeted Phil like a slap in the face: a young man dead. Although he had seen it all before, at least six or seven times, it was still disturbing, but the problem was that they all were seemingly killed in exactly the same way: dragged into a dark alley-way, stabbed 3 times on each limb then shot (with a silencer) in the shoulders, after being beaten, bound and gagged faced down.

The chief suspect was a mafia boss from Mexico, but Phil had never been able to get enough evidence to convict him. The killings were becoming more frequent and in other states; not just in Arizona, but in Texas and South California. Since Phil had been assigned to the job first he felt as though it was his problem. For many weeks, Phil had been unable to sleep.

Suddenly, out of the heat haze, there was a Mexican voice saying, 'So Phil, what's happened here?'
'Oh, I think you know perfectly well Jos'. You know what I'm talking about. The one time you slip up, leave a finger print, you'll be in a prison before your little gang of cronies find out you're gone!' Phil shouted at the Mafia man about twenty-five feet away from him at the other end of the alley-way.
'Well, until then, good luck!' Said the mafia boss jeeringly whilst walking away.
'He is so damn cocky. It's people like him who ruined one of my best friend's careers.' Phil said to his partner.
' It's okay Phil, we'll get him, and it's like you said, when he trips up, that's when we'll get him!' replied Phil's partner trying to raise Phil's mood.
'Yeah, if he slips up.' And with that Phil packed up all his gear and left.


A week later, while Phil was at home, he received a call from the office. It was Jack (his boss). They had a fingerprint belonging to Jason Orient; a known hit man for the Mafia, one of the best; that was the rumour. This was the biggest challenge that Phil had ever had to face. But it was this kind of pressure that made Phil work well. In fact, if the Mafia, who knew what Phil was capable of, were trying to scare Phil, and make him under-perform, it was actually having the opposite of the desired effect, because this was just fuelling him into his best time in the F.B.I, before he got transferred to a branch in Washington to become a bodyguard of the President.

The weekend after, Phil's sister came around to his house for her birthday, with her son Bobby. Bobby was keen on almost every sport, especially baseball.
So when Phil asked him if he wanted to baseball on the front yard, naturally Bobby said yes. They had played for about twenty minutes, when Phil heard a loud noise. It was a big, black Chevrolet V.6. It was nicknamed 'Hand Grenade' by the Mafia and was their number one car of choice.
'Bobby, get down!!' Phil shouted.
Before Bobby could react, Phil had heard rounds from an Uzi and shells from a shotgun. He had been shot in the arm and the leg.
'Bobby, Bobby, where are you Bobby?' he shouted in agony, but to no avail. That's when he saw him, lying dead, with at least seven shots in his head, and lots more on his torso, it was an unrecognisable corpse, except for the really blonde hair that was rapidly turning red.

'No! You B******s, why him, why him? Why not me!' he screamed to no one. That was when his sister came out and screamed, and then the rest of his family came out, shouting, screaming whilst encircling the body of young Bobby.


A few days later, when Phil returned to the Headquarters on Highway Road, he found Jack waiting for him.
'I'm so sorry to hear about your loss,' Jack said sombrely,
'So you've heard?' Phil asked
'Yes. But we know who did it Phil!'
'Who? When I get him I'm going to''
'No Phil, by the book! It was Jason Orient, same guy as on your case.'
'Right seriously, I'm gonna'''
But Phil couldn't finish his sentence because the doors blew off and two Mafia agents came in with sawn-off shotguns, killing three officers. Two more Mafia agents with Uzis, then one more with grenades followed them.
'Jack! Here!' Phil shouted, reacting really quickly, as he threw a pump-action shotgun his way. Jack caught it!
'Time to kick these guys' ass!'
With Jack and Phil, both armed with shotguns, broke out of the door, with the element of surprise, and shot one Mafia agent each. Phil got one with an Uzi and Jack got one with a sawn-off. Using desks as cover, with splinters flying in all directions they edged forward shooting, pushing the mafia back. Soon there was only one man left, and he fled.

Phil walked round, checking the dead, and then he came to one of the Mafia agents, lying on the floor bleeding.
'Hey Jack, it's Jason!' Phil said after pulling out his wallet and checking the I.D.
'Good, and you got him!' replied Jack
' He's not dead yet!' said Phil in a menacing voice.
'No, by the book!' Jack shouted.
It was too late; Phil had put one final bullet into Jason Orient's head
'That's for you Bobby!' said Jack looking heavenward.

Then Jason's mobile rang, it was a shock to both the men.
'Rich, get ready to trace this call, quick,' he bellowed, as a scrawny man scrambled to a device.
'Ready!' he replied
Jack answered,
'Jason, I trust you've finished up at the police station about a half hour ago, quickly get back to 'the Gatehouse.' Said the unmistakeable voice of the Mafia leader of this area's branch, Giiovanni.
The call ended.
'Got it,' said Rich
'Where?' Phil asked
'12 minutes drive in F.B.I SUV's, outskirts of Brule.
'That's it then, finally, after several years of hunting these crackpots down, we finally found the elusive 'Gatehouse' and we must act soon! Rich call for RO27!' The Gatehouse was well known in the underworld as the mafia's main safe house in Arizona, RO27 was the very well trained, soldier-like force in the F.B.I, used mainly for raids.

16 Minutes later, Jack, Phil and about 26 RO27 members met, just 2minutes ride from the elusive 'Gatehouse.'
'Listen' Phil said, 'we got one chance at this, do not balls this up! Okay? Right, twelve with me on the east side, other twelve with Jack on the west side, Adam, Matt you take a covered position to help us out with you're sniper, drive up on my mark!' Phil said, responsibly.
'Mark!'
Two heavily armoured land rover defenders raced up the road, the land rovers were ex-British military, and weren't needed back in one piece, so the tactic was simple, go in, all guns blazing! Use the land rovers as cover and be back in time for tea.
As they sped up the driveway, they alerted the mafia guards. The guards were concealed in a large tower, armed with snipers, as the F.B.I rounded the bend, they saw the 'Gatehouse' in all its glory.
Made from limestone, or similar material, with the actual main house just the other side of the tower, with Aztec style stairs leading up to a grand door.

Meanwhile in a room inside, three mafia agents were beating a man.
' Where's our money? Where's our money?' shouted Tommy, at a man chained up to a chair.
'Hey, idiot, you owe us 20K! We want it now!' shouted Marco, spraying the man with cigar-stained saliva.
The two men were in black shirts with the top two buttons undone. Pinstriped trousers and plain black shoes.
Tommy repeatedly hit the man in the stomach, and then once in the face. Around the room, there were two bodies, with 3 stab wounds in each limb, and a bullet in each shoulder, bound, gagged and beaten. Just like the bodies in Phil's case.

The two guards realised that two land rovers were coming at them at break-neck speed, and sprung into action, grabbing their Russian made Kolichnakov 50 sniper rifles. They shot at the heavy armoured vehicles, but the bulletproof glass and shielding protected the men. Once they were in 50 feet of the actual house, Phil did a handbrake turn, and Matt jumped of and set up his British made, Lee Enfield, with the other twelve jumping out, using the land rover as cover. Jack then pulled a similar stunt, so now the two land rovers were in a v shape. Nose to nose, Adam jumped out to the other side of his van and set up. Now it was 2 on 2, sniper wise. Adam and matt were just too well trained, and waited for the two mafia agents to reload, without taking cover, within 5 seconds they both had a bullet in their head.
Six Mafia agents ran out, with their glock-45's shooting, hoping to kill anyone they could. They got one man. That was it, then Phil armed with his Mp40 heavy machine gun popped up and shot three down, and, within seconds of him popping up, the rest of the RO27 squad released fire, finishing the other three off. Then Phil and Jack led the charge, hurdling over the bonnets of the two land rovers and running in, through the two grand oak doors, the rest of RO27 were just behind them, they encountered 3 more on the stairs, by now Phil had left his heavy machine gun and switched to his lighter machine guns, duel-wielding ppsh's the agents on the stairs didn't realise the scale of the invading force. They stood no chance.
Tommy and Marco heard the commotion and ran out, clearly shocked at the sight of 3 of their colleges body's leaving blood smeared all down the white marble staircase on their way down, then they heard, they hurriedly scampered like rats to the boss' room.
'Quick!' Phil screamed, his adrenalin at an all time high! 'After them!'
All twenty-six of them charged up the stairs shooting at Tommy and Marco, while the snipers stayed behind to keep guard. Marco tailed behind and was caught by one of Jacks GLSA bullets, but Tommy made it into the lavishly refined office of Giovanni.
'Boss, F.B.I!' Tommy spluttered,
'Lets go, this has been coming!' Giovanni said, with complete confidence
His two right hand men picked up their traditional Tommie guns, while Giovanni got his famous gold double magnums.
''Till death!'

It took Phil, Jack and 3 other RO27 men to break through the barrage in the door. Immediately, Tommy, Giovanni and his two henchmen opened fire, resulting in 5 RO27 men getting hit by stray bullets. The rest pilled through. The first to get killed was the Henchman, then Tommy, and then three RO27 men got killed before the Great Giovanni was finally struck down. Then His henchman ran out on a suicide mission, diving out, Phil was the first to react, firing instantaneously, several bullets hits there targets, killing the last Mafia man, but he had already shot, one bullet hit Phil, two bullets hit Jack and three bullets hit different RO27 officers. This was the second time Phil had been shot, fortunately, Adam and Matt had already radioed for ambulances when they found the man Marco and Tommy were torturing, and all the casualties were rushed to hospital.

After all, only one mafia agent survived, and was kept in Guantanamo Bay, and sentenced to life, after giving vital information on other activities.

Both Jack and Phil received a call up to Washington, and the story was plastered all over international newspapers and news programs. Everyone knew the story!

The 'Gatehouse was searched soon afterwards, in total, seven bodies were found, six of which were in the protection bracket because of giving vital information in previous cases involving the mafia, the seventh body, which was beaten beyond recognition, was believed to have owed 40 grand to the Mafia.
(March 2007)

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My wish sister

By Georgia, 12, Queensland, Australia

Hi, my name is Georgia, but you can call me George. Now let me tell you a bit about myself. I have lots of friends. In fact so many friends that I sometimes get their names mixed up! Right now you're probably sitting there thinking well, what's the problem with that? WELL, I don't have a sister. I've wished and wished and tried so many things, but they just don't seem to work. But one night I was reading a book about stars and down the bottom was a title saying 'How to make your wish come true!' I read it as quickly as possible. It said if you want your wish to come true, wish on the first star in the evening - the evening star.

I looked out of my window. The evening star was disappearing. Maybe I was too late! I took a deep breath and thought as hard as I could about having a sister. Just then, something amazing happened - a little bright light shot out of the star and went right through my window and landed right on the top of my nose. I didn't know what to think. I looked around my room for a new sister, but was sadly disappointed.

I snuggled down in my warm bed and dreamt about what it would be like to have someone who would be your best friend for life - a sister of my own.
I had only just faded into my dream when something tickled me. I woke up. A little girl was sitting on the edge of my bed; she was probably only five or six years old. I was shocked and nearly fainted when she said,' Hello, my name is Emma, and I was sent here to be your little sister.'
'I see you're my little sister by the size you are!' I exclaimed.
'Yes, the wish that made me was not as clear as it could have been. I hope you're not upset about my size?' remarked Emma.
'Oh, no I'm not angry! I'm too happy to be angry!' I replied.

After I had made friends or should I say sisters with Emma, I asked, 'would you like to come to school with me tomorrow?'
'What's school?' asked Emma.
. 'Well, school is where children learn all sorts of stuff like maths.'I explained.
'What's maths?' Emma said.
'Maths is when you do sums using numbers.' 'What's maths and numbers?' she asked.
'Well orrrrrrrrrr ,' I yawned. 'I think it's time for bed.'
'Where do I sleep?' inquired Emma.
'Oh I haven't thought about that. Well you could sleep with me.' I replied.
'No, you might squash me!' laughed Emma.
'Maybe you could sleep in a match box.' I laughed.
'That's probably too small, but it's a good idea.' smiled Emma.
'I know the right spot! You can sleep in my doll's bed - if it's all right with them. Yes It's OK, you can sleep there. They said it's all right. Good night Emma.'
'Good night Georgia.' replied Emma.
'Wake up Emma! Wake up! It's time for school! Emma, Emma, stop hiding!'
I looked down into the doll's cot but Emma wasn't there. Lying, sparkling beneath the sheets was a beautiful star shaped locket. I felt terrible, had I done something wrong .I picked it up and gently opened it. Inside was a picture, of my little wish-sister and me. (March 2007)

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The Great 1st Grader

By JJ, 7, Chandler, Arizona, USA

Once upon a time there was a 1st grader who was very nice. She was always helpful and very caring. She would help her friends with their homework and the teacher with cleaning the room. She was awesome. (March 2007)

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