EIGHTH GRADE

66 8 Grant Franey

Michael Lynch

THE OTHER BOY Grant Franey

Most of us do not know many transgender kids. There may not be very many in our community, but there are kids around the world who feel that they were born into the wrong body. There are kids who are too afraid to talk to their parents. There are kids who feel fear going to school every day. There are kids who hate the way they look and the way they are treated. Although some people may not be friends with any openly transgender people, we all must be aware of the different people living in our world. It is important to know how other people may feel. We should not offend people because they might be different from us. We should celebrate every person’s individuality and uniqueness.

In The Other Boy, Shane has always felt like a boy living in the wrong body. Now that the boys are beginning to go through puberty, Shane worries that he will be left behind. Shane’s father and soon-to-be stepmother do not completely understand what Shane is going through, and they often offend Shane. At school, his friends are not aware of his identity. That makes school a scary place for Shane every day. He worries about what could happen if everyone finds out about his identity. How might Shane’s best friend react if he finds out? What will Shane’s crush think if she finds out? What about his entire class? Shane tends to panic often, and he longs for support from his friends, family, and classmates.

By reading The Other Boy and hearing Shane’s story, we can all begin to understand what transgender people, specifically kids, feel like in our society. This book should be read by all because it delivers a unique perspective on the world from a character many do not personally relate to. When I read this book, I read to see how Shane and other transgender kids deal with the challenges that come at them. Although Shane is a character I cannot relate to very much, I cared for him while I was reading. I realized that this story could resonate with some young kid who is going through the same thing. Whether someone can relate to Shane or not, people should read The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey because this book helps people find a deeper understanding of the difficulties and hardships transgender people face as young kids. A deeper understanding leads to awareness. Awareness leads to less ignorance. Less ignorance leads to acceptance, and acceptance makes people much happier.

THE FIRST SNOWFALL Alex Gomez

Pixelated snowflakes fell from a vibrant, animated sky as Frosty the Snowman sang an engaging song on the television in front of me. The room around me was unlit but not dark; the faint light from the hazy, gray sky outside was peeking through the window in the room behind me. Breaking the peace, my mom stomped in and told me in a stern voice to turn off the TV and pick up a book, a phrase she loved reiterating. The TV flickered off after my mom spent an awkward two minutes struggling with the remote’s little red off button that occasionally stuck. Once she turned off my source of entertainment, she left me alone on the camel-colored couch, wondering what I should now do. I was not in the mood to pick up a book, and at that point I had gotten a little sick of trying to get to page four of Pinkalicious.

I pushed the blanket off my legs and the freezing air instantly shocked me. After moseying into the kitchen, I sat down at the table and stared at the wall in front of me. Cold weather is common in Munich, so the houses usually contain an abundance of decor with warm colors. The red-walled kitchen was so cramped that a small round table filled up the entire floor, only leaving space to shimmy around it to move from one side of the space to the other. After a good ten minutes staring at the crimson paint in front of me, I left the area and walked to the dining room, which uncoincidentally also sported deep reds and burgundies. This room’s large windows allowed a dim light to come into the house from the backyard.

I walked up to the window and stared at the once green backyard, now covered with a thin layer of what was the previous day’s snow. It was now a brownish slush, trying its best not to melt into puddles. Suddenly, a little white snowflake appeared in front of me. It drifted a path through the barricade of icicles that hung from the gutters. That one flake was a pioneer, and thousands followed it, lightly hanging and swirling in the wind, no two the same. Left engraved in my mind was a feeling of serenity, forever floating in peace with the snowflakes.

Aubrey Callaghan 3443 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 February 10, 2020 Everett Welton Dean Yamanda Disney Grand Central Creative Campus 1200 Grand Central Avenue Glendale, CA 91201 Dear Mr. Yamanda: My name is Aubrey Callaghan. I am 14 years old, and an eighth grade student at Harbor Day School. I am seeking employment as Princess Belle in the cast at Disneyland. I have been to Disneyland many times, and I am very familiar with Belle’s personality and characteristics. Additionally, I have much experience with young children, and I know how to act around them. I would make an exceptional Belle because I look like her and I am good with children. I have been watching Disney movies since I was very young. Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite story. I love Belle’s curly hair and her curiosity. As I have grown older, I have realized the similarities that Belle and I have. My curly hair is the exact same brown shade as Belle’s. My skin tone and stature are similar to Belle’s. Like her, I love reading. Belle is my favorite princess, and also the one that has many similar qualities to me. Because of that, I would make a very great Belle at Disneyland. I would also make a great Belle because I love children. I have three siblings and many younger cousins. As a result, I have spent a lot of time with young people. I know how to interact with them and make them feel loved, known, and understood. This job requires a lot of interaction with juveniles. I can handle that, and I will make the visit more enjoyable for each child I come in contact with. I sincerely hope you will consider me for this job. I would love to be Belle because I look just like her, and I am very good with children. If you hire me, I will make sure each child has an amazing experience. Thank you so much for your time. If you have any questions, please contact me at 20callaghana@harborday.org. Sincerely,

Aubrey Callaghan

Arman Rofougaran 3443 Pacific View Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 February 15, 2020 Tom Donovan Pelican Hill Resort 22701 Pelican Hill Road Newport Coast, CA 92657 Dear Tom Donovan: Hello, my name is Arman Rofougaran. I am reaching out to you because I am seeking employment at the Pelican Hill Resort. Although I am only 14 years old, I am mature and enthusiastic, and I also believe that I can thrive at any job you offer me. I would be an amazing doorman and tour guide for the people who have just arrived at the hotel. The people will love me because I will get them excited for the beginning of a magnificent journey: to stay at your luxurious hotel, Pelican Hill Resort. I am also an excellent chef. I have mastered all of Gordon Ramsey’s online courses, so I know what I am doing. I might be able to challenge your head chef for his spot, due to my expertise in the kitchen. I have prepared for the kitchen by watching MasterChef Junior, and I am superb at shouting. With me by your side, I am certain that we can make Pelican Hill Resort into a more enjoyable and entertaining place. I have the capability to turn your resort into one of the most popular resorts in the United States. You may not believe me, but already, people from all over the city, state, and even from different countries know me. I travel frequently and make new friends from other countries. It will only take a matter of time before the Irvine Company realizes my abilities and makes me the new general manager of Pelican Hill Resort. Sincerely,

Arman Rofougaran

Erika Wein