By Ryan Traynor, Contributing Writer

Mike felt at the top of his game. The basketball was an extension of his arm as he shifted from one side to the other, pulling the ball with him to the other hand. He glanced around the gym floor to find an opening.

By Ryan Traynor, Contributing Writer

Dasha curled up into an even tighter ball as she lay on her cot facing the gray wall. She kept her head turned away from the door so no one would know she was awake.

By Sarah Khan, Age 16, Saudi Arabia

It was a balmy evening, clouds covered the blue sky and the warm sun and I was strolling in my back yard, every now and then throwing a glance at the wooden door.

By Andrea Solis, age 12, California

It was an early summer afternoon and Julie was sitting on a yellow bench in Disneyland. Past the vast crowds, she could see roller coasters slithering like snakes.

By Cristal Molina, Age 12, California

The Johnsons lived in a calm and quiet neighborhood. No sirens. No helicopters flying over you. No trains. The trees were bare and full of vanilla white snow that looked like cookies in cream.

By Meghan Parker, age 11, Pennsylvania

“MOMMY!!! I want my Barbie back!” Oh, sorry about that, I’m Mr. Bubbles, and that was little Kate Shlowps.