Connecting Stories Secondary Anthology by literacytrust

A collection of young people’s writing

The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260 and a company limited by guarantee no. 5836486 registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in Scotland no. SC042944. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL Supported by Arts Council England Cover illustration © Tallulah Smith, 2021 Design and content © National Literacy Trust, 2021 Design by Tallulah Smith All enquiries around this anthology should be directed to: contact@literacytrust.org.uk

Connecting Stories: An anthology of young people’s writing.

The National Literacy Trust is a charity dedicated to improving reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that everyone has the best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We support communities, schools and early years settings and campaign to make literacy a priority. The Connecting Stories campaign is a project funded by Arts Council England to increase children and young people's interest in reading and writing and to promote diverse voices and stories. Connecting Stories provides a programme of exciting events, such as virtual author visits, creative writing competitions and activities for families to enjoy

With Thanks... We would like to thank Arts Council England for funding and supporting the Connecting Stories project. We would also like to thank all of the publishers and authors across our Hubs, who generously supported this anthology, and extend warm thanks to the numerous community champions and corporate volunteers who have kindly donated their time to help bring this anthology together: Atlantic Books

Hannah Fogg

Cambridge University Press

Charlotte Kim

Emerald Publishing

James Kingett

Faber & Faber

Jenna Lee

Pearson

Michael Leyland

Saffron Alexander

Marykate McGrath

Sally Atkinson

Jan Papworth

Gaganpreet Kaur Basra

Allison Potter

Sheena Carman

Tahera Sultana

Dawn Claypole

Emile Tambeh

Rhonda Drever

Felicia Tennant

Margaret Duff And finally, thank you to all of the young people who took part, it is their stories that make this anthology so special.

Contents Heroes Swindon and Manchester

Winning Entry

Leila A, 12

Winning Entry

Pavel S, 11

Runner Up

Joe W, 12

Michelle R, 13

Joseph L-M, 12

Alexis D, 11

Dahir A

Mille D-Q, 11

Bruna P, 13

Amy F, 14

Maheen F, 12

Zara N, Yr7

Isha T, Yr7

Aamna K, Yr7

Aiza A, Yr7

Yara A, Yr7

Sameen D-E, Yr7

Polly O, 14

Chloe L, 14

Erica M, 12

Abigail E

Theo C, 11

Adam M, 13

Arwa H

Caitlin M, 12

Abouen 87 Amber B, 12

Andrew N

Artus D

Nur-Aein S, 14

Barney W, 11

Bess BL

102

Elizabeth H, 12

105

Ellis H, 13

107

Emmanuela O

110

Ese U, 12

113

Esme H, 15

115

Eva J, 12

117

Alimat S, 12

120

Florence D, 13

121

Iman B-M, 11

123

Jack T, 11

125

Jacob S, 11

126

Jessica G

129

Joel B, 11

130

Joshua S, 11

132

Kelly H, 12

134

Lois H-T, 12

135

Maame OS

138

Macy S, 12

141

Mercy A, 11

144

Miriam T, 13

147

Monet B, 12

149

Nancy C, 12

150

Oliver D, 12

152

Lola S, 13

154

Oscar D

155

Ryan C, 13

157

Sally R

159

Samara W, 13

162

Samuel D, 14

164

Samuel P, 12

167

Shedene C, 11

169

Mia K, 12

171

Sydney J, 12

172

Tahlia C

174

Toby W, 16

177

Winielle A-K, 12

179

Zach C

182

Hafsah K, Yr7

183

Maria A, Yr7

185

Zoha R, Yr8

186

Hooriya M, Yr8

188

Hajrah A, Yr8

192

Ethan H, 12

193

Nazneen AA, Yr8

194

Saffa NA, Yr8

195

Ayesha M, Yr8

199

Zainab N, Yr8

202

Mariam O, Yr8

205

Asma S, Yr8

207

Bibihawa S, Yr8

208

Rumaisa K, Yr8

210

Marwah, Yr8

213

Nawal F, Yr8

215

Nusrat B, Yr7

217

Somayya H, Yr8

219

Halima K, Yr8

220

Charlotte P, 12

222

Helen B, Yr7

223

Tola W

225

Ahsham A, Yr7

227

Ellie-May H, 13

230

Kaitlin S, 13

231

Lucy H, 12

232

Cordell W, 12

233

Jake C, 12

234

Amelia A, 12

235

Talha G, 13

236

Poojitha V, 11

239

Anmaar S, Yr9

242

Asdallah M, Yr9

243

Huzaer A, Yr9

244

Ismaheel S, Yr9

245

Kamille, Yr9

246

Maryam A

247

Mohammed U

249

Reer A

250

Safa, Yr9

251

Shanza, Yr9

252

Zain B, Yr9

254

Shamayam K, Yr8

255

Samavah M, Yr8

257

Rana M, Yr8

259

Zaryab N, Yr8

262

Inayah R, Yr8

265

Hadya S, Yr8

267

Amanaah U, Yr8

270

Fiza S, Yr8

272

Huda O, Yr7

274

Sedra A, Yr7

276

Shaista K, Yr7

278

Safa S, Yr7

281

Ayesha N, Yr7

283

Remas A, Yr8

285

Anaya B, Yr8

287

Takwa E, Yr8

289

Emman SS, Yr8

291

Aliyha, Yr8

293

Bismah A, Yr7

295

Izzah A, Yr7

298

Hind T A-E, Yr7

301

Aiza A, Yr7

303

Ayesha A, Yr7

305

Bushra B, Yr7

306

Banan B, Yr7

309

Sumaira A, Yr7

311

Yasmin E-H, Yr7

313

Mina H, Yr7

314

Imamah K, Yr7

315

Sama K, Yr7

317

Safa M, Yr7

319

Hafsah M, Yr8

320

Mariam N, Yr7

321

Aizah R, Yr7

323

Hamnah R, Yr7

325

Laila S, Yr7

327

Iqra A, Yr7

328

Zara A, Yr7

331

Najwa A, Yr7

334

Eman A, Yr7

336

Zohra B, Yr7

338

Elaha B, Yr7

341

Nora G, Yr7

343

Zoya G, Yr7

345

Aryana K, Yr7

347

Maryam K, Yr7

350

Mojdah M, Yr7

352

City and Relationships Birmingham and Nottingham

Winning Entry

Shayal Q, 12

356

Winning Entry

Isaac D, 11

358

Runner Up

Angela B, 14

360

All Entries

Iona M, 14

363

Rowan K, 12

367

Francesca R, Yr9

369

Maryam J, 12

372

Tomilola A, 11

376

Taffy S, 11

378

Tami A, 13

382

Sharmel O, 12

384

Future and Connections Bradford and Blackpool

Winning Entry

Hooria R, 13

388

Winning Entry

Ayaan A, 12

390

Runner Up

Sophie J, 13

391

All Entries

Amy D, Yr8

393

Mohammed Awais R, Yr8

395

Hannah M, 11

396

Malk M, 11

397

Lucy-Jo D, 15

398

Chloe C, 11

399

Tanzida S, 12

400

Amina Q, 13

401

Daniel R, 13

402

Dominika H, 12

403

Hadia F, 11

404

Hana A, 12

405

Bethany D, 12

406

Max V, 11

407

Jessica B, 11

408

Holly A, 11

409

Zara J, 11

410

Zara J, 12

411

Olivia D, 11

413

Ruby T

415

Hollie C, 12

416

Lexi HC, 12

418

Jake P, 11

419

Millie D, 12

420

Chloe W, 14

422

Harry E

424

Maja G

426

Amelia H, 12

428

Aliyah A, 12

430

Max N, 11

431

Jayden G, 13

433

Holly W, 11

435

Ava H, 11

437

Jake R, 13

438

Riley G

440

Jake H, 13

442

Chloe W, 14

443

Charlotte L, 11

445

Abbie C, Yr7

446

Abigail T, Yr7

448

Billie G, Yr7

450

Blake H, Yr7

451

Ebony S

452

Evangeline M

454

George Y

455

Harleigh W, Yr9

456

Jess F Yr7

457

Madison B Yr7

458

Mckenzie C, Yr7

460

Mia W, Yr7

461

Nika R, Yr9

463

Robert H, Yr7

465

Shahed S, Yr9

467

Summer F, Yr7

469

Tyler B, Yr7

472

Taylor F

476

Willow S, Yr9

477

Paige R, Yr10

479

Chloe R

481

Participating Schools

483

Heroes Swindon and Manchester

Leila A, 12 Winning Entry This is a poem for the heroes This is a poem for the heroes. The ones without powers or capes. The heroes that serve and protect, Across Manchester’s skyscraper landscape. This is a poem for the teachers. A poem to shout out and say, “That teachers are great! And always have been, every single day.” It’s the way they inspire. The way they help and care. If it wasn’t for them We'd be lost, I swear. It’s the teachers who tell every child: “Keep trying and trying ,”

The ones who notice, When a child is broken and crying. This is a poem for nurses And doctors too. In a time like this, Without them, what would we do? They perform life-saving surgeries. Provide therapy and mental health advice. Give you medicine and antibiotics. A couple of ‘I have been treated’ stickers should suffice. Fighting day after day, On the NHS frontline. Pushing to help those suffering with Covid-19, Until those patients are on cloud nine. This is a poem for the lorry drivers. Delivering our parcels, every day of the week. Driving along the M60,

Pavel S, 11 Winning Entry I’m Jack and I am 18. I live in New York. I was born with this special ability : I can run faster than light. I found out I was special when I was 12 and decided to use to help others. In the 31st century America was nicknamed ‘The country of crime’ as there was nearly always a shop being robbed. My parents were famous police officers. They were famous for manging to do the impossible, they had managed to capture 1 of the 5 leaders of the most feared criminal organisation … Scorpia. On my 18th birthday, while me and my parents were celebrating , a villain called void killed my parents. “I wish I could do something to help the city like my parents!” I mumbled. A few minutes later, I jumped on my feet as I realised what I could do. I could use my special ability to help the civilians of this city but I should probably hide my identity so I don’t end up like my parents. It took a week to to get my suit ready. While I was getting my suit ready, I decided to call myself the blue cheetah. When I put my suit on millions of emotions flooded my senses. I felt amazed and like I could anything. I turned on the news to find out that Void was robbing the museum. My time for revenge was coming. Just as I was about to sprint to the museum, I saw void destroy 1 massive wall by pointing at it. Suddenly doubt and fear took over my mind. 28

I had a gigantic desire to stay in my apartment and leave the chaos for the police officers. After 5 minutes of deep thinking I decided to do the heroic thing go and stop void and avenge my parents. I loved feeling the breeze brush past my face while I ran faster than light. When I arrived at the museum, I was so shocked to see how much damage Void had done. the curator of the museum was screaming for help inside the museum. He and some of his employees were in a lot of danger. As fast as lightning , I evacuated every dweller from the premises. Then I looked for Void. That was easy as he was in the centre of the chaos. Void looked different. He had an evil atmosphere around him and he was wearing a black cloak. I was going to have my revenge. Just before I attacked him, I noticed that everything that was made of gold was left untouched. I wondered why and then realised that might just be his weakness. After sprinting in the bank, I started throwing the bars of gold at him. He looked scared and confused I tried to run away but didn’t make it very far. While he was running , I picked up this golden vase which I used to trap him inside of. This was a start but New York wasn’t safe yet…

In all weathers, sunshine, rain or Manchester bleak. This is a poem for the supermarket assistants. Stocking shelf after shelf with food. It’s been hard to stock food, with Brexit all done. But let's not use Brexit to dampen the mood. It’s a poem for the working-at-home parents Struggling over Wi-Fi, Zoom and of course Microsoft Teams. It’s a poem for the parents who help you with online lessons, The only rest they get is for four minutes eating custard creams. You might question why, I didn’t choose one local hero. The answer is plain and simple. “People are heroes every day, it doesn’t take a noble act to notice them,” It’s a poem for all the heroes. Tall and short, thin and fat. For heroes like you and me, And that my friend is a fact. 30

This is a poem for binmen and women. For the café owners and the local MPs. For the emergency vets and hairdressers. For the daily news-readings on the TV. This is a poem for the heroes. The ones without powers or capes, But somehow, they just are zooming , Flying around Manchester’s skyscraper landscape.

Joe W, 12 Runner Up

Wally It was the start of yet another boring day, or I thought it was! My name is Mark and I had just found myself a job at the engineering workshop where I was told that I would be making next generation technolog y. On day three, I arrived at my destination. A long series of walls, windows and slanted roofs that seemed to go on forever. I grimaced, suddenly remembering I had to walk up the long spiral staircase to my workspace at the top of the tower which dwarfed all the buildings around. After what seemed like forever my office was in sight and I fell onto my chair. Suddenly, I heard a soft metallic clang. I glanced behind me and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. I was looking at a small robot whose head was an overturned fishbowl. Inside the fishbowl, what I thought were a pair of binoculars were just floating in mid-air. Long story short, I fainted. I woke, my eyes flew open as I remembered what had happened. ”Hello there,” I screamed as I saw who the owner of the voice was. It was the robot.

It was bending down on me with its binoculars fixed on me. ” Ww... what are you?” I stammered. “ Well what do I look like to you? I’m a robot, you idiot ” said the robot. I stood up trying to regain my senses. “ What’s your name?” I asked with a higher pitched voice than I thought I had. ”My creators called me Wally.“ “ Wait isn’t that a little close to –“ “Shhhhhhh!” the robot cut in “Let’s not get anyone sued!” I heard a noise from across the stairs. ”Burglars!” exclaimed Wally. “More than 95 percent of buildings that get robbed are technolog y bases.” ”Did you just Google search that ?” I wondered out loud. ”Is it any of your business?” the robot answered back. ”I’ll handle this.” I was just thinking how a robot as tall as my knee could take on a probable armed thief when he came through the door. He was at least six feet tall and clumsy so I managed to see how we had heard him. Then a silver flash shot across the room and with a tremendous CLANG the man fell to the floor defeated. 33

“How...?” I began but then another man came through in a cleaner's outfit and Wally launched himself into action shouting “that outfit doesn’t fool me!” and “you’re cooked!” and another man slumped to the floor unconscious. Suddenly, I remembered: “ Wait! That’s the window cleaner!”

Michelle R, 13 My Mum’s Heartening Hero’s Journey Once a young girl, now a mum, She had a passion and only one. Magnanimous in heart, She’s been told once or twice, Caring for children has been a part of her life. Determination tackled her heart. Procrastinating out of fear; she won’t go far. She sat down and pondered for a while, Thinking of her future, how she can go miles. Jubilation filled her spirit, Child-minding was the answer, this is it! She started small, two or three But grew providentially. Independence is one of the goals to life, She’s grown even more to eight or nine!

More jobs meant more income. A wonder woman my mum has become. Imperturbable is the definition of my mum, Always calm and never dumb. Perspicacious in her actions. What will define me is satisfaction. She is an inspiration to me. My mum is a hero to children in need. Connecting and bonding is her specialty. She never gave up on her dreams, And I will emulate, as it seems.

Joseph L-M, 12 The Resurgent Warrior Darkness Suddenly, the eyes awoke to a dark mysterious sky. On the distant island of Destiny, Roy woke up, sat up, and rubbed his head. He had red hair with freckles, and damaged golden armour. A small dragon, called Redwing (and his lifelong companion), was next to him and flew up in excitement saying : “Oh good! He’s finally waking up!” Redwing had gorgeous scarlet wings (big surprise) and was relatively small for a dragon. Roy suddenly screamed in terror and fell over. “It’s okay, it’s me!” soothed Redwing , confused as to why Roy feared his own best friend. Eventually, Roy questioned: “And who are you?” Redwing was silent in shock. For twenty years, together, they went on quests and adventures, became best friends, and now, he didn’t even know who he was. “ Where are we?” Roy continued, “and more importantly, who am I?” “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!” squealed Redwing as he put two and two together, “The boy’s lost his memory !” Roy indeed had. If you 37

want to know how, we first need to know how the two got into this situation. Twenty-four hours ago, a legendary warrior hero was bravely storming the castle of the Dark Lord Merlin on the island of Skullworld. The legend slayed Merlin’s minions incredibly and got closer and closer to the Dark Lord. His guard dogs, the Hellhounds, attacked ferociously with all of their three heads, but the warrior got past them easily, and was now threatening Merlin himself. Even with the warrior’s legendary sword, the Stormblade, and his golden armour, the Godetterent. Merlin had recently gained the Facul Jewel, capable of boosting one’s powers to superhuman levels, and so, in their duel, Merlin brutally brought the hero to near-death, but a scarlet-winged dragon flew him away to safety. However, Merlin’s minions saw the injured hero, and ran towards him and the dragon. Said dragon knew the only escape was on the (convenient) ships at the dock of the island, and flew him and the warrior to one. (Inconveniently) the ships were damaged, and dragons don’t know how to sail. The dragon would’ve asked the warrior, but he was unconscious. ( VERY inconveniently) a storm suddenly sent bolt after bolt at the ship and the tsunamis joined in the fun. (In this alternate world, the weather is all over the place). Finally, despite the dragon’s best efforts, a huge tsunami finally washed up the ship on a certain Island of Destiny.

During the process, the Stormblade was lost at sea. But that was the least of their worries as they plunged into the dark sea, and washed up on the island. These two sound familiar ? “I’m not some legendary hero!” protested Roy, “I would remember if I was! And although I do feel pain everywhere, I didn’t fight some dark lord!” ” We don’t have time for this!” shouted Redwing , “we need to go back to Skullworld, steal the Facul Jewel, use it to defeat Merlin before he sets out on his conquest for the Archipelago!” In fact, the reason Roy was storming the castle in the first place was to stop Merlin’s conquest. “Even if your fairy tale is true,” said Roy, “how am I, a beaten up, lost guy in shredded armour, with no ship, no weapons, and no allies, going to even get there in the first place just for him to beat me up more?” Despite his lack of enthusiasm, you have to admit Roy had a point. He had been in these situations before, but he couldn’t remember how he got out of them. Redwing sighed. “First of all, I am your ally, second of all, remember in the Dreadland Temple, we were lost but you got us out.” Roy frowned at the scarlet dragon as a reminder of his amnesia. “Oh right, but there’s a village over there, we can ask them for help.” 39

There was indeed a village in the distance. When they got there, they were met by a man in a skull mask. Roy didn’t seem too worried, but Redwing cowered as he realised, it was one of Merlin’s minions, and they had conquered the Island of Destiny already. “Hey, stop right there! This is Merlin territory !” the guard said, and hit Redwing. “Hey ! Leave him alone!” shouted Roy, although he didn’t know why. He then easily kicked the guard and took him down. He was, after all, a legendary warrior. “ Wow !” exclaimed Redwing , “you remembered how to fight! And you did it for me! Do you remember our friendship yet ?” Roy struggled to think. But as they were stood there, a huge battalion of minions ran at them. Even as he remembered some fighting , even Roy knew he couldn’t get past all of them. Once again, the only escape was the sea. There were no convenient ships this time, so Roy tried swimming , with Redwing on his back. But he didn’t know how to swim, so he just sank, deep, deep into the deep sea, about to drown. A very, very, very convenient air pocket saved Roy, while Redwing was fine. Dragons could breathe under water. Suddenly, the air pocket was huge, and gave way to see a huge underwater civilisation. Unfortunately, Merlin had beat them too it, and left some minions 40

to guard the territory. Roy was focusing on the guards, but Redwing was flying around in excitement. “ What is it ?” asked Roy, and Redwing pointed his claw to a sword stuck in the sand. A certain Stormblade. “That’s your legendary sword from the story !” squealed Redwing happily. “I’ll distract the guards while you take it!” The dragon flew over to the guards, just above their heads, taunting them, and Roy crept up to the weapon, but as soon as he touched it, he suddenly remembered the story that Redwing told him, although he still didn’t know who Redwing was, strangely. “I remember! I remember! I stormed the castle and fought Merlin!” he shouted. As you may have forgotten, he was unconscious after the duel, so he obviously didn’t remember anything after. “Great news! Do you remember who I am yet ?” asked Redwing hopefully. “No,” said Roy, “I honestly don’t know you.” Redwing looked sad. He hadn’t told Roy his name because he wanted him to remember it for himself. “Anyway, I found an underwater tunnel that leads to Skullworld!” said Redwing , trying to stay positive. “So let’s go!” As he stepped on Skullworld soil for the second time, Roy strangely 41

felt something telling him to turn back, but he ignored it. He was armed with his legendary sword, and, well, a random dragon, but he was still confident as he remembered how to fight. But he was kicking himself as he was in cage with guards surrounding him and the dragon arrived only a few minutes later. Merlin was intelligent, and anticipated Roy’s return, and ordered his troops to ambush him as soon as he stepped a toe on the island, and that’s exactly what they did. “C’mon, you can think of something ! You always do!” said Redwing , which was true. In twenty years, the duo had gotten into all sorts of situations, and Roy was intelligent enough for them to slip out of all. But he couldn’t think this time. His head was spinning , and he felt very weak. Suddenly, as he saw his injured dragon, his mind instantly popped. He noticed the cage was held by a chain up on the roof, and one of the guards was holding a key for the lock on the front of the cage. So, he put of his weight on one end, and the cage swung around, knocking out the guard, and Roy had the key. As Redwing muttered weakly, “I knew he’d do it.” Roy scooped him up, and ran to the top of the castle to steal the Jewel. Redwing said Roy had to try and duel Merlin again so he wouldn’t notice if he flew up and took it. So, Roy took some big breaths, and shouted: “Merlin! I have come for you! I will restore peace to the Archipelago, for my name is—Ummm...” For all he had remembered, he couldn’t remember his name. “Errr, something beginning with R?” 42

Redwing slapped himself and he realised he didn’t actually tell Roy his name. But now he couldn’t speak up or Merlin would someone else was there. Merlin slowly turned around to find a fumbling , weak, person in ragged armour barely lifting up his sword, who couldn’t even remember his name, which, for him, was understandably underwhelming. Merlin was a huge beast of a man, in dark scarlet armour, and a skull mask. He easily punched Roy and he fell to the ground. But as Redwing swiped the Jewel, he couldn’t help but shout “No!” and Merlin threw him away. The Dark Lord drew his sword, and as the small dragon started to meet his fate, a voice called out: “Redwing !” Suddenly, another sword met Merlin’s. The same voice cried: “I am Roy ! Champion Warrior for Justice, and Redwing is my best friend!” “He remembers! He remembers!” shouted Redwing in excitement. As he took the Jewel, Merlin was significantly weakened, and as Roy remembered his best-best fighting techniques, he easily beat Merlin and stopped his conquest. And that is just another adventure of Roy and Redwing.

Alexis D, 11 For me, a hero is someone who gives something. Not just money or ser vice but giving their ideas from their imagination to bring them to life. Creativity is a way to escape from reality and anyone who processes the power to make someone cry or laugh from a couple of words should always use that so others can enjoy the gift of writing. To travel to a whole different universe is the greatest pleasure there is. To be obsessed with the ending and other possibilities. Why stay in the world we live in when you go fly in the clouds and so many more opportunities. Just imagine waking up in a world where magic flies in the air and lands on objects doing the owner’s bidding. Emotional bombs explode within a couple of lines. Sadness, jealousy, anger, happiness, guilt. Anything is possible and there is no limit. A world where unicorns and dragons are best friends. A world where the sun is a rainbow and the moon is made from slime. A world where there is peace. Someone that can give that to a community is, to me, a local hero.

Dahir A Endless fields of green, the sun shining bright, flower beds as far as the eye could see. These are all things you would expect in a superhero story, but not this one. This one takes place in the lousy city of Manchester and the hero is a woman called Danielle. Well, I guess it’s a heroine then, nevertheless Danielle, as you would guess, did not fit in well as a child. Bullies would often pick on her during her high school years though it never really affected her much. She was a book nerd, books were her safe place. She adored superhero stories and always thought she had something special, a sort of ability of some kind, although she never did tell anyone. The next day as she was coming down for breakfast, she felt a sharp tingly feeling in her fingertips as if she had been electrocuted. When she went over to make her toast a spark flew between her and the toaster causing the lights to go out and all electronics to shut down. She thought nothing much of it – only a weird occurrence. However, on the bus she felt the same feeling again but stronger and much more powerful this time round. She scratched her hands in pain and muffled her cries, but what happened next, she could not stop.

ZAP! A spark flew from her hands crashing into the lights leaving the bus in darkness. It was still early on a winter’s night so no one could see anything , which quickly wreaked havoc amongst the students. In extreme pain, she burst through the doors of the bus, running as fast as she could straight home. She flung the door open and ran upstairs as her mum shouted: “ What are you doing here? Get your butt to school!” As her pain grew so did the tingly feeling in her fingers. It grew and grew and just before it was too much to bear, a bolt flew into the sky straight from her hands stirring up a storm like no one has ever seen. Fear grew like a plague across her whole body when she realised the story she read the day before was happening to her.

Mille D-Q, 11 Monty In the city of Manchester, the Moon had risen and the stars were twinkling , although no one could see them. All was silent when... THUMP! A body lay on the ground. It twitched. A flash of white came from the underneath. It stood up, silhouetted in the moonlight. It mewed. Now this “it”, as Monty has been wrongly called, was Monty. He is a black street cat with a white (mostly brown now) underside. There’s not much more to say about him. Except that he’d do anything for a fish pie. And I mean anything. It was morning and everybody was rushing around. Then it happened. “Stop! Thief !” It was Mrs Garnor from the bakery at the end of Market Street. She specialised in fish pie. “Someone has stolen my pies!” she hollered. At the same time, in the university courtyard, Monty had just awoken. He was yawning and stretching , ready for another day of dustbin food and the cold. He went to one of his regular haunts, the canal. A place of shelter. He sometimes slept there if the weather was bad. 47

He was wandering around under the tunnels, climbing over locks and balancing on handrails, making his way to the pizza restaurant bins. A guaranteed food source. He was in the shadier part of town now, and for some reason there were loads of police around. A man, hood up, sunglasses on, the very image of cool, was walking along the canal. Wham! Monty was thrown off balance. A delicious smell had hit him. Literally. He had been whacked in the face with a heavy plastic bag. And it smelled like fish pie. Immediately, Monty sprang into action. “MROWWW !” he uttered his battle cry and jumped onto the man. Taken by surprise, the man soon recovered and threw Monty into the canal. What he didn’t know was that Monty had spent long hours teaching himself to swim in case he fell in by accident. He had seen dogs swim so he knew he could. Anyway, he was ready for the attack. He doggie-paddled to the nearest steps before spitting a large mouthful of water into the man’s face, blowing off his hood. Monty took this moment to have a look inside the bags. It was fish pie alright. Suddenly, the man grabbed him. And Monty held on, his claws digging into the man’s flesh. The man screamed and flailed about, knocking into the wall. He passed out and Monty suddenly realised that they were surrounded by people. 48

Cameras flashing , picture after picture was taken of Monty. He was even on the front page of the Manchester Evening News: CAT TACKLES ROBBER FOR FISH PIE! You’ll be glad to hear that this story has a happy ending. Monty was adopted by Mrs Garnor, from the bakery. He lives a warm and comf y life and gets a fish pie every day. The End.

Bruna P, 13 Fighting the Flames I never was the strongest nor the bravest, I never had that unique talent but somehow, he made me feel like I was able to conquer anything in this world. It was just an ordinary day. Work was stressful, like usual. My colleagues gave me piles of work to finish because they had to go somewhere – so I was the only one left in the office. After several hours I was finally finished. As I was walking home, I couldn’t help but wonder what could have happened if I was braver – maybe I wouldn’t be working in this dull job. I sighed, there’s nothing I could do now. Suddenly, deafening shout was heard. Curiosity took over, I began heading towards the shout. Acrid smoke filled the air – as I looked around, I noticed a huge crowd of worried faces. My eyes then were set upon the house – it was covered in furious flames. A woman began shouting , the voice was familiar... “My son! My son is still inside!”

The woman tried to rescue her son but was quickly grabbed by members of the crowd. I couldn’t stand seeing the despaired expression of the mother’s face. Before I even knew it, my body was running towards the house. Pairs of arms tried to hold me still but I managed to push them away. I began looking around – the house was slowly demolishing. Another human’s presence was nowhere to be found until I heard a faint cry. I quickly went up the burnt stairs and headed towards the cry. A young little boy was sat down – surrounded by the feisty fire, I froze. How could I save this boy? As I was about to take a step forwards, my body felt weaken and I black out. ... As I opened my eyes, I was being carried by someone. A firefighter. He looked down and smiled: “You and the boy you tried to rescue are safe. Don’t worry Beany, I told you that I would save you no matter what.” My eyes widened. My mind brought me back to a specific time. The time I felt weak and fragile. I never was as strong as the others – I stayed in my own corner and hardly spoke to anyone. Until, he came. He saved me from the others who made me feel this way and made a promise to me – that he would save his friend, Beany, no matter what. A certain feeling began growing inside me. Admiration. 51

I couldn’t help but admire his bravery. The expression of someone who was scared of what was going to happen but still hid it behind the modest smile of his. He truly is my hero.

Amy F, 14 Mind War Dear Diary, It’s been better today, slightly. I still feel as if I’ve constantly got a gargantuan pile of lists filled with ner ve wracking tasks I’ve got to do, and that the pile has been thrust onto my shoulders, but it seems to have lessened a bit. The overthinking babble in my mind has gone quieter. As I get up, I’m grateful for the peace, but I don’t know how long it will last. I think back to when this first started. Unfortunately, worrying about doing speeches at school and things like that was common with everyone, including me. This was different, however. It was more worry than I had felt before, it bubbled up inside of me, and it didn’t stop with little class speeches. Everything I did released a wave of anxiety and questions. What would people think of you if you did this ? Are you sure you’re good enough to do this? You do know everybody’s judging what you’re wearing and what you’re doing , right ?

It became worse and worse, until my own mind became an incessant bully that I couldn’t shake off, overwhelming me with insecure thoughts. When would it ever go away? It never has so far, but I’ve tried ever since then to not let it get the best of me despite how relentless it became. I’ve tried to do my best for other people, I’ve returned lost things, I’ve stood up to vicious persecutors who were picking on innocent people, and I’ve always been there to lend a hand and an ear when my friends need anything or want to talk. Honestly, it brings me so much joy to help everyone and make sure that they never feel as tormented or as low as I do. If my mental health problems are the reason I decided to help out in the first place, then that’s one good thing I’m glad about in regards to it. Besides, the malicious voices in my head can’t argue with good deeds, can they ? You know what, diary? I wondered something years ago, will it ever go away ? It’s only now that I realise the answer. No, it won’t. It’s a hard road, and sometimes it’s like walking up a steep mountain that has no summit, but if you keep being selfless and the best version of you despite the problems and you never lose sight of the people who love you, it will get better. The sun will come streaming in, and you will find that you’re someone who is worthy of love and who can handle anything thrown at them. Just try your best to be a hero for yourself and others, and it will get better someday. 54

Maheen F, 12 Dear Diary, When I was little, I used to think that you had to wear a cape or have magic powers to be a hero but as I grew up, I realised heroes are everywhere in are regular life. Once I was walking home from school and this old lady was carrying shopping bags across the road and she was struggling so I decided to help her. Once we crossed the road, she thanked me. It felt so amazing to be the reason she smiled. We are surrounded by heroes everywhere. That help us every day. But what is the definition of a hero? A hero is a person admired for their courage. But the real question is do you have the courage? We can be heroes by doing the simplest things like saying please and thank you. But who are the real superheroes ? In our society today we have so many heroes. • • • •

Dinner ladies Binmen Bus drivers Teachers

Dinner ladies in primary and secondary schools spend hours preparing delicious and nutritious meals to give us energ y. Binmen collect our rubbish so our houses don’t smell bad. They go around so many streets just picking up rubbish. Bus drivers provide us transport and help us get to our location if we don’t have a car. They travel all day so we don’t have to go in rain, snow or heat. Teachers work so hard coming up with fun and educational lessons for us. They mark so many books and come up with new lessons every day. You should always help out where you can because it can make someone’s life much easier. Giving a smile to a person who is having a bad day may cheer them up. Helping your mum with the dishes will make her life easier. Not all heroes wear capes. You never know how hard someone job is until you do it yourself. So never judge a book by its cover.

Zara N, Yr7 Not all superheroes need a cape... Lights shine in the dim valley of Heaton Park. I strolled across the pathway, glancing at the cute ducklings following their mother. The tall trees bloomed over my head as leaves crunched under my feet. I sat on a muddy field, watching as families ate their ice cream and swung the swings. I smiled, thinking about my mum and dad sleeping forever in their coffins hundreds of miles away. I stumble around, humming to the sound of the song ‘Death Bed’. I feed the ducklings the crumbs of biscuits I had left in my pockets. My mother would’ve been proud of me, being very charitable. Suddenly, I see a small piece of gold shining in the distance. I got up, dashing towards it. A £2 coin! I hugged the coin as I ran to the ice cream van. On my way, I saw a rather elderly man, shivering like crazy. I stood there, holding the coin in my hand. “ Whatever happens, put others before yourself ” is what my father used to say. I handed the man the £2 coin, as well as my coat. He thanked me as

he toddled off to the van. Still staring , the ice-cream seller looks at me, and made a gesture with his hand which told me to come to him. I ran as fast as the wind, almost bumping into the elderly man. They talked to me, asking for my personal information, and he told me to get into the van. I had nowhere else to go, so I hopped inside next to the old man, as he drove us to the nearest care home. I shook my head in disbelief. What was he doing ? The owners of the care home let the old man live there. They understood his circumstances, as it seems his situation was the same as mine – his son died, and he had nowhere to go. As he settled in, they then looked at me. I told them that I didn’t mind where I lived if only I was near my parents. I told them that my parents were all the way in Italy, sleeping in a muddy field forever. I bawled, as I wiped my tears and hopped inside the ice-cream van again. He gave me an envelope and told me not to open it till midnight. I said nothing. He took me back to the park and let me go. I went to my special place and waited. As my watch struck at midnight, I opened the envelope. It said: “Hello. You were the little girl who helped me today. Well, I have something to say. I am your grandfather. Your father passed away, which broke my heart. I was shocked when I saw you in such a state! But I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being my hero. You helped me today, may God help you ameliorate your situation. Remember: Not all heroes have a cape.” 58

Isha T, Yr7 Here is where I live. A city of beauty, sweetness and honey. Working , like bees. Welcome to enter. Grand, towering buildings and bustling city centres. Famous, eye-catching landmarks. Serene, tranquil parks. This is where I live and it is who I am. One night, when I was still awake and the times on the clocks were late, my father set off in his car. I looked out the window and watched him drive away. It was almost time to pray anyway. So I went back to bed

and pretended to rest my head, in case I would by mistake drift away. My dad, he must have been working today. I knew where he was going , that was true. To the Trafford Centre, that I knew. He was off to his job, in the factory where my dad would help make that cereal we eat. The name of this company, you may know quite a lot for it appears on every cereal box. Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops just to name a few. This father is special. He worked for me, For us and our city. Working for you.

Aamna K, Yr7 Hi, my name is Sienna and I am 12 years old. My life dream has been to become a hero, to follow after what my family has done for our community. But, I don’t want to be any ordinary hero, I want to be the best hero. For that I need to attend the local school. All my life I have been home-schooled and I want to know what it feels like to be a normal school child. By attending a normal school I will know my way round more, know the people and make tons of friends. This will make me well known around the community and I will be the best local hero to Cheetham Hill. My goal is not to control and boss people around, but to make the community a better and much safer environment to live in. By helping the elderly and poorly, recycling , getting the people to live in peace and just make this negative area, positive. First day at school I don’t actually think school will be that bad, will it ? Mum and Dad said I’ll be fine but I’m really ner vous. Oh, I need to keep in mind why I actually made the decision to go to school. To make friends!

Of course I can’t gain the community’s trust if I don’t get to know people! I will start my journey now, to become a local hero. School’s actually not that bad! I was talking to this girl named Kaylee – she showed me around. Also, I saw a poster on the notice board today, it was to volunteer to help clean around the school. I signed up, of course. The clean-up is so good! We went to the local park and around the neighbourhoods, they look so good! (for now) I love looking after the community, it brings me happiness. Yesterday, Mum gave me some money for washing the dishes. I was going to buy myself some sweets but I happened to find a stray cat that looked like it wanted food. It always sits there, but I’ve never noticed him. I went and bought the right cat food and ran straight back. It was a little scared at first, but after I showed him the food and that was not trying to hurt him, he came over to me. He’s so cute by the way. I asked Mum If we could bring him in but I totally forgot she was allergic to cats. I smiled as I walked away from him. “I just did a good thing” I thought in my head. On my way back down the street to my house, I saw Derek, our neighbour, getting his shopping out of the car. I decided to help him. I love seeing people smile because of me. It makes me proud. I would love to finish my awesome journey of being my community’s local hero. Let’s see how far I get in the future – I’m so excited!

Aiza A, Yr7 “Lisa, don’t forget to bring groceries on the way back!” I heard mum shout after me. Her sonorous voice rang in my ears. It made my head spin how she would’ve been able to attend parents evening without half the country hearing. As I stepped outside of our red and grey dirty terraced house. I was just leaving the weeded, grimy “garden” when I got a text from my best friend Katie saying she would pick me up. I immediately started panicking because I wanted no one to know that I lived in a tiny, ugly, pig-sty-looking terraced house. Not even Katie whom I trust with my deepest secrets. I suddenly snapped out of my trance and told her that I was sick and wasn’t coming to school, which was a lie. Two seconds later came a text: “Oh ok. Hope you feel better”. I felt better after knowing she wouldn’t see my house. I was on my way to school when I realised that she would see me there. I decided to not go to school so skived off to the busy streets of Manchester. As I walked on I saw a blind girl around my age. She seemed to have bunked as well so I decided to approach her. It turns out that she was being bullied for always clicking her tongue (which is a way blind people find their way). 63

She was tired of their bullying and decided to skive so she could feel better. We decided to go for a walk around the city. As we did we got to know each other while the beaming sun shone on our smiling faces. She told me that even though she couldn’t see her sense of smell and hearing were stronger than the average. We were just about to cross the road when she stopped and asked me: “Did you hear that ?” Then after a long pause she whisper-shouted”, “Sounds like someone was calling for help!” She grabbed me and practically carried me to the coffee shop we were walking past. We ran inside to see three masked men, one holding a bat, one a machete and the last a water gun? They immediately turned around and told us to leave so we wouldn’t get hurt. I was about to leave but the blind girl grabbed my wrist firmly and told them we weren’t going to leave. Suddenly someone among the disoriented customers hiding away in a corner screamed at us to call the police. My new friend didn’t move until I reminded her that we were only 14 and we couldn’t do a lot. She gave me a dirty look which to me was telling me that we weren’t going anywhere. The men turned back to the cashier and told her to take out the money or they would use their weapons. This reminded me that some people are malicious for no reason and they deser ve punishment for hurting the innocent.

So I got all my strength and managed to snatch the bat of the first guy. As I hit his head, the second guy started running towards me. I panicked and dropped the bat. He shot me with his water gun a few times and stood there wondering why no bullets were coming out when suddenly the third guy screamed at him: “You moron, that’s a water gun!” I regained composure but by that time the blind girl had grabbed the bat and was frantically swinging it in the air. She managed to hit the last guy right on the neck. By the time all that had happened someone had managed to call the police and they had arrived to see a bunch of people hiding behind counters chairs and table, two 14-year-olds fighting this tiny 30-year-old armed with a water gun, they were obviously going to be baffled.

Yara A, Yr7 One Saturday morning when 12-year-old Lucy woke up, she yawned loudly but quiet enough to prevent her little sister from waking up. She looked out of the shiny, small window and stared at the road beneath her. A few cars were going past and bicycles were tooting their rubbery, red horns happily. Her mum came in the room and told her: “Lucy, my dear, make sure you turn off the oven at 7.00am, okay ?” Lucy replied sleepily : “Okay Mum.” A few seconds later, Lucy’s mum went back to her room and slept. Now, her parents were sleeping as well so she had to be extra careful. (By the way her sister, Liz, was a BIG tattletale). She tiptoed down the wide, creaky stairs and opened the locked kitchen draw full of sweets and chocolate bars. She quickly put the key in the keyhole and twisted it clockwise to open it. Lucy was flabbergasted. She couldn’t believe her eyes! She took a handful of sweets out. She sat on the spring y but comf y armchair and gobbled up a few. Lucy put the rest back and locked up the draw. Suddenly, she felt thirsty so she went to the fridge and... Oh no! She smelt the aroma of something very burnt and horrid. Lucy anxiously turned her head. 66

“Fire!” She screamed. There was smoke and the bright swooshing fire slowly got bigger and bigger. What could she do? (It was 7.47am, by the way). Lucy sprinted upstairs as quick as a flash and went to her parent’s room. She screamed: “Mum! Dad! Wake up!” Tears started coming out of her eyes. They streamed down like a gushing waterfall in the dark night. How could she? How could she not remember her mum’s words ? As scared as a skunk, her parents woke up. “Lucy ! Why are you crying ?” “Mum, Dad! There’s no time! Let’s wake Liz up and go out of the house through the main exit.” She pulled her parents and they woke her sister up. Her parents soon realised when fire started to come up! They all screamed: “Argh!” There was no time but Lucy had only one choice. She opened her window and helped her sister climb onto the pipe and quickly make her way down. The same with her parents. But there was no time for Lucy to get down. She could feel the fire touching her skin. She could smell the aroma of the memories she had burning. It was too late. She fainted. Lucy’s family tried to get her out but there was no use. Lucy’s dad jumped quickly off the roof to fetch some water for the fire 67

whilst her mum called 999. Her mum could barely talk. “P-p-please c-come as fast a-as you can! My daughter i-is b-b-burnin-ing in there!” Lucy’s dad spilled the water in the room and the water slowly ran out. It didn’t help. He was too worried that he almost fell down. He tried to comfort his wife whilst Lucy’s mum gave her information and in less than a minute the ambulance and the fire fighters arrived. They got Lucy out of the room and placed her in the ambulance. “Oh my Lucy ! My poor Lucy ! She saved our lives!” Liz was already crying for her sister as soon as she heard the sirens. She understood what was happening. People gathered around in groups of ten and twenty. Luckily, Lucy sur vived and it wasn’t anything too major. Her family were as happy as they had never been before. Even her ten-year-old sister started being kind to her. Boom! Boom! Lucy recovered after a few weeks and soon cameras were flashing as if she was the best girl ever. She felt guilty but lucky. Guilty, because she forgot about the oven. She even had to watch her dad swipe his credit card on the machine, but he forgave his beloved daughter. She felt lucky because she sur vived. This is how Lucy Smith became a hero.

Sameen D-E, Yr7 First Person Hi, my name is Tsukasa. I am going to tell you about my everyday life. At first glance, I seem like an average person but let me tell you I am not. I live in Manchester and I go to High Peaks Academy. You have probably never heard of this school but it is a very special school which you will learn more about in this story. I live in a city called Manchester. It is a beautiful, diverse town with humble and friendly people. There are many natural spots where you can bask in the sunlight, and take in the beauty of nature. You can see lots of different culture and religions all around the city. People are very accepting of everyone. The sky is mostly blue and sunny though sometimes it can get very cold. Third person Tsukasa’s hair was bright orange. It is long and wavy and it reached his shoulder. He would often tie his hair back in a small ponytailthough some hair was out. His smile shone brighter than the sun and he would always help out where he could. He was everyone’s friend he made everyone’s gloomy day become better when he comes. He is the sweetest boy you could ever meet.

Now, let’s go back to today. He has been accepted into a very special school, High Peaks Academy. You have probably never heard of this school. That is because this is a secret hero school. This school is in a very big , modern building. The headmistress, Miss Ahmed is a very nice person with a very strong power. Her power is half ice, half fire. Most people in this school have powers. You still have to learn basic subjects such as maths, English and science. Tsukasa has been training to become a hero. Most people think he is already a hero as he is always helping people. He helps the humble, old lady down the street with her groceries. He plays with little Alice whenever she’s lonely. He helps the nice, disabled boy cross the streets. He always tries to help anyone no matter how small or big the problem is.

Polly O, 14 Avril settled a plate of biscuits, with care, on the lone coffee table, with the heir of one crowning a monarch. They nestled into the teapot. Buttery blond paint had been chipping off the sides since the eighties, and the dusty amber light from the litter of lamps around the living room only worsened its look. To her great disappointment, Avril had only found three mugs, all beige, and all in varying stages of musty decay. These, she planned to ser ve her guests. She didn’t need to have tea. Her trusty taupe slippers had been banished, in favour of her much more fashionable alternative, glittering jelly shoes. Everyone used to wear them, she assured herself, as she peered into her flecked mirror. Her cheeks drooped like sacks of clotted cream. To make a good impression on her new friends, she was dressed in her best outfit; a skirt tangled around her ankles that was once sludge green, brown tights, and over her bagg y shirt, which was patterned with smudged flowers, she wore a coat of obtrusive maroon velvet. Perfect. “ Welcome to book club!” Avril cooed. Struck by a genius idea to appear friendly, she planted a damp kiss on her guests’ creased cheeks. Bergamot laced her hot breath.

As she ushered them across the groaning hallway, into the living room, which seemed to have reached sauna levels of uncomfortable heat, she declared with a beaming smile: “I just couldn’t believe it when I heard no one was running a book club here, so I thought to myself, Avril, be the hero, run it yourself. You’ll make all your friends so happy.” The three older women, Avril’s unwitting new friends, perched politely on the one sofa. The formal fragrances of their perfumes, soft citrus, polite jasmine, and overpowering lavender failed to fend off the vague musk of the house, as it settled on their crisply ironed, linen shirts. “Yes, it’s very good of you,” simpered Pamela, who seemed to be attempting to not breathe too deeply. “ Very heroic.” Avril didn’t seem to know how to respond. Shaking her legs like an impatient toddler, she scanned the faces of her visitors merrily. After a silence that only Avril seemed comfortable with, she exclaimed, her voice shivering with pure happiness: “This is such fun, isn’t it ?” “Yes,” drawled Joan, her words a dry mutter. “As fun as pulling the nails clean out of my toes.” Sue, who was playing with the tassels on a ratty cushion, snickered appreciatively. Avril’s eyes clouded with confusion and hurt. But then, cautiously, she smiled. Her friends though it was funny, so it must be. 72

She laughed much longer than anyone else. When the conversation tentatively shifted to what books they should read, Avril was brimming with ideas. She adored Enid Blyton. She was longing to reread ‘ Where the Wild Things Are.’ But her new friends chose one called ‘Mrs Dalloway’. She hated her own sinking disappointment. If her friends thought it was better, it must be.

Chloe L, 14 A hero is you, A hero is me, However, the real true hero is really the teachers who wave goodbye at three, Each morning teachers say hello so early and bright, Ready to make us breakfast a scrumptious delight, Up next is PE, let’s work up a sweat and get all crazy! Now we are in lessons on Zooms, which will bring inevitable doom, The support staff are as much the unsung heroes, As they deliver food parcels and work packs all day just like climbing Kilimanjaro, Just remember you are greater than ever, Not all heroes wear capes!

Erica M, 12 After an arsonist set the Garden Walk Apartments on fire passers– by became heroes when they heard screams and stopped to help the residents escape the flames. Six people, including a pregnant woman and two young girls, were forced to jump from the building where they were, thankfully, assisted by the Good Samaritans who stopped to help. WST-T V reported witness Paris heard: “ We actually caught kids and then once the kids were down we got the mother to jump down. She was the last one to jump. Once we got them all down, we got them all to the other side of town.

Abigail E I woke up, rolled over and rubbed my eyes. I could hear a familiar sound, soon enough I realised it was The Imperial March, I knew who it was without even having to look at the contact name. It was the Dark Lord himself. I picked up my phone and answered. Suddenly I heard a voice screaming down the phone: “ Where are you?” I looked at my clock and saw the time. I told my boss he was crazy for calling me at the time he did and that he needed more rest because it was only 3am. Then I heard the same deafening screech coming through the phone: “Get to my office! NOW !” I reluctantly opened my curtains, only to find that it was day and the sun was shining nice and bright outside. If only my boss was like the sky, I would be a much happier person, then I broke out into a song and started screaming the lyrics to the song ‘Happier’ “Lately I’ve been, I’ve been thinking , I want you to be happier, I want you to be happy-eerrr-” Soon, I realised I was getting distracted, I was so distracted, I almost forgot my little brother had stayed over the night before. I stood in

my moment of realisation, my brother must have changed the time on my clock while I was asleep. I remember going out on my balcony and screaming : “You are so annoying ! No wonder our parents renamed you infinite! AKA a nickname for infuriating.” I left to go to the office about thirty minutes after my boss called me. I tried to explain what had happened, but he just would not listen. Sure enough, all thanks to my “bro” I had been sacked. Literally, he got a sack picked me up and threw me and my stuff in it and put us out the front of the offices. I yelled: “You will regret this, Darth Vader!” If you have not already noticed, I have a slight obsession with Star Wars, anyway, that is beside the point. I drove home, thinking about how I was going to make money, ideas started rushing though my head. “Hmm... Pretend to be homeless ? Nah. Start a business? I am too dumb for that. Got it! I can make a program, I can see it now, presenting to you, Sally Smith! An award-winning show, ‘Too Dumb for That’. It would be an amazing program!” Soon enough I started the show, I was making £300 a week, and I did not even have any employees, which meant I got the whole amount to myself. I started getting celebrities on the show and it was becoming a real hit on the T V. I had Nuke Bizzle, Tory Lanez, Danny Masterson… What am I talking about ? They were all on 77

‘Hollywood Walk of Shame: The 10 most infamous celebrity arrests of 2020’. One day I went out on a walk, and I saw a homeless person sat on the streets. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. I walked past and ignored him. When I got back to the studio where I film ‘Too Dumb for That’ I formed a plan. I decided I would make a new business to run beside my current T V show, I was going to hire a Michelin star chef to cook meals that anyone could come in and eat for free if they have not got enough money for a meal. After a few weeks of running the Donation Kitchen, I became the talk of the town in my local city of Manchester, where the citizens don’t see the sun very often and the rain clouds block us from the blue sky. Anyway, that’s not the point, people would often hear about the kitchen and come in to donate to our sponsorship charity, The Trussell Trust. One person came into my Donation Kitchen and told me they were a huge fan of my work. I said thanks and they then insisted on paying me, when I saw they were donating £10,000, I asked who they were, then I looked at my phone and saw that my old boss who literally sacked me was in Manchester. I asked who the person that just donated was, and sure enough it was my old boss. We had a conversation and then he had to leave. He said to me: “Never give up on something just because someone doesn’t believe in you. Good work kid.” 78

Theo C, 11 Sometimes life is boring , you need something to do. This is exactly what Harry Holding felt like. He had no brothers or sisters and therefore only had his shadow to keep him company. When there was no one to share his thoughts with he drew. He could draw anything and made everything infinitely detailed. From the astonishing glistening eyes of horses to the contours of the veiny hands of aliens. But his favourite thing to draw was superheroes. He had done many in the past like Captain Collosum, the ex-air pilot who got shot down by a German gunner. The plane crashed, spinning down into the rocks below causing his brand-new warbird to erupt into a ball of flames. The chemical explosion from the reser ve battery beside him ejected him from the plane with superspeed and he shot towards the low flying German gunner and took the bewildered officers on board into custody ! Whilst Harry was thinking about what to draw next, he made his way towards the table, which was all very neatly organised, its pens in the right-hand corner next to the enormous pile of paper. He sat down on his old battered chair gazing around the room for inspiration... Then it came to him! He grabbed a pencil and a few colouring pens

and drew her beautiful golden hair coming down to her shoulders, in a wavy pattern like the sea on a majestic summer’s day. Next were her brilliant blue eyes which had a twinkle that brought light to any gloomy day. Then he drew her smooth peachy skin that shone in the light. Lastly, he drew her black operating scrubs. She was a doctor, a consultant in a Manchester hospital. She had done many degrees and qualifications with gazillions of letters after her name. Part of her job is trauma, dealing with emergencies like major car crashes, people falling off balconies, stabbings, shootings and major incidents. In her job at times she feels very anxious because the patient’s life’s in her hands, but she mustn’t show it. If she isn’t calm and collected, then her team might get flustered and all will turn to chaos. This lady walks confidently in her beige coat that ends at her feet through our school doors, using her experience to help young people to make empowered choices. Educating the next generation and training other doctors from Greater Manchester, she has made many more heroes. She balances the needs of our local community and Manchester people with her family life. She’s full of excitement, fun, care and compassion. He drew her because he realised that he didn’t have to look far to find a hero, all he had to do was draw his Mum.

Adam M, 13 “I’m star ving ,” moaned Jonathan after coming out of school. “Yeah, Jonathon’s right, we’ve not eaten since break”, replied Fred who was willing to buy something for all four of us. “Ok, well there’s a shop down here, if we keep walking we’ll be able to grab a snack,” I explained, but the gang didn’t feel like walking. Keith said: “Look, are we hungry? Yes. Are we tired? Yes. But we’ll never achieve something like getting food if we just stay here, so come on. Who is with me?” Everyone agreed with him so we all set off to the shop. We walked over to the local shop on Brunswick Street which said in big , bold letters ‘The Convenience Store’. Inside we saw Gary the Shop Keeper who works Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Keith and I both knew Gary as he’s a friend of our Dad. “Oh, hey boys! Here for some of my special sweets ?” We both said yes but Jonathan and Fred asked who Gary was and why we knew him.

“I’m a friend of their Dad’s. We go to Karaoke Club on Saturdays.” They both still didn’t look convinced. As they opened their mouths to speak, I interrupted with: “Yes. we are here for some sweets.” We all walked over to the counter, but Fred put his arm in front of me and whispered in my ear: “I’m going to try and find a nice way to compliment him so he gives it us for less.” “ Wait I don...” It was too late. He’d already boldly walked up to the counter and said” “Just give us them sweets for less will ya? ‘Cause it looks like –“ He was looking over the counter now “– you’ve had a lot yourself.” We all slapped our heads! And nearly died! Gary went red in the face and shouted at us to get out. Hastily, we walked away from Gary’s shop to catch the bus when we noticed a food truck selling hot dogs and burgers and chips, etc. Me, Keith and Fred shouted “Yes!” But Jonathon just stood there feeling left out as he was vegetarian, so I said: “ Why don’t we have a look to see if they have anything vegetarian?” Racing over to where the food truck was, we got stuck waiting for the traffic lights to change over from green to red, not like last time when we ran across and almost got hit by our bus! Finally there, we ordered one large portion of chips, two burgers, one hotdog and one veggie burger. We all sat down on the table around the corner and started to eat. 82

Whilst gobbling our food, Fred started to make these weird noises and his face went bright red. He was choking ! I slapped my hands hard against his back to try and get it out. I won’t explain all the details, it took a little while, and effort, but afterwards when he was back to a normal colour again he gave me a big hug and said: “You’re my hero.”

Arwa H In the past we weren’t aware of them. We only ever visited if we were in desperate need of help. Some didn’t want to visit at all, by some, I mean children. A few anticipated to have the exact same future as them. Hardly any thanked them for their work. Some worked for more than twelve hours, others worked for 24 hours straight. They are the heroes of society. Over the past year they have been under threat, they have watched old and young depart this life. Spent hours worn out and consumed by the vast amount of duties they are required to complete by the end of the day. Most superheroes possess a superpower. The power my superheroes possess is patience, compassion and enthusiasm. I am thankful and grateful every moment they are work during this deathly pandemic. My superheroes are the NHS workers.

Caitlin M, 12 Mystic Mayhem: Behind The Scenes At school I was classed as the dumb kid. Going to go nowhere, going to end up bankrupt and scraping my way through life . Well take a look at me now, one of the most famous people in the UK. By day Oriya Haines by night Mystic Mayhem. No one knows I’m Mystic Mayhem, it’s kind of a side thing you know ? I work in a little shop on the corner of Piccadilly called Ted’s Shed. I don’t get paid a lot but I’m comfortable and I manage. By this point you’re probably thinking Oriya I don’t care what do you do to save people. Well I’ll tell you. One of my most recent saves was in Piccadilly Gardens. I was just on my way to work when all of a sudden my senses started tingling and I got the biggest picture of disaster in my head. I quickly changed and leapt onto the 101, when all of a sudden it started to rattle. Chchchc, chchchc. Over and over again. It happened like a flash. The bus toppled over and I flew down as fast as I could and grabbed four people. Seconds later I was gone and the bus had smashed into thousands of pieces. But that wasn’t my most famous saves.

Oh, by the way I forgot to tell you guys, I have a wife and one daughter. Well, my daughter is in this amazing save. So one Saturday afternoon we were just vibing , wandering around Primark because she needed some new t-shirts when all of a sudden I smell burning and I see a big explosion in my head, so I run to the fire exit slam it open and shout the safe word: “OUT.” Everyone starts running but I’ve lost Imogen. I start panicking when all of a sudden I see her stood on top of the counter I run over and grab a handful of children and fly at the speed of light out the door. I place them down and then go back to find something to put the fire out. I couldn’t find anything until I finally found a fire extinguisher. I swear, I’ve never panicked so much in my life. I managed to put it out but no one was allowed back in the building because of the smoke. I grabbed Imogen and quickly got away before anyone saw anything. Well that’s everything from me today, peace out. Oriya Haines

Abouen Hero On a cold day, in quarantine, I felt like my brain was empty. The same thing every day, staring at a screen, typing away. My muscles felt like bones, and my bones felt like jelly. Just getting up felt weird, like a rag doll that had been abandoned and getting back up. I went to the coat hanger in the corridor. Sidling on boots, a hat, jacket, scarf and gloves. I headed outside, for a short walk to feel what moving was. I breathed in fresh, crisp air. Cold, fresh, crisp air. Orangey brown leaves lay scattered on the ground, ice creeping up on them. The trees looked bare without their leaves to cover them. It was quiet until a loud CRASH. I jumped and heard a scream. A loud, loud scream. My ear detected where the sound came from. It seemed like someone needed help. Strange. This kind of thing hardly ever happens. I ran down the alley, panting , I saw a girl with blonde hair holding up what looked like a sword in one hand and a small box in the other. Her navy dress flowing in the wind. Battling with a pale skinned, black haired girl. All dressed in black and purple. She didn’t seem to be standing on the ground.

Her purple eyes bore into my soul and the blonde girl’s blue eyes looked desperately into mine. I stood frozen in shock, not believing my eyes. There was something about these two that seemed unnatural, yet my mind couldn’t wrap around it. The two charged at each other, their swords clashing. “ What on Earth is going on and — WHY — WHAT — HOW ?” I screeched. The purple-eyed girl looked at me and gave me a slit-mouthed grin, before rolling her eyes. I felt something thrust into my hand. A voice through gritted teeth said: “This city, well country, holds something that she wants, in that box run with it, hide it where it can’t be found. Go! See you later.” “But we don’t even know each other and what the heck is going on? Are you sure you’ll be alright ?” “Yes , yes, I’ll be fine,” she told me. “Go hide and see what’s in that box, I’ll come back for you later. I’ll find you and explain everything. Later!” I didn’t say anything to the blue-eyed girl but gave her a firm nod. She returned it. A hero, clearly. Turning , I ran back down the alley, hearing a furious scream. Running back home, I burst through the door breathing heavily, looked down and lifted the lid of the box ... 88

Amber B, 12 The sun was shining down upon the lush emerald grass, and wispy clouds floated like boats upon the sapphire sky. Ice cream businesses were making millions while the smoky smell of barbeques filled the warm air – a beautiful summers day doesn’t really get much better than that. However, I didn’t notice any of that. I had bigger things on my mind. The back of the bus felt cold to me, but I felt colder. A tight knot was squeezing the pit of my stomach. But I had no time to waste. The sudden ring of a stagecoach bell taught me that. Upon getting off the bus, I now walked intently toward my destination. Cyclists and taxis whizzed past me down Oxford Road, and students barged past me in large groups, chatting noisily. I wanted to turn back, to spend my life like everyone else, happily. Yet I pushed myself forward, through the large arch that led toward the entrance to Manchester Museum; there was still a part of me that knew it had to succeed. Speeding through the entrance, and racing down the twisting staircases, I finally arrived at what could possibly be my final resting place, beneath one of the museum’s most famous artefacts, Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Although I wasn’t here as a tourist, I couldn’t help but mar vel at the ancient beast as I walked past it, all the way to the end of the exhibit. There, behind the cases, was a hooded figure, watching and waiting. “Do you have the money?” asked the man, his voice scratchy and quiet. Nodding , I put a hand into my coat pocket and drew out a small but heavy bag that concealed the prize. “I have it. Now give me what I came here for,” I whispered, outstretching my free hand. “You first!” ordered the man threateningly, sliding his half of the deal from his own pocket. My heart was pumping faster than ever before. For a second I hesitated, but then I handed over the bag. The mysterious man tore it open, his eyes lighting up. He was about to become extremely rich. But the feeling of excitement turned sour in the blink of an eye. The only riches in the bag were that of pebbles and stones. Before he could react, I snatched the small metal package from his hand, and sprinted away, holding the bomb that had thirty seconds until detonation. I darted up the stairs, hearing the pounding of footsteps on my heels, shoving people hurriedly out the way. People yelled at me, but I didn’t care. I raced to the gigantic doors and fumbled to open them. I turned my head to see the man leap at me like a pouncing tiger. At that exact moment I swung open the doors, to be met by 90

my fellow policemen and the bomb squad, there to take away the criminal, and deactivate the bomb. I had never been so glad to see anyone in my life.

Andrew N Dynamo’s Evil Adventure There once was a hero known across the world his name was Dynamo. He was quite strong and helped the city with all their crimes. He helped so much that at one point for a very long time the crime rate was at 0% for that city. He carried on helping with no reward, just thank yous from the people. But he was getting sick of it just saving everyone with no reward so he decided he was going to make a change. This change was going to change the world and not in a good way, this change was going to be so bad they would have to find a new hero stronger than Dynamo to aid them in sur vival. Mr Blue got sick and tired of helping all day and decided he was going to start being , evil. He started by releasing all the criminals he had put in jail over the past few years and let them wreak havoc on the world. But what he didn’t know is that there was a new hero in town and his name was Ironside. His abilities included laser eyes, flight, super speed, super strength and many more. This new superhero took out all the villains in a snap of a finger. It was just them left. Between him and Dynamo. They fought and fought but their strength was the same. 92

After fighting for quite a long time Ironside realised Dynamo’s weakness and struck it as he was going in for an attack. It looked like Dynamo knew what was going on so he just dodged it and struck Ironside down so he was weak and left with no hope. A light shone in the sky and there were many more superheroes coming to aid Ironside in his fight against Dynamo. After a help from all the superheroes they managed to take him down and Ironside called one of the superheroes over and asked: “ Why did you come and help me now ?” He replied: “After seeing you fight by yourself we were all inspired to come together as one and fight him by your side.” He took a deep breath. “You see when Dynamo was a hero he was doing everything and leaving us with nothing to do no one to save so we all just left and gave up but you inspired us and gave us hope to never give up and try again.” They all look up at him and say : “ We thank you so much for giving us hope.” So after that the heroes finished Dynamo off he realised that he was in the wrong and accepted his punishment. As for Ironside, he was a hero known all around the world even though he was still recovering from his injuries in the fight now and all of the heroes were back on the street dealing with crimes. The crime rate stayed at 0% and everyone lived happily ever after The End. 93

Artus D Leonid woke up with sweat covering his brow. Another nightmare. Another day. He got out of bed and got himself ready for the day. He just woke up yet he was still so tired. As soon as he stepped out of his house he heard: “Good morning Leonid. Thank you again for helping me fix the pipe. I have no idea what I’d do without your help so thanks.” Leonid replied: “It’s nothing to thank me for as I was just helping out a neighbour.” “ Well, you did save my house from flooding from the inside so I decided to thank the hero that prevented me from losing most of my paperwork which would’ve surely been drenched in the water,” said his neighbour. He was no hero. He just wanted to get to work so he said: “ Well you’re welcome then. I need to get to work so have a good day and try not to burst anymore pipes until I’m back home okay?” His neighbour giggled and so did he.

He went off to work and saw an old couple moving houses. They were struggling to move their furniture into their new house so Leonid ran up to them and offered some help. They accepted and when they were done, he knew he was going to be late. The old lady came out of the house and said: “ Would our hero like something to drink for his hard work?” He was no hero. He just wanted the day to be over with quicker so he replied saying : “No thank you, I’m rushing to work,” and then he waved to her and left for the hospital where he worked. He arrived on time surprisingly and his day went normally. At the end of his shift, he was exhausted. On his way home he decided to cut through an alleyway as he wanted to get home faster. However, he heard something that sounded like two voices and he saw two shadows in the distance. He came closer and saw a third which was surrounded by the other two. He also saw what looked like water surrounding one of the men and a bright orange flame surrounding the other. He knew what this meant. He got the attention of the men by shouting : “Hey ! How about you two leave that person alone and come over here to settle this with me.” The men turned around and laughed. The one with the water pointed his hand at Leonid and a stream of water, with the tip sharper than the tip of a mountain, shot at him. Then out of nowhere the water 95

was being electrified and the man collapsed onto the ground from the shock. The water fell and Leonid’s fingertips were smoking. The other man looked terrified and ran but Leonid shocked him too. His anger prevented him from stopping. He was going to kill him. He snapped out of it and stopped. He saved the person. Yet he was no hero.

Nur-Aein S, 14 Abandoned Dear Mother, I remember when you told me about this story, until I realised that it was about me. Many years ago, the sounds of loud crying could be heard. Slowly approaching where the noises came from, an abandoned alley, just like the child that lay there hopelessly. The woman looking around to see if anyone was around her. Hours later, bubbles from soap everywhere. Giggles of a child as the woman washed off the shampoo from the baby’s hair, trying to avoid getting it in her eyes. Days after, the lady stood proudly watching as the little girl played on the climbing frame, sliding down the slide. Falling on her butt as the ground came in touch. The girl soon started to sob until it turned into hysteric wailing. Her “mother” watches as she aged, but the “mother” also aged along with her too. Years passed by, hugging the girl before she disappears out of sight into the crowd of people with her blood red suitcase, being dragged 97

behind her. She was finally free! If you haven’t had saved me, I would be long gone. All thanks to you Mother. I wish I could be with you up there. Sincerely from, Your child.

Barney W, 11 Local Heroes It was an ordinary day in Manchester, not a whisper outside. There was only a zoom! It was Pray Matador, Manchester’s hero who helped fight crime and find his main nemesis, Pray Evil. The reason why no one was around was because it was midnight. Pray Matador’s powers are super strength, super speed, night vision and the ability to fly. That may seem like a lot of powers but Pray Evil’s were even better. She had exactly the same powers as Pray Matador but hers were twice as powerful. She was doing a science experiment that went horribly wrong but when it happened she was happy that she could finally beat her main rival, Pray Matador. Now it is time to learn about Pray Matador’s normal life. He is a superhero in disguise. His human name is David Glucemer, a builder who is extremely good at destroying buildings. No wonder. It was his super strength that did it but of course, no one knew that. Everyone wondered why he was so strong except one woman called Fexity Runose. She knew he was a superhero.

Which was a problem. One year ago, David was walking along a dark alleyway. And then it happened, his ‘turning’. The moment he turned into a superhero. Fexity saw it all. She hasn’t told anyone. Yet. But the question was who was Fexity ? Pray Evil was walking to work. Her job was building. She was late when she arrived at reception. “Good morning , Fexity Runose,” the man in reception exclaimed. David Glucemer’s phone was ringing. It was Fexity. How did she get his number ? “Hello?” he questioned. “Hello,” she answered. “I know who you are because I am your nemesis” “See you soon.” She ended the call. Pray Matador flew to the top of a building. He waited for Fexity to come. Suddenly, she swooped in and threw him into a building. He crashed through the window and landed with a thump on the glassy floor. Punches came down onto his face, blood dripping down from his lip. 100

He got up and grabbed Fexity by the chest and slammed her onto the floor. Again and again. There was not a scratch on Fexity. She smiled. She raised her fist but just at that second, he jumped up, grabbed her by the feet and threw her off the building. He jumped off the building and caught her and landed on the ground. Good thing that the police were there. They handcuffed her and shoved her in the car. He swooped away back in the building changed into David and ran down the stairs shouting : “ What is going on?”

101

Bess BL The Hero of Medlock Place This is a story about how a boy called Arlo saved another boy from having to hide his true self. Jackson was sitting on the side of the pavement, rain thundering around him, getting his beautiful new clothes all wet. His girlfriend had kicked him out of their apartment purely because of the clothes he wore. He had shown up with his brand new clothes: A crop-top with an outline of a bunny on it, a black skirt with white double lines at the bottom, and black boots. However, in the flat next to Jackson’s girlfriend was a boy called Arlo, who had heard everything. “I can’t believe you’d wear this!” a female voice screamed. “Lilith, these are just the clothes I’m comfortable in!” a male voice pleaded. “I don’t care! Those clothes are for girls! Get out NOW !” the female said again. Then everything was silent. Until the sound of a door slamming filled Arlo’s ears. 102

Now he looked out of the window at Jackson. Arlo always thought he wanted to be Jackson, but now he was gone, he realised he liked him. Arlo decided he would go down there. Jackson was shivering on the floor, the rain had stopped, but now cars splashed him, getting his legs all wet. He was just about to leave and walk back to his ex-girlfriend, when he heard footsteps behind him. A teenager about his age was walking towards him carrying a towel and a warm meal. He had curly black hair, olive skin, and was wearing a red plaid shirt and dark brown trousers. “I got these for you,” said the man, holding out the items. “Thanks, but do I know you?” Jackson asked. The man explained that he was Jackson’s nextdoor neighbour and had heard the fight between him and Lilith, had seen him out here, and made dinner. “My name’s Arlo,” he said. “Ok, this is going to be really awkward if you’re not, but are you into, ummm guys ?” Jackson flushed and thought about his answer. What was I thinking ! Arlo thought. Even if he is into guys, he would never like me of all people. “Yes.” Jackson said. “Yes, I’m bi.” He added. Arlo pinched himself on the arm. Was this really happening ? “So, ummm, are you free tonight ?” Arlo said. 103

“Yeah, um, at the new café?” Jackson said. Arlo agreed. “I suppose I’ll change into something more masculine.” Jackson said. He thought that, after what happened, no one liked him in the clothes he liked. And he loved this boy. “No, come in whatever you want, I really like this style.” Arlo said. Jackson looked at him with loving eyes. Did he say he liked these clothes ? Jackson thought. “Ok,” Jackson said. “Let me just go back to Lilith’s house and get some clothes. Uh, could I change at yours ?” Jackson said. Arlo agreed, and soon they got married. And that was just the beginning of their story.

104

Elizabeth H, 12 A True Hero It’s 2020 and we are in serious trouble in the town of Manchester. There is a true villain among us. In the town of Manchester there is a young woman called Ruth who lives by herself in a small house. Ruth is an undercover agent disguised as a doctor for the NHS working to beat this undiscovered villain. She works at least eight hours a day risking to come in contact with the villain so known as Covid. One day Ruth went into work, which was a ten-hour-day, and found that Covid had struck again. Ruth knew that he was getting closer and closer to her and that it was only a matter of time until Covid had taken over the whole of Europe. All Ruth knows about this devil is that he is a human and that scientists have made an antidote to Covid’s venom. Ruth is the only one in the whole of her agency to have some of that antidote and is the only one who can defeat this monster.

105

Later that evening Ruth was told by her boss that the monster was in a park around near her house. Ruth dashed to the park and spotted him. He was dressed in a black robe and a black hat. Ruth ran to him got out the antidote and threw the liquid onto him. Ruth had done it she stopped Covid and rescued the people of Manchester. The next day Ruth was awarded with a medal of honour and another one for bravery by the Queen herself. Ever since that day Ruth was known as one of the greatest heroes in the world.

106

Ellis H, 13 It’s early 20th century and 17-year-old Blake Johnson is fed up. His dad walked out of his life and he’ll never see him again. He used to idolise this man, look up to him! But all he sees now is a fraudulent failed father. His mum though, oh his mum. She isn’t sad or pitying herself. She’s damn annoyed! “That man is an idiot, he loved a bottle of wine more than he loved his wife and son!” By this point poor Blake has had enough, he needed some air. He walked outside looking to escape but only to find people dirty, injured people, scrapping over a miniscule piece of food. He tried to escape but only managing to dig himself deeper into his hole of pain, anguish, and now guilt. “Today we have news of the first action in this Second World War the Germans have officially bombed the Polish!” “Don’t know about you, but I truly dread to think where this is going.”

107

“Oh, not again” exhaled Blake, he’s now 19 and had moved out of his mum’s house and was now living with his girlfriend Sarah. “I’ve got to go now” Blake hollered. “Ok, see you when you get back.” Blake looked around to make sure no one was looking and tore through the air into the sky ! Ok, ok I know that you’ll be really confused now, and so am I! But Blake has powers now and he has using them for good and only for the wellbeing and health of others. His stories had been in and out of the news, this man curing the sick and helping his country. The news calls him National Health Man. Blake felt the bullets whizzing past his face ripping and tearing through the air. He flew through the sky, scouring the land for injured American soldiers. It’s been three years since we’ve last seen Blake and he now has support from the government! They have given their faith in National Health Man and he isn’t letting them down. He’s still with his girlfriend Sarah but she’s starting to get suspicious about him leaving the house at all hours. Right now, Blake is at the Battle of Midway. He glided across the sea taking out the Japanese fleet of ships. But there was one more, he was drawing their fire so the American could sneak up and blow up their ship and that’s what they did. They were victorious.

108

It’s been just over a year and a half since he was at the Battle of Midway, he had been given a medal and had given his first ever public speech he said: “I will do anything and everything to ser ve my country and I will fight to the death!” Then he flew off into the sky. He was writing a letter for the government in his house when he was assassinated. When Sarah came back, she was scared, horrified and was heartbroken. He letter had fallen through the floorboards and it was only 1948 when the government found it. It read: “ When I started this all, I wanted was to help the world and my country so that’s why I’m asking you to form the National Health Ser vice also known as the NHS to help the poor the sick and the injured.”

109

Emmanuela O A Hero Like No Other It was mid-August 1997 in a busy market, south of Manchester, where a fashion vendor, Mrs Susan, sold items like diamond necklaces, jewellery, stylish outfits and delicious foods just to earn a living. One day she gave birth to a baby boy who no one even knew about because she kept it a secret or people would say she was no longer able to sell the items that allowed her to buy her necessities at home. One glorious sunny day when Mrs Susan had not come to sell her items as usual for a third week, a man whose shop was right next to hers decided to go and check and see if she was okay. When he eventually reached her residence, he was puzzled to hear a baby crying from an open window. His curiosity got the better of him and he decided to go in and investigate. As he came closer and closer to the house, he heard the crying over and over again and was convinced that there was a baby the woman had not told anyone about. When the woman finally saw the man peeping into her room, she instantly got anxious, turned pale and started to sweat like an animal about to be slaughtered. To her amazement the man did enter her 110

room and asked: “ Where have you been all this time everyone has been wondering where you are and if you are okay !” The woman replied: “I feared I would lose my customers if I had this baby because I would be seen as unfit to do my business.” Luckily for her the man said that it was okay and told her that she should come back to her job when she is ready. Months and years rolled by and soon the woman was back to her job. Now, her son was five years old and she was able to work again so she left him under the care of her nanny who was called Carly. Unfortunately, Carly was in the kitchen preparing lunch when the little boy wandered off into the garden and past the gates of the house! At lunch time when Mrs Susan came home, she was shocked to find her son nowhere in the house. She wept bitterly, praying and hoping she would find her son one day. Frantically, she ran out of her house screaming and asking everybody she came across if they had seen her little boy. Luckily for her, she stumbled across the same man who had come to her before and asked him if he had seen her son. She told him everything and he promised that her son would be back by morning. The woman was reluctant but agreed anyway. The man started his journey around 6 o’clock in the evening to see if there would be any signs of the missing boy. As he trudged a long , narrow path he detected crying and sniffing behind a bush. He decided to look in case he found the boy. To his astonishment, he recognised the 111

dark hair and freckles on the skin. Lo and behold he had found Mrs Susan’s son! “Can you help me out of here because I’m cold and hungry?” the boy asked wearily. The kind man replied: “Do not worry my son, I will take you back to your mum safe and sound.” So, the pair went back to Mrs Susan’s house who was still worrying about what the man had said the previous day. Suddenly, she heard a loud knock on the door and rushed to open it without even thinking and who did she see but her one and only son! She was overjoyed at having been reunited with the boy and thanked the man gratefully for bringing him back safely. She gave Ben a nice warm bath, dressed him into better clothes and Mrs Susan’s home was a joyous one once again.

112

Ese U, 12 How Can I Be a Hero? Hi, it’s me, just me. Tristan Webster. And I am training myself to be a hero. Like Superman or Batman but I’ve tried everything. From being bitten by a spider to building my own gear. But heroes don’t give up. My dad always said that I should try to be realistic with my dreams and that heroes aren’t real. But his dream was to beat cancer and that wasn’t realistic. Now he is up with my fish and my hamsters. I guess he deser ved that for cheating on Mum. Nevertheless, he is still my dad and I love him to bits even though I don’t show it. Anyway, I’m going back to bed now so I can get my heroes sleep night diary. Hello diary, me again. Today was the worst day ever. I want to cry but real men don’t do that, not even heroes. I woke up today and got ready for school. On my way I saw an old lady, Mrs Redpath, but most kids call her Mr Radish because her clothes smell like radishes and she has short hair. When I saw her, she was about to cross the road, but it was morning rush hour, so I guided her across the road.

113

Heroes only help the young and rich. I’ll never be a hero now ! After the biggest mistake of my life I got to school only to find someone’s lost their phone. I found it but all the bullies said I took it in the first place. She thanked me but I didn’t want it, I’m just a loser, so I stormed into form crying and muted myself heroes don’t cry. After school I played dress up with Lucy, my stupid step-sister. She foolishly put make-up on my face. I told her heroes don’t wear makeup, but she put some on and said fairies do. She is four so she won’t really understand. One incident after another that stupid specimen of a sister caused my face to get an allergic reaction. Heroes don’t get allergic reactions. I shouldn’t say anything though because when I got bit by a spider, I did get an allergic reaction, but it wasn’t as bad as this. Mum says I was a real hero today but living in Moston in a cheap flat with a Manchester roadman accent does not make me a hero. Dear Diary, Today I realised that I just might not be able to become a hero. Being a hero means being strong and to be honest I cried at Boss Baby. Yes, I still watch that. Being a hero means saving people’s lives and I have but that doesn’t count. But today I remembered something my dad said. He told me that I should be honest and do what’s right. Remembering him gives me happiness but also anger. He was a great dad but him and mum didn’t last. I didn’t save their marriage. But maybe I am a hero after all.

114

Esme H, 15 The Mancunian Mail New hero to the rescue? As many of you Mancunians may be aware, there have been wild and sometimes violent crimes around Manchester for the past couple of years. And many civilians have been wishing for a hero to come and deal with this situation. Well, it looks like you got your wish! Yesterday, we here at the Daily Mail started receiving reports about an anonymous female hero going around and solving all these crimes. Now, if you’re reading this and you’re the hero, thank you! You’ve saved Manchester. For those of you who live outside Manchester and are not aware of what is happening , well, there have been a series of crimes since the pandemic began in 2020. As it got worse, many people resorted to crime to get themselves food and supplies after losing their jobs and going bankrupt. However as years progressed the crimes to worse, 115

and here we are in 2025, with no hero. Except for today. Today we found a hero. Whoever you are, wherever you are, please take a moment to thank this mysterious woman for saving Manchester from what could’ve been decades of crime. Now we can start to improve our city, little by little.

116

Eva J, 12 Daughter Nature Racing down the road, Tessa regularly glanced around to see if she could find her bike. One minute it was parked near the local Sainsbury’s, she turned away for two seconds and it was gone. Stolen. After checking the block seven times, she finally started slowing down and soon grew hopeless. She headed home but, on her way, she found something rather peculiar. A purple coin which read ‘19 Palopies’. Where was this from? Quickly snatching her phone out of her pocket she opened Google and searched ‘which country uses the Palopie currency?’ No results. Strange. She picked up the coin and shoved it in the pocket of her ripped jeans along with her Luna Lovegood phone. As soon as she started walking , she could not move. She looked down, a gnarly vine was clinging to the hem of her jeans. Slowly but surely the vine started to climb up to her torso. Now it had found its way up her left leg as well. Panicking , Tessa tripped, the vine now rapidly spreading its way to the birth mark on her neck. 117

There was no point struggling anymore since she was practically a living sushi roll. Tessa soon realised that the vines were roping her into a nearby bush. She was now totally submerged in the rhododendron bush speckled with beautiful purple flowers. There was a tingling sensation in her pinkie fingers, now climbing up to her wrists. It did not take Tessa long to figure out what was happening. A small, young vine was slithering up her hands. It stopped. But she did not expect what happened next. A searing pain consumed both of her arms. Her veins swelled with pain as the venom of the brambles spread around her body. As rigid as a statue, Tessa lay in the soil wondering if anyone had seen anything , but she sincerely doubted anyone had, or someone would have helped her. After quite some time the vines loosened and skulked away. Tessa was able to move her limbs again, so she crawled out from underneath the cursed bush. She felt much stronger. She soon discovered the green ‘hair’ clinging to her head. She inspected it closer and understood that this was not hair but vines. She hopped to her feet and shook herself off. She reached down to grab her cracked phone when suddenly out of her left hand shot a long vine which entangled itself on a giant oak tree about ten meters away. Surprised, Tessa jumped and looked at her hand, bewilderedly. Carefully, she reached down with her right hand this time and a burst of brambles shot through a thick fence in front of her. Crying out in shock, Tessa tripped over a dead bush root. 118

Glaring at it she felt a heat on her face and right in front of her, the bush became green and fresh. What was knows...?

happening ? Was she some sort of superhero? Who

To be continued...

119

Alimat S, 12 My Life Matters We stand forever, We stand together. My skin is seen before the crime, It happens all the time. People see race, before putting people in the right place. Because of our skin, our lives are at stake. When we group they think we’re a gang , they feel shaken and threatened when we use slang. They wanted us to go away, now the colonisers took our slay. You hit us hard with dismay, Now it’s your turn to repay. That’s why I took a knee like Marcus Rashford.

120

Florence D, 13 Heroes Everyone knows about them right ? Superman, Batman, Spiderman. But have you heard about the hero Comptem? No? Well let me introduce her to you. She is one of the powerful heroes! She comes from a faraway land but she has come on vacation to Manchester. Unfortunately she cannot go back to her land because it has been exploded by some unknown creatures so she lives here now. Nobody knows exactly where she lives but they say they have encountered seeing her in the sky during the night. It is amazing to have a superhero here in our city in case there is a villain she can come and take them down! Let me continue telling you more about her. She has curly turquoise hair, bright blue eyes, quite tall and skinny, and before you ask, no she does not wear a cape she actually wears normal clothes like us to hide her identity. She can also change her appearance to something completely different but, from what I heard, that is how she is described as.

121

She roams around in the night time looking for her enemy, Dr Blood Drop. He looks exactly like a doctor but the only difference is that he has a needle-shaped scar on his right leg and if she touches it he would die or he would lose all his powers and become nothing again. I am saying ‘again’ because this has happened once before already. She found him in Dubai chilling on a beach in his shorts which was an advantage for her; the scar is extremely visible and easy to touch. They had an endless battle because she kept on trying to touch the scar with her powers. In the end she succeeded – she thought she had killed him – and was titled ‘The Most Powerful Hero on Earth’ but that did not last long. They found out that Dr Blood Drop was never dead he was acting and he even got his scar back and became even more powerful. That is exactly why she is here again today, to stop him once and for all.

122

Iman B-M, 11 Do Heroes Really Exsist? Heroes, they are supposed to help people aren’t they? Well not in this area, the heroes here forget you really exist and are not willing to help those in need. Also I’m not talking about those heroes with the big muscles and perfect smiles like they show in the movies. I’m talking about people. If people in Manchester were really heroes surely there wouldn’t be hatred in this world? That wasn’t a question to answer though, it was a question to think about. Even though life can be cruel and horrible at some point a light will shine among those who do not see it. For example, your parents, your friends and those around you that support you, those are real heroes in my opinion. As I walked across the fountain today, I wished for a real hero to help me with my life, someone who will stay by my side until death. The strange thing is that my wish came true. I was walking home when suddenly I saw a young girl who looked the same age as me and accidently bumped into my face. She apologised to me in a kind manner which was strange because usually whenever people bumped into me, they would snap at me and say it was my fault for not looking where I was going. She told me she just moved

123

to Manchester and needed help to get to the supermarket. I agreed to help her (of course) and showed her where Asda was. She thanked me for helping her and asked if I wanted to be friends with her, so I said yes. We sent letters every day and would hang out loads on the weekends. She would help me overcome my fears of asking for help and would stay by my side when people at school bullied me and called me a loner or a freak. Eventually we became very close friends and grew up together, we passed our GCSEs and got high marks in them and went to the same college and university. There will be people over time who claim to be heroes and save everyone in life. Although, you never know if what they are saying is the truth. In conclusion, people could be full of hatred but that doesn’t mean that everyone is. The fellow girl who I met when I was younger proved to me that real heroes do exist but not in a way people see them. I guess I just had to be patient and wait for the right time to come for a true hero to approach me. Now, I don’t have to question if heroes exist or not because now I have my answer. Not all people are bad in life, there will be some important people that you will meet someday. So if you question if heroes exist, they do, but they won’t be wearing a cape or a mask that you might think that they wear, Maria.

124

Jack T, 11 My Local Hero As the sun rises, she awakens and rises too, gets up for another 12hour day at work. This is Claire, my mum. All the way through the beginning of the new year Claire has had to be doing 12-hour days so the dental surgery where she works does not close. Even after these days she has not ceased to love me, my dad and our pets. On a normal week day my mum wakes up at 6.30, goes to work and I don’t see her again until between 7.30 and 8 in the evening. While my dad is home schooling me and I’m doing work. Claire slogs away over another grotty mouth, helping with fillings, crowns and drillings, and the inevitable rotten teeth. When she arrives home my mum is so exhausted she sometimes falls asleep on the sofa or goes to bed quite early. I feel very bad for my mum, but she always keeps a smile on her face and tells me not to worry because everything is going to be ok. She always keeps our mood up at home because of her love for us. Because she is my amazing mum.

125

Jacob S, 11 Manchester, a city of peace. All kept by heroes, courageous ones, loving ones and most of all powerful ones. It was a normal day in the flats of Manchester, Deansgate. It was the same daily routine. Masks on or stay at home. The world was in a lockdown. People scrambling to find a cure. At first everyone thought it would be the end by the beginning of March. Well, how wrong they were. The NHS Boris Johnson was the current Prime Minister. He was scared. He didn’t want to admit they were in trouble. He knew that whatever he did his next election might be at stake. He had to do his best. So, he decided to depend on the NHS. This is where our heroes come in. NHS are a free healthcare in England. They were for many years and still are. However, they were not ready. Not ready for the attack of Covid-19. The Enemy Corona came in strong. Healthcare systems were falling rapidly. They were being overwhelmed. This was a mighty strong virus. Without

126

the NHS the whole entire country would collapse both in economy and population. Cases were rising people were dying. It was all the same in Manchester. Even worse. NHS were working hard they were fighting the villain with all they had. It did hardly anything. The clap When all was bad, the people of Manchester stepped in. We gave hope to these heroes. We gave a reason to fight on. Every Thursday the whole city would send applause to these miracle workers. That’s what they needed. Everyday there was money being raised from people and even veterans like Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised over 32 million pounds for the NHS. Things were getting better. However, it was really bad in the terms of Corona. Millions of people had the virus and millions were dying. 2021 It was getting closer to new year. We were now in our second wave. The government and the people have just started to realise the damage of the virus. People were hoping by the start of new year it would stop, the statistics showed otherwise. Then there was light. A cure had been found. People all over Manchester were celebrating. There were new cures after other cures since this breakthrough were finding new ways to stop Covid 19. Everyone was having a good time at New Year’s Eve although cases were high, there was a way to stop it. 127

The beginning of the end We starting to see an end to the misery. Millions of people to this day are getting the cure. It was working. In Manchester people are ready come back to normal. This was all because of our NHS. We were saved. In memory of all the people who have lost their lives to the virus.

128

Jessica G My Hero This is a little story about my hero, and I wish everyone has a hero in your life like mine. I see her going shop, she asks do I need anything and she gets it. I see her making food for me it’s always delicious and everyone agrees. As you go to eat it the steam just warms up your whole body. She always says if we’re still hungry we can go and get something from the cupboard. She always pays for things like our phone bills, T V licence, gas, water bills, my clothes, and so many other things. She makes sure I’m washed and clean with fresh clothes and, comforts me when I’m blue and so do I, even though sometimes we argue. But I always find a way to say sorry. But I bet you’re wondering who it is – it’s my mum. I know you’re wondering why her mum is her hero, she’s 12, but she’s the reason I’m alive and she makes my day bright as she puts up with me and she makes sure I am the person that she brought up and that’s just a couple things about my hero. So even if they don’t know, tell your hero: “You are my hero.”

129

Joel B, 11 This is the story of a boy called Alfie who lived in Manchester, who grew up to work in a hospital in Manchester and became a hero of his time, and was ill at a very young age. Doctors said that he wouldn’t live but he did, at a terrible cost. His hands were as pale as snow and he was thin as string. He had to wear thick glasses to aid his poor eyesight and he couldn’t walk. Sometimes tears would stream down his face when he thought that he would never be better again, but he was about to find out that something that would change his life forever was around the corner. Sunlight shone through the curtains like a wave of freedom which crashed down on Alfie. He then heard the doorbell ring , and he went down to get it. Suddenly, he gasped I can walk! He shouted joy running through his veins the doorbell rang again – ding ! It was loud and long and when he opened the door he saw someone who he never imagined to see, his mother. “Mother” he cried, tears welling in his eyes. It was the person he loved, the person he thought that he lost, the person in his eyes who was his hero. Alfie rushed to his mother's arms and gave her a hug , it was like holding on to life itself. Alfie's mother was a doctor who treated her patients as her own family. 130

One day in an accident in the hospital she passed away. Alfie’s mother and Alfie had a whole day of fun and then when they sat on a bench, Alfie asked his something. “Is this a dream?” Alfie's mum replied: “It may be a dream but remember Alfie I am always there for you even in the hardest moments.” Alfie woke up. He was still ill but he remembered something you are always here Mother. My hero. The End.

131

Joshua S, 11 Fictional Local Hero The sun beamed down onto the bright, green grass as Alex and his dog , Poppy, sat down and watched the two robins exchanging twigs with each other. Life now was like a dream, everything perfect, like everything was a paradise. However, only one week prior, flames had nearly engulfed the whole place, a fiery demon breaching the surface to an indescribable heaven. One thing had saved this whole place. It was a peaceful night, like a usual night. The fire, like always, was dying down as everyone in the house was going to bed. However, little did anyone know, that a small crack had appeared towards the back of the fireplace, eventually growing until it was something of a few inches wide. Of course, this was over a relatively long period of time so not one person had noticed it. It all started that night, a glowing ember fell back into the crack and in a matter of seconds, the whole thing was alight. It took about a minute for no one but a dog to realise what was happening. It was Poppy. In the blink of an eye, the whole neighbourhood was awake to the deafening bark of a chocolate-

132

brown Labrador. The fire brigade was called although the fire was spreading rapidly through the building as people were still streaming out their houses for safety. When the firemen arrived, they instantly got to work and thanks to Poppy, no one got hurt. The police investigated the building later that week and managed to find the source of the fire. The fireplace was old and with the repairs to the house, would come a new fireplace. Alex was grateful that out of anyone, Poppy was the only one that could do such a heroic act. Poppy from then on was the great hero, for saving a lives from fire.

133

Kelly H, 12 My hero was my grandad because he always tried to make everyone happy. He never put himself first, he was very giving and remember he used to make stew and collect containers for the pub. He was a painter. He brightened everyone he saw with joy. He was an amazing grandad. He always made time for family. I remember going to Whitby. He took me at least once a year. We went kayaking and swimming. Every time we went to the beach. He bought me ice cream from this little beach shop. He may not be a superhero but he was my hero.

134

Lois H-T, 12 I am a superhero of Manchester with superpowers to view my life after my death. It all started from me breaking the code. I played a crucial role in cracking intercepted code messages. It is said that my work shortened the war in Europe and saved over 14 million lives. This then heightened my ambition to continue to my journey and I went on to design the automatic computer engine, one of the first designs for a stored program computer. I then went on to develop Manchester computers and that is where my love of mathematical biolog y come from. From here my personal life took a turn for the worst and I was imprisoned for my homosexual acts. Yes me, a superhero imprisoned for who I chose to love was classed as gross indecency. If only todays heroes who stand up and be counted were around in my days, life could have been very different. Campaigns and public apologies followed upon my death, even a pardon from Queen Elizabeth II. In my afterlife, more good has surfaced and my legacy lives on with awards, honours and tributes and certainly in and around Manchester, the city where I worked towards the end of my life. In 1994 a stretch of the A6010 road, The Manchester City Intermediate Ring Road was named after me.

135

A bridge carrying this road was widened and this also carried my name. In 1999 Time magazine named me as one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century and stated: “The fact remains that everyone who taps at a keyboard, opening a spreadsheet or a word processing program, is working on an incarnation of a Turing machine.” It doesn’t end there, a statue was unveiled in Manchester in June 2001 in Sackville park between the University of Manchester building on Whitworth Street and Canal Street. The memorial statue made of bronze depicts “the father of computer science”, the plaque at the feet reads: “Father of computer science, mathematician logician, wartime codebreaker, victim of prejudice”, followed by a quotation from Bertrand Russell: “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty-a beauty cold and austere, like that of a sculpture”. The sculpter even buried his old Amstrad computer under the plinth as a tribute to me, “the godfather of all modern computers”. To mark the 100th anniversary of my birth, the Turing Centenary Advisory committee (TCAC) co-ordinated the Alan Turing Year which is a year-long programme of events around the world honouring my life and achievements which is chaired by S. Barry Cooper along with my nephew Sir John Dermot Turing acting as Honorary President. So as you can see, in my short life I accomplished so much, from the cryptanalysis of enigma to the Turing machine to the Turing test

136

and I even got chosen as the next face on the £50 note plus lots more but didn’t recognise myself as a superhero. I guess I was in my own right, but superheroes come in many forms but I just see myself as me Alan Mathison Turing , 1912-1954.

137

Maame OS Mr Thing and the One-Eyed Octo-Saur Hi, we’re the trouble twins and our lives are pretty crazy. It all started on another cheery day in Manchester. Miracle Mayor, the town’s most favoured man (That’s what they called him), was walking around, checking if everything was in order. I, Bryan Lee, was reading the ‘Super-Secret Book Of Manchester’s History’ whilst my twin sister, Emily Lee, walked round me with our pet hamster, Squeakers, on her head. “Check this out Em, there’s a mystical creature-half dinosaur, half octopus-with one eye!” “ Whatever, it’s probably dead. You’re being paranoid,” she replied. Suddenly, I hear thudding like there was about to be a storm and it sounded like it was coming closer. Being the most curious boy in the history of the universe, I head to the window to check it out. “Oh no,” I whisper in shock as crowds of people come out of their houses (for some strange reason) to see a figure in a jeopardising feud with a wild beast. The figure seemed to have all sorts of peculiar super powers, too many to name. 138

He wore a cloak like Dr Strange but the unusual underwear outside the onesie like superman. He heard a hard jawline and a charming face. No scars or scratches were in sight apart from...”Oh my god, Em, you’ve got to see this.” Emily set down the hamster and waddled over. “Look at the flying person.” She rolled her eyes. “Just look at his neck,” I stared at her, “he has the mark of the Leo constellation. Just like – ” “My make-believe imaginary friend. How did you know ?” ’No, silly ! The mayor! Who, as you can see now, disappeared when the monstrous beast appeared!” She eyed me cluelessly. “Come on we’ve got to go help him. I’ve read all about this fiendish beast in my book!” And before she could object, I was out the door and heading for the One-eyed Octo-saur. It was a prodigious thing , as big as a house. It was unusually colourful with eight colossal legs. It had the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but it had one, bulky grey eye that petrified you when it stared. “Hey ! Mr Thing ! I can lure it to the Etihad stadium. There’s much more space there!” I brought out the thing that demons like him couldn’t resist. Cheese. “Cheese? How’s that supposed to help?” Emily yelped in my ear, scaring the life out of me.

139

“You’ll see. Right now, sprint home as fast as you can and get that smelly perfume.” Once at the stadium, I told Mr Thing the plan and it went into action. Mr Thing wrapped his twisty arms around the giant’s wild mouth. Then I clambered up the creature and sprayed the perfume in his eye. It collapsed to the floor with a thud – dead. “I know you’re Miracle Mayor. I’ll keep you secret.” He stared at me in awe. Then Emily said: “Hi! We’re the Trouble Twins, and our lives, are pretty crazy !”

140

Macy S, 12 Generous Hi, I’m Rose and I am going to be telling you about my story but first I need to talk about my background. I was born on 7 October 1970 in Manchester and my first Job was as a supply English teacher at St Denbury High School and I am only earning £110-£220 per day. At that time my boyfriend was mainly helping me with finance and taxes whilst I helped with the food and some other things around the house. Now on October 19, 2000 I was going to the shops when I saw... “Please could you spare some money or so for food? Please help a man in need.” It was a man calling for help. Suddenly without thinking , my hand was in my purse and then I was giving the man some money and I felt warm Inside. What was this feeling ? After that I started coming back every day giving this man money. Every day I would give him £50 of what I earn, and I did this for the next two years to help him to buy his own small house in the country and a small car.

141

After a couple of weeks of the man living his own life, the head of the English department was leaving to live with her husband in Mexico. So, I decided to apply to take her place as head of the English department. After two weeks of waiting and waiting , something surprising happened. The man that I gave all that money to showed up at my door. “Rose, it is nice to see you again after all these years.” “It is nice to see you too, how are you?” I said, surprised on how he found me or remembered me. “I’m good but I mainly wanted to say thank you for helping me and give you a thank you present.” And at that moment he pulled out a book and a pen and handed them to me. “Really ?” I asked surprised and grateful. I was lost for words and I didn’t know what to say until a teary “thank you,” escaped my lips and then he left. A couple of hours passed by and then, “ring , ring”. It was the school. I answered the call and they told me I got the job. I was overjoyed. And at that moment I realised I wanted all homeless people to have a great life like mine and the man I helped all though years ago. I looked online for ways that I could help the homeless. 142

I found a charity in Manchester that works with the homeless called Barnabus and decided to donate regularly as well as volunteer to help provide meals for people living on the streets. Now, reader, we can all be heroes even if you don’t have a cape or superpowers you just have to get involved in helping your local community and help other people.

143

Mercy A, 11 Night fell on the city like a hooded cloak on a stranger’s face. There was not a stir not even a sound, not even the tiniest squeak from a mouse. Down the road lived Mary Gold, the old lady with a big fat toad. The clock ticked from time to time counting down the hours it still had to go. Jay lay in bed with his head hanging low, his clock began to glow to transform him to someone else who could go beyond the world without catching a cold. Jay was a not an ordinary boy. He could be a normal teenager with scruff y hair but at night others needed him much than they did in the outside world. He was a moderate size to others but, to his aunt, a big fat giant who could eat a whole goat. She was his only relative who had the heart to grow his loving heart that just got broke. He had no parents not even one that would stay but all did go and left him to his own. Jay was a hero today was different though. He had been transformed to his hero form, he sensed a steady thump around the city, and it streamed across the place leaving a trail. He followed it but was very careful. Doctor Griffin was more than the eye could tell, he had crazy inventions that could destroy the city and it was in danger

144

when he saw it. A bright purple light shone so bright even his eyes would have died, but thanks to his friend May she had made masks that could withstand extreme exposure to light. He needed to get closer but then – boom - there it goes. He had been caught. It all happened fast. He was hit by something that looked just like him, almost a clone. He was being shot with splats of slime that stuck him onto the floor and although he tried wriggling free his hand could not break loose from the trap. His strength was failing. He had been victimised by his own weakness –Doctor Griffin realised that his weakness was echoes. Doctor Griffin had been able to connect to his hearing pieces that helped him hear things from far away loudly and played the echoes in his ear so that it rang like a church tower bell right beside you which came out from when the purple light shone on him sending more sound waves down his ears. He couldn’t keep the sound out, he needed May to help him. She was a hero as well but she was a day hero only on various occasions would she help him at night if he needed some more backup but other than that she was out of reach, at this time she would be asleep. He cried but no tears came, crying helped him because his cry could cut through anything even as a baby crying was not allowed so that he didn’t rip the house down. Jay had to think of something that would make him cry and the only problem was that, the memory of his parents always made him cry but he would cry for days nonstop if he thought about them then he would do more damage than Doctor Griffin had. 145

He summoned his strength and he cried, the splats had sizzled like butter when a droplet hit it. Jay had focused really hard and was able to stop it and he defeated Doctor Griffin but what he couldn’t shake off was what had pinned him to the ground. Over the next few weeks he became paranoid and thought someone was watching him constantly but why? Where? Who? When? And what was it after ?

146

Miriam T, 13 My Local Superhero I still remember the day clearly from when I first encountered my superhero. The distant sound of birds merrily tweeting had awoken me and I had been greeted with a magnificent sunrise gleaming through my window. I remember already feeling full of thrill and excitement for a matter I did not yet know. Perhaps, some part of me knew that that day was going was going to be one of the best days I had ever had! I quickly got changed and started to go downstairs, grinning as I joyfully skipped down each step however on my way I was stopped by my mum, who looked as if she had just been crying. “ We’re going to see your grandmother at ten o’clock, okay darling ? They said she probably will not make it, so we need to make the most out of the time we spend with her.” A deep gloom consumed me after as I was suddenly reminded of how not wonderful life was at the moment. My grandmother had become increasingly weak throughout the last four months due to a cancer called leukaemia that she had developed in her old age. Grandma and I had always had a great connection and it made my stomach churn 147

thinking about the endless possibilities that could occur with her cancer over these last few months. I had always been an overthinker and when I found out about her illness, it only fuelled my negative habit. I slowed down my pace and steadily walked downstairs to make myself some breakfast even though I had lost my appetite. I ate my toast with my family without a word, but the silence felt so loud within me. We gathered the necessary items for going to see my grandma then made our way to the car. I glumly gazed out of my window, horrible thoughts racing around my head as the radio announced a car crash that had taken place on the M6 near Trafford. After what had seemed like forever, we had made it to Hope Hospital and we all quietly got out of the car and trod towards the building. Once we had reached the reception, my dad had asked which ward Hilary Smith was on and the receptionist pointed us towards her. It was when I had entered the ward that I was first introduced to my superhero who had a great smile spread across her face. At the time, I had thought this extremely insensitive due to the current conditions however I too shared this smile after a few brief moments. “ We have managed to cure Hilary and with a few treatments to completely ensure her health, she will be ready to go home!” The gloom that had earlier engulfed me was now replaced with delight and gratefulness for all of the wonderful doctors and nurses who had helped this nightmare to go away and for all the doctors and nurses work hard every day to keep us healthy, our own local superheroes!

148

Monet B, 12 Manchester, I am sure you have heard of it, the phoenix that burst out of the ashes in its time of need. But what you may not know is that before there was the phoenix there was the bee. But which one really saved Manchester ? The answer to that question is neither. We did. Well, Mr Positivity. Our story begins in Manchester, of course, with a young boy who desperately wanted to help everyone find their positivity. Of course, there are many different versions of this story but the one I was told was... well it would be better if I just told you. Like many good superheroes Mr Positivity wore a costume a bright yellow super suit with a massive smiley face on the front to show everyone that even his clothes could make at least one person smile. One day, a terrible incident occurred in the beautiful city which made many lose their positivity. Fortunately, Mr Positivity was around and nursed the city back to health. The city has been ever grateful ever since.

149

Nancy C, 12 The Daily Mail A hero from another dimension gives a motivational speech of hope leaving many inspired to make a difference in society. The following speech below is speculated to have come from a hero from another dimension, it was made in Manchester City Centre, at approximately 2.45pm ending at about 3.05pm. “Many of us ask, questions like ‘why are we here?’ or ‘what is the purpose of it all’. However, the universe is not obligated to explain its existence and even if it could, its answer would be incomprehensible to many of us. For our intelligence is limited, for we are small beings. The consciousness contained within the even smaller world. A world which we do not even fully know the origins of.” “Then why choose to be villainous? Why choose to be malevolent ? Is there anything beneficial that comes out of that ? An act of heroism doesn’t have to be something extraordinary. It can be something as simple as helping an elderly pedestrian cross the road. Or helping a kitten to down from a tall tree. Not to say that sometimes being

150

a ‘hero’ can potentially cost you your health or put in a dangerous situation.” “Just look at firefighters, just look at paramedics, just look at undercover detectives. Why not strive to be the enlightenment in someone else’s life. You can’t find the meaning from your life? Make meaning for someone else’s. You can’t find hope in your life, be the glimmer of hopefulness in some else’s.” “Anyone and everyone has the capacity to be a hero. There are no accessories or skills required. There is no need to possess a superhuman ability such as a invisibility or light manipulation, all that’s needed is an optimistic spirit and, of course, you. This is an adventurous exploration! A chance to for you to start anew, to create a life opportunities and prosperity. Celebrate when you win. Cry when you fail. I turn frowns into smiles and cries into laughter. Appreciate the warmth of a sentimental sunset, enjoy the coolness of a pitch-black midnights sky. Be a hero.”

151

Oliver D, 12 The Woods Everyone thinks that haunted houses are the scariest thing , however they forget about the woods. Most people don’t think about the woods. From time to time you find a person like this, for example, Charles Perrault who created little red riding hood because he knew the woods were dangerous. This story has the scariest woods. They are in Manchester but if you want to narrow it down more, then they’re in Northenden, Manchester. In Northenden, there is a big house (it’s not haunted) which is on Rose Hill and the house once belonged to the famous Sir Edward Watkin. Now it is a small flat where people live in and his big backyard is now a forest. Once however a man went in, but he never came back out and that’s where this whole thing started and where the Northenden got famous. Heaps of men went in there including the police, but they never came out. People started calling it the Northenden triangle, even though it wasn’t! Me and my friend sometimes go there, with a stick and my friend with a bubble gun that looks so like a real gun, but we

152

can’t go too in because we know the danger. Once me and my friend saw something. It was lying on the ground. It was a piece of meat, not only that but it was cooked and ready to eat but we didn’t eat it because it was on the ground and who knows how long it’s been there. Then in the corner of my eye I saw something. I froze. I started walking towards It and my friend saw it too because he was following me. We were too afraid to talk. When we got to the end, we saw something mar vellous. Gold! We danced around and launched ourselves on it. I hit something hard, so I dug down thinking it was a trophy, but it wasn’t. We were confused. It had a grey colour. We dug down and we found a skull! We turned around and there was a werewolf coming towards us! My friend pulled out his bubble gun and suddenly the werewolf stood there like it knew the damage a real gun would do. It reached to its head and pulled it off ! We were really confused when we saw a man. The man told us to sit down and he’ll explain everything. “I am the man who first disappeared in the forest and I am fine. All I wanted to do is make Northenden famous and I didn’t kill anyone, they buried themselves in the gold and couldn’t get out,” he explained. I was very confused. “I was afraid of the gun because I didn’t know you had one and I had to do something when you found out about the skull,” he continued. “It’s a bubble gun,” corrected my friend. After a long talk we went back home. My mum was worried why I was late, but she didn’t mind. 153

Lola S, 13 My hero is Harry Styles, he treats everyone with kindness, he uses this as his superpower. He travels around the world singing for his fans. My hero inspires me to be kind. he expresses himself and isn’t afraid of what people think. He show of his feminine side by painting his nails and wearing dresses.

154

Oscar D I used to know this person. He was a teaching assistant in my primary school. He did more than he was asked to do, and he was a good teacher. I think he Is a good person because he helped people when they were sad. Sometimes, when I was upset, I would talk to him because he knew what to say, and nobody else did. I didn’t talk to him all the time though because I didn’t always want to talk about why I was sad. He talked to lots of people and he was a very good listener. He was also good at calming people down. He had to work at a place that helped people with learning difficulties and I remember he used to look after a boy who was in my class who needed extra support. He also used to help people out on the playground, and he talked to people and he played games and sport with them. He was a good person and a role model. I remember when I used to go to club sometimes I would see him driving out of the school gates in his black car with the roof rack

155

and he would wave at me and I would wave back. He was a very nice teacher, and I miss him very much. When I left the school, he moved to my bother’s class. My brother says he liked him too. He says that he was helpful and funny. When he left the school, he said he wanted to work at a secondary school. I think he would be good at that. I think that a hero is somebody who does nice things to help people without asking for anything in return. This is what he did.

156

Ryan C, 13 The Powerful Watch It was a cloudy day when I was finding a book that my mum had put inside our basement, while I was looking for it, I saw my grandad’s old watch, but it did not look old, in fact it looks very new and colourful. After I found my book, I rush up to my dad’s PC room to ask Dad what this new and colourful looking watch is about. He said: “Your grandad said that there was a hidden power inside this watch.” I ask dad if that I can take it and he said yes straight away. I took it up to my room to investigate but I see nothing special. It was getting late. I ate my dinner and went to bed. In the middle of the night a mysterious light glows from the watch. I woke up, but the light went away while I was sitting up, then I went back to sleep. In the morning I went out to Piccadilly Garden, I also took the watch with me in case that it need air to unlock the power which it did not! When we got there we talked for a while. Suddenly, a man was rushing toward me and my friend. His eyes were as red as an

157

apple. I was so afraid that I used self-defence myself and then a light glow from that watch it was the same light that I saw last night. The man bounced from the light when he got very close, the watch turns into a watch lightsaber like a lightsaber in Star Wars. I swung the watch, and the man was wrapped by that watch-saber. After the man was wrapped, his eyes changed from red to normal. For the rest of the day I took off the watch and carried on with the day. In the middle of the night an old man that looked like my grandad (which it was) told me that the power that the watch has is a power to save the Manchester. I ask him how and he said: “There has been a hidden virus that can turn human to red eyes, but this virus can only be used when the power from the watch is unlocked. But now you need to save the Manchester so get on this suit and do it.” I nodded and the next day I said to my mum and dad that I’m going to my friend’s house to play. After I said that I rushed and got on the suits the first red eyed person was a lady. I wrap her around and a few more came. I ran to a basement. And then a giant slime blob was there I Immediately wrap it around but it broke it, suddenly heard my grandad’s voice: “ Wrap it a few more times to kill it,” He said. I wrap it twenty more times to kill it then the small virus was gone. I went back home.

158

Sally R January, 12th 2021 BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. The sound on the heartrate goes slowly away, slipping into the mist. The whole event is a blur to me. I ran to get the surgeons’ help, and they all rushed in, lab coats and surgical masks. I watch, silently praying , as a big fat tear rolls down my face. Then, finally the beeping stops. I stare down at him. My heart wrenching in my throat. “Is he dead?” I whimpered. The doctor looked sympathetically on me. “I’m sorry miss. We could do nothing.” I feel more tears roll down my red cheeks, and I have no strength in me to wipe them away. I sat heavily down on the stiff wooden chair beside his bed. And I cried. I couldn’t help it. May, 30th 2021 It’s been over five months since it happened. Since it got him. I wanted to be the hero, I wanted to try and save him. But I couldn’t. I’ve pulled myself together though! I’m applying for a job now.

159

He’d be happy that I did that. It’s in the hospital you know. I never wanted to go back there, but I’ve found I should. The past is in the past, and that is all I can say. I made my way towards the hospital, on that early brisk morning. The cold, bit at my cheeks and chilled me to the bone. As I walked in, a feeling of weird happiness rose up inside of me. I guess it was a sense of relief, that I was actually doing something. I’m hopeful. August, 19th 2021 I’m incredibly busy now. Barely any time to write! I’ve treated over 90 patients already ! First, I started off as just a volunteer, nothing that important. However, I’ve fallen in love with the job! After every medical help, the lovely bubble of happiness surrounds me! My fellow workers all are kind and helpful. Another thing , one I haven’t spoken about yet. I visited the room. The room where his last breath took place. The room where it took him. I thought I’d be sick. I thought that all the pain that I felt before, would rise up back inside of me. But it didn’t. I left as quickly as I had come. I moved quietly to some new patients in another room and treated to them. February, 18th 2051 BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. The noise was scary, but peaceful. It’s been 30 years. I have a family of children, who have all grown up. And I have my husband next to me. I thought I would be scared, but I wasn’t. I welcomed the once terrif ying noise, as if it was music. A perfect harmony. 160

Nurses and doctors cluttered around me. Some were children of my former colleagues, but some completely new. I felt their terror. I felt my children’s, who were next to me, terror. I wish I could tell them it was ok. I had found peace. Even if I wasn’t his hero, I was many others’.

161

Samara W, 13 A tear. Had she been crying ? She didn’t think so. Why would she be? She had a good life. Her family got on well, and she was liked now. She was popular. She was happy. Wasn’t she? Ophelia idly kicked a stone in front of her. It rolled across the path, bumping into other stones on the way. Bump. Bump. Bump. Clank. Clank? That was new. Ophelia looked up. Her stone had hit the shoe of a middle-aged woman. “I-I’m sorry,” stammered Ophelia. “I—” Ophelia stopped. The woman was crying. And she suspected that it had nothing to do with the stone. “Excuse me, ma’am? What’s wrong ?” It seemed to take a moment for the woman to register that she was being spoken to, or, indeed, who it was that was speaking to her. When she did, she grabbed Ophelia’s arm firmly. “You’re Miss Starlight, yes?” The woman looked desperate. “You’re Ophelia Starlight ?” Ophelia nodded, not quite trusting herself to speak. “The mage?”

162

“I – yes, I suppose so.” The woman shook her fiercely. “Please, I need your help! My son! oh, my son!” Part of Ophelia wanted to refuse. She understood suddenly why she was so upset. Always so busy, always a task to do, otherwise it was inter view after inter view, and never a moment of rest. Just say no, she thought. Just say no and things can go back to the way that they were. “ What do you need?” she found herself asking. “My son… He… the river!” Ophelia saw, suddenly, the small face of a child bobbing about in the River Mersey. He was crying.

163

Samuel D, 14 The Mysterious Elongated Man Watch Dear Diary, Today I felt suspicious unlike any other days. On the news at 7pm in the evening , the meteorologist reported that a huge storm would occur in Manchester. After listening to the news, I panicked. I froze as my heart started to beat faster and faster as if it was racing against a cheetah. Everyone around me was running up and down confused, frightened. Even one of them peed on themself. All of a sudden, the ground started to shake. The house started to break. Then, behold the most powerful storm arrived in Manchester. Eventually the storm stopped, leaving roads destroyed, trees falling. At our house, it was totally messed up with wood, bricks and glass on the floor. Later that day while we were cleaning , the news reported that a man who claimed to be dead was alive and he was known as The Elongated Man. As soon as I heard that name, my mind switched as we learnt about him in a museum. He was a well-known superhero that can change 164

into any size or shape. He can even sur vive a round of bullets because he is so flexible. But apparently, he was attacked and murdered by a villain called.... The villain wasn’t known or even reported to the police but all the information they had was that he was a high school bully back in the day. On the next day, I went to the museum to know more about The Elongated Man. According to the staff, she told me that The Elongated Man was a little boy who migrated from Nigeria and was bullied in high school every single day until one night when he got struck by lightning. On the next day, he started to discover his powers and researched some facts about it. After hearing this, I was in disbelief as it was unusual for a human being to discover their powers at a young age compared to Superman, Ant-Man or even Batman. Surely, this so-called The Elongated Man was special to Manchester as he fought shoplifters and other villains like Viper Woman with her venomous teeth. At the weekends, I went out to the woods just to get some sticks for the fire until I saw footprints. The footprint was two times the size of my feet. Within that footprint, I saw a glittering gem. I followed the footprint until I bumped my head into something which felt like a tree. My head looked up and then down again. As my head looked up again, this thing was looking down at mean which gave me a bit of a cringe then I screamed. Apparently, I didn’t know that an object can speak until it told me that he was The Elongated Man and then I shouted endlessly until I ran out of breath. 165

After capturing my breath, I looked around me and I noticed The Elongated Man escaped. From that point of time, I always wish to see him again even if he’s in my dream.

166

Samuel P, 12 Jack Martin, a ten-year-old, scruff y haired, average schoolboy from Fallowfield woke up and got ready for school. As he was walking down the road, the same as he always did every morning , he stopped abruptly. Jack thought he heard a strange metallic bird call from the backstreets. Curiosity got the better of him and quickly staggered down the alleyway. Upon turning a corner, Jack stumbled thousands upon thousands of pigeons. But these were not normal pigeons. They had iron beaks, cybernetic eyes and their calls were robotic and unnatural. Naturally Jack ran in the opposite direction, but the flock of robot pigeons was too quick for him. Grasping him tightly by the neck, they lifted him into the air and knocked him out. When Jack woke, he found himself inside a ding y chamber, chained to a stone altar. The room was filled with vines and damp moss but they all disappeared when the altar began to rise up out of the chamber into a huge cavern. Jack saw millions of robot pigeons that were screeching and screaming in the darkness. He could see a throne-like chair in front of him and as he looked to his side, he saw several other figures in chains just like his. There was a woman who looked like she was in her mid - sixties, a pale-skinned man of about thirty and a little girl, just slightly older than Jack. A figure rose from the throne and approached the Jack and the three others.

167

He spoke with a cold, high voice. “Jack Martin, you have been brought before me to help me on my mission.” The figure moved into the light. He was very short, wore bright green goggles and spoke with loathing in his voice. “You see these people here, they have been of infinite help to me. Dr Jonathan Castle here, provided me with the information needed to transform these helpless birds into soldiers of mine. Professor Melissa Gardener provided me with the tools and experience to help me with my cause. Lucy Roberts, next to you, was taken in only a few months ago for the same reason as you, snooping around my facility. I am now your master. From now on, you will answer only to me, Baron Von Bassadon.” While the Baron was talking , Jack had managed to slip off his handcuffs and told the Baron: “Come here then and tell me what I have to do.” When the Baron was near enough to Jack, he jumped up and kicked him into the sea of robot birds. Hurriedly freeing the rest of the prisoners, he then called to them “follow me” and they made their way to the exit. He wrenched a pole off the wall and charged at the pigeons. He called to the others to do the same, and eventually they had destroyed all the birds in the cavern. They ran towards the exit and Lucy called the police. All of them but Jack were safe, but then the Baron stride towards Jack and held him back. He then tossed Jack onto the floor and pulled out a gun. When he was about to pull the trigger, he was knocked out by the policemen as they came rushing in. Manchester was finally safe from the Baron’s robot pigeons.

168

Shedene C, 11 On a sunny British morning , on top of a high hill in a transparent house in Oldham shaped like the letter D lived a mighty great superhero inventor. He invented countless things and trained many people. His name is Doctor Laser. You may think he’s a villain but is really not. Well, he used to be then he changed for the sake of the world. He’s tall as a giraffe he has very long black-grey curly hair and he has a neatly combed beard. He has eyes as dark as the colour black. He’s as smart as a scientist but not smarter than Einstein. Meanwhile in Doctor Laser’s house he was working on his latest invention the Thunderbolt1000. That’s when he heard a sudden quick, loud knock on his door he wondered who it was. He cleared his things and went in the direction of the door. He uncertainly opened the door and backed away. To his surprise it was his sidekick Blaze that knocked the door and Doctor Laser exhaled with relief. But he questioned Blaze for him being present. Blaze was filled with sweat as it looked like he just ran a mile his hair wet. His top was drenched with sweat. His eyes were filled with hunger and thirst. His hands were pink, his face was pink and he looked like he was ill. It looked like he had been bitten. Doctor Laser rushed him into his laboratory and he cleaned his wound 169

(bite mark), fed and clothed him. Then Blaze started to tell him what happened. “They escaped! They were everywhere running around like little children and it bit me. We need to save everyone because they cause a chaos Doctor!’ Blaze said as he feared for the worst. “ Who escaped?” Doctor Laser said calmly. “Th...th..the monkeys,” he stammered. “They escaped from Bramble Park Zoo.” “Hmm,” Doctor Laser murmured as he thought for a second. Before picking up his Sleep-o-matic and putting his uniform on. “Looks like we’ve got a mission, get dressed buddy we have got to go!’ he commanded. On their journey to find the missing three monkeys they found one sitting on a bench in the park. Another in a pond and the last one on a car roof. They were over the moon as they completed their mission. And brought back the mischievous monkeys. Then they went back home as it became dark. The city went quiet as everyone was asleep.

170

Mia K, 12 So the person I’m introducing you to J.I the Prince of New York. He is a real brave person, he is a musician and he is brave because, say, if someone doesn’t like his music or him he will get quite a bit of hate, especially if he says something on social media people can take it in the wrong way and cancel him instead of telling him what he’s done wrong cause people do listen he is very inspirational so that is my superhero.

171

Sydney J, 12 There are many heroes throughout our world and especially in our area too but what about the unsung heroes, the ones that are recognised but not as much as they should be. The ones that are working the hardest during these times for our safety. The sun beamed as it escaped the grasp of the former night sky and rose up to mark a new day. The clouds resembled different shapes and different animals as the trees outside Cody’s house stood uniformed and regimented. The dew stood on the very tip of every single aspect of the green grass. Cody was a doctor. The date is the 19th of January 3582. January is the only sur viving month, all the other months were taken away to try and make the years go quicker and try end the virus. Dovid-19. Dovid-19 is the deadliest virus known to mankind and every single year it gets stronger. The remaining thirty people on the earth think that the next year will be better than the last, but it isn’t. They don’t know it gets more powerful every passing year. Cody is one of the last thirty people alive and part of the three doctors that are alive. Cody is purely the reason the other twenty-nine are alive because without his discovery of another virus which creates a barrier around the body, there wouldn’t be a human alive. 172

Everybody is injected with the virus that creates a barrier around your body but gradually, it’s starting to run out. Cody only has enough for one more injection for everyone, and that was it. He didn’t have the items he needed to make more. That day was when everybody came to get the virus. The room turned pitch-black. He opened his eyes and it was only him and his neighbour, Jane. She was alive since the beginning of the virus and helped Cody to the best of his ability. “Take it” Cody said as fear subdued and overwhelmed his body and ner vousness kicked in. “There is no need for me to take it, I’m nearing the end of my life, take it Cody, trust me take it,” Jane said. Time was running out. it was going to expire in thirty seconds. “Jane take it now please, I’m begging you, I had a good time on this earth but I’m willing to go, take it for me,” Cody said. “Goodbye Cody, you were the best and only friend I’ve ever had.” Jane said. The clock struck three and Jane slowly faded away into the air.“ Jane, Hello Jane” said Cody, but he wasn’t talking to anyone. One tear drop fell on the ground, a tear drop, but it was the most powerful tear drop. The air was overpowered with cheers and screams. Cody’s tear brought back everyone. It destroyed the virus and rewound what it caused. Cody hugged Jane. They were safe. They were safe forever. The End. 173

Tahlia C The Life of Saiki K Hi, my names Kusuo Saiki and I have psychic superpowers, I guess you could say that I’m like a fictional superhero, but I just want a normal life without these powers. You would think that being a psychic, you could have whatever you want and do what you want but there’s the thing , these powers have drawbacks. For example, I can rewind anything to the state it was in yesterday, but I can only use this once every nine hours which is pretty annoying. I also have telepathy, but I can’t control it so when I wake up in the morning , for example, a load of voices come flooding into my head, which are people’s thoughts. “Saiki, my dude, wanna walk to school together ?” That’s Nendo, I don’t know how he even became my ‘friend’, he kind a just appeared, but what’s weird about him is that I he’s the only one who’s mind I can’t read. So, guess I don’t really have a choice. “Sure, whatever.” Now I’m stuck with him, great. He never stops talking , does he? I’ll just replace myself with Kaido, the other annoyance. 174

I’ll just make Nendo think he looks like me, which I can do by the way, it’s a part of my powers. First, I need to find Kaido… Found him! “Hey Kaido, wanna walk to class with me?” Knowing him, he’ll probably say something like ‘sure, I need to protect my friend for the dark reunion anyway’. Yeah, he thinks he has superpowers, which he doesn’t. I’m the only one that I know of that has powers like mine. Anyway, we’re getting off topic here, I’ve just replaced myself with Kaido, so I don’t have to deal with Nendo and can just walk to class without anyone or anything annoying me. Great, Mr Suzuki, he’s our sports teacher, he’s also the man that stands at the front gate every morning keeping everyone in check. Lucky for me, I’m always in check apart from my hair, but my hair’s naturally pink. I also have these antennas on my head but they’re just pins and they keep my power under control. If I didn’t have them, I would probably end up breaking a lot of things because I can’t control my powers when I don’t have them on. I can’t even risk taking a single step without them on, I would end up breaking the floor, don’t ask how I know, it’s happened before in the worst place possible, a school trip overseas. I ended up making the whole hotel teleport into the middle of the ocean, luckily it stayed afloat. That’s what’s happens if I don’t have them.

175

Anyway, all that I spent explaining stuff, it’s the end of the school day now. Now you’ll get to meet my parents, they’ll probably be arguing though. I’ve had enough of this, they never stop arguing , I know what to do. Forced telepathy, they’ll be able to hear each other’s thoughts. I know this will work because I can hear their thoughts on the daily, so I know they love each other truly. Now I don’t have enough time to explain the rest of my daily life, but you can probably guess it.

176

Toby W, 16 The Heroes of Manchester Manchester. My city and my home. At its centre lies the vibrant, multi-cultural hub we all know and love. From music venues to restaurants and bars to the hive of shops, the friendly nature of the people can put a smile on your face. It gives me such a buzz when I zoom around and watch other people working hard at keeping the city running smoothly. Sometimes I obser ve conflict and tension, which is quickly resolved by the police. There are often the homeless and people in need sat on the floor (rock bottom), but there is always someone to pick them up to give them food and shelter. If you get injured or ill, the NHS are there to support you in your recovery. Everyone has their role to play. In my city we look after each other to keep Manchester a safe place. The lights in the night sky shine sky blue and Rosso Corsa red. The two football giants stand firm in their place. Even rivals can respect Marcus Rashford and what he has done off the pitch. The young man from Wythenshawe has shown society that people with power can use it for good, by supporting kids who aren’t able to receive free school meals due to Covid. 177

The fact that Rashford is only 23 is incredible. Being able to persuade the government to U-turn their own mistake (of trying to shut the free-school meal program down) at such a young age can inspire so many people to be kind and help those in need. Both on and off the pitch, Rashford is a national hero. As a big part of the city, I find it very important to highlight the heroes that bring peace and love to Manchester. The kindness of others can mean so much to some people and especially in these times, it is vital to celebrate the people who have made a positive change on someone’s day or life. I’m a worker, I work hard to do the best I can in everything I do and I love to run by this slogan: ‘Anyone can be hero, but no one can be you so just do your best to make a positive impact on the world, and no matter how big or small your good deed is you will become a hero!’ Signed, The Manchester Bee

178

Winielle A-K, 12 I clutched onto my mother’s hand, my other hand clinging onto my small yellow teddy, Mr Bumble. I flew him around so he could witness the lights going up. “Buzz!” He says in excitement as we get closer to the mystical grotto. Fake snow flies out of machines and I jump about with glee. We’re next in the queue, I can’t wait to see Santa! Mr Bumble gets a little too excited and falls in the snow. I pick him up and shake my head. “You mustn’t do that Mr Bumble!” Mum chuckles. I skip along the hallway where the previous Santa Claus portraits were hung. “He has the longest beard, Mummy !” “Come on now, Santa’s waiting to see you!” I tentatively make my way towards to open door. “HO! HO ! HO !” I’m not sure about this anymore...” Well come in little girl! Santa wants to know what you want for Christmas!” He pulls me onto his lap and I animatedly tell him about the yellow bicycle I want that has a basket for Mr Bumble to stay in if he’s too tired to fly (which was most of the time).

179

“Time to see if you’ve been a good girl this year!” He winks at me and brings out a small red and green machine. “Santa knows everything ! And according to this, you’ve been a good girl” I smiled, he must have missed out that night when I wouldn’t eat my vegetables and ate dessert when I wasn’t supposed too. Mummy had got really mad at me and I wasn’t allowed dessert for a whole week! He hands over a small present. “You can open it on Christmas Eve!” He tells me, “Mr. Bumble might like it!” Mummy urges me to thank him, so I do, and we leave. Santa’s really kind, he was scary at first because he’s so big and old and has a white beard, but I’m used to it now. Mummy wants to visit one of the big shops in town and then she promised me that we could go to the Arndale and that I could have a Happy Meal. We walk down the street, Mr Bumble and I looked in awe at the decorations. My favourite place was the sweet shop, the man was always so kind. “Mummy can we go to the sweet shop? Can we? Please” Mummy shook her head and I felt really sad. The sweet shop man must have overheard me as he rushed over to us with a small bag of sweets. I was very happy as he gave it to me for free! I thanked him before Mummy said anything. I took the bag of sweets and happily ate them, dropping Mr Bumble in the process. We spent ages in the clothes shop that Mummy wanted us to go to. 180

After what seemed forever, we went on those cool electric stairs and Mummy ordered me my favourite Happy Meal. I ate my chicken nuggets and drank my strawberry milkshake, then I opened the toy. Happy Meal Transformers! Mr Bumble would like this! I got the French fries one (his favourite food apart from honey Cheerios of course). I eagerly started to show him, when I realised, he wasn’t there. I started to cry. We looked around for ages, but we couldn’t find him, and Mummy said it was dark, so we had to start heading home. She let me go into the sweet shop to buy something special because I lost Mr Bumble. I didn’t know how I was going to sleep at night without him! The little bell rang as the entered the shop. I picked a packet of chewies, honey flavoured. It reminded me of Mr Bumble. I started to cry again. “ What wrong little one?” I sobbed and told him my problem. “ Well it just so happens to be that Mr Bumble was lost and upset too! So, he flew over here waiting for you! Here you go!” Sometimes the biggest heroes are the unexpected ones.

181

Zach C Manchester Heroes Creative Writing Competition When we think of heroes, we think of men in capes flying through the sky saving and helping people. We think of it as the stuff of fiction, but it is a reality we have doctors who save people. We have probation officers who help people and many more. Terry is a Tesco delivery man who works night and day to keep a roof over his family’s heads and to put food on their table. Walking out of his house each day, Terry gets into his truck and shifts it into the first gear as he eases out of his parking space onto the road to make his deliveries. Janet is a doctor and works 24/7 saving people’s lives. Approaching the door of her next patient Janet rushes in to help that person because they need help, and she knows that. And there is Jake who is a social worker who helps people in need of help. He goes out in the morning to help random people and he does it because he wants to help. These people may not have capes, but they are all still heroes.

182

Hafsah K, Yr7 My Hero My heroes are doctors nurses and the NHS, Who make us feel better, Take care of us. Who are risking their lives for us. My heroes are the doctors and nurses and the NHS who are working trying to help us feel better. They’re risking their lives working in Covid-19 and we should be thankful to them because they are helping us. North Manchester General Hospital My character’s description: She’s 5 feet 3 inches Her age is 42 She has long hair (curled from the bottom) She’s a nurse Her name is Lilly She has blue eyes

183

Her hobbies are exercising and reading books. What is makes my character stand out is: She’s honest, she never lies, she is brave whenever someone is in trouble, she always finds a way to help that’s what makes my character stand out. In my character’s hospital there is a patient who is critical. She does a surgery to help that patient. In the next 24 hours that patient is out of danger. She saved that patient’s life.

184

Maria A, Yr7 Emma Watson is a superhero after saving her two young brothers from drowning. Emma lives in Manchester. She has a step-mum and a dad. She has two younger siblings that are three years old. Emma was five years old when they were going to their swimming pool. She realised that she had forgotten her goggles but when she was about to get them she found her brothers in the pool struggling to breathe. She called the police and she told them all the information. Even though she’s small she is smart and that’s my superhero.

185

Zoha R, Yr8 Imposing , elevated and proud. The antique, Victorian buildings feasted their eyes upon the lively, spirited town centre of Manchester. The crisp, hazel trees had a strong scent of autumn which lingered around. The sweet fragrance of food stalls were mouth-watering. Surges of bitter, icy air gushed around buildings. Soft howls of wind whispered into the people’s ears. The hustle and bustle of tireless people was a song of busyness and confusion. Dense, opaque clouds barricaded the glassy sky. The intense lights of the buildings took pride place in the beauteous area. All of the bricks were satiny and burnished, constructed to perfection. People ran across their hands without a scratch. On the other hand, the aged building had a coarse, rustic feel to it, nonetheless, it was a beautiful piece of work. The raw, autumn air scratched the back of their throats, it had a malodorous, taste but it was a fresh like a new season. The contrast between modern and old was alluring. The hectic, crowd was a pleasant sight, it was home. It is not too much to say that his undeniable ability to remain calm his serene appearance kept himself collected. Zavion gaped at the certificate as a tender, sincere smile broadened across his face. His brunette, wavy hair blew and danced around the silvery air while the sun gleamed upon his rosy face. Zavion wanted nothing more, he wanted nothing less, he was happy. His emerald eyes glinted 186

with passion and drive. He strived for more, he strived to help, he strived to protect. He was surrounded by the pursuit and racket of Manchester’s people, and he felt safe. He was encircled by the electrif ying , stimulating atmosphere of the people’s buzz. Zavion was home. Zavion gasped in trepidation and terror as the crimson flames engulfed the defenceless house. Suffocating , ashen clouds of smoke emerged out of the windows. He didn’t loiter for a second more. He grabbed his scarf and snatched it across his face, he created a sturdy knot, so he was able to breathe and bolted inside. His eyes scanned around, examining the room for any people, just then he spotted a young child struggling to breathe. “Are you okay ? Can you hear me? Are you able to breathe?” He spoke calmly. He repeated this with all casualties. Zavion did not hesitate and brought the child out. “Help! Help!” He cried out. He assisted four others before tending to his own needs. He felt relieved as they were taken away by an ambulance. Zavion always looked up to his dad. He was his role model. He was his hero. In his eyes, he was the most intrepid, courageous man to ever live. He was a firefighter. He had encountered many difficult situations and had taught Zavion a few things. Zavion believed that his dad was the reason that he was able to save those people. He credited him for the skills that he had enhanced and the courage and selflessness.

187

Hooriya M, Yr8 I look up at the clock. Still forty more minutes. I groaned. As I looked down again my dark curly brown hair swooped in front of my eyes. I looked around. Like me, people seemed bored. I look back at the computer and wonder whether I should hack into the teacher’s computer and speed the time. I quickly thought better of it. I really don’t want another report saying ‘she could use her talents for other things not hacking into the school database’. I smirked. “Have you got something to share?” the teacher asked me. “No, Miss,” I quickly replied. She went back to doing the register. I could do it, but mum and dad would get annoyed. I decided against it. “Maria Evans” the teacher called out. “Yes, Miss,” I said. “Right class you now know what to do so get on with your tasks,” the teacher said. I sighed once more. “Maria!” the teacher snapped, “ Why aren’t you doing the work?” “I’ve already done it, Miss.” It was true while the teacher kept blabbering on for the past twenty minutes, I just did the work. 188

She blinked. “Right, well do the second task.” “Done that too,” I muttered, “I’ve done the entire booklet”. She blinked several times now. “Right, well then do the next booklet.” I sighed this was now actually getting boring. “I’ve done all the work from September until July”, I said with a smirk. She didn’t say anything for a few moments. Then she snapped. “Alright, I’m going to check and if you have not you will be spending the rest of your lunch time with me.” After a few minutes looking at her computer she looked up and said: “You may have of finished all the work, but I’ve assigned you two more tasks.” I looked at my screen and said: “Ok, Miss.” After a few minutes I had done it. I looked at the clock and eventually gave in. I quickly hacked into the school data base I was about to hack into the teacher’s computer, when I saw something odd. There was a different coding , but as I looked closer, I realised it was someone trying to hack into the school database. Of course, I can’t say anything I’m doing the same thing , but this was different. I quickly began to try and stop it, as I did though I gained information on whoever was doing it. But the coding also suggested that it wasn’t 189

someone inside the school. But I also gained knowledge on the hacker computer plans of some sort, but I was more interested in the hacker. I use the GPS to figure out where he was and he was in 53°29’39.1”N 1°47’25.7” W. Somewhere near Sheffield. “Maria, what on Earth are you doing ? You better not be hacking again, the bell’s already rung.” “There’s a hacker trying to get in the school database”. Silence. Then: “Stop telling lies Maria, now get up, you have a lesson to be in.” I didn’t budge. I wasn’t going to give in that easily. “Maria Evans, if you do not move, I will have to call the headmistress”. I didn’t answer. She went out and I carried on. “Maria, what on Earth are you doing ? A staff member has already asked you to lea—”. I cut her off. “Miss, someone is trying to hack into the school.” Silence. “Are you sure?” I blinked. “You believe me?” “You may be a bad student, but you have never told a lie.” I smiled. I quickly began to find his name, Kevin Poulsen. I then used the CPU and blew the computer up. I smirked. “There, he won’t be bothering anyone else.” The headteacher quickly called the police. They then followed my instructions on where to find him and they caught him just a few miles away from it trying to run.

190

They then came to the school and asked me a few questions, I answered them and then they said: “Did you gain any information?” I was about to say no but then I remembered the plans. I quickly changed my no into a yes, I showed them the plans. The police officer whistled. With this he could have got a load of information about the students and the teachers and sold it on the black market. For the next few hours, I was in a daze, when at the end of the last lesson just ten minutes before we had to go home the officers came in and told the entire class that I had stopped a dangerous hacker from gathering information that could have got you all kidnapped. And from that point on I went from being the least popular girl with no friends to the most popular girl with so many friends. But I hated it, they only wanted to be my friends so they could be popular too. But eventually it died down and I was happy even better was that when I finished school, I got a letter to come and join the MI6, they wanted me to hack into different places. I could do the thing l loved best and get paid for it!

191

Hajrah A, Yr8 Bonnie Bennett. A character. A witch. My hero. An inspiration. She is one of the most powerful witches of all. Behind the sadness and her problems she faces, she helps everyone and puts others before her. Swoosh. The streetlights flickered, Bonnie shivered. I’m here finally. Now I need to find Jeremy and talk to him. Excited and ner vous, Bonnie walked on the cobbled concrete, crossed the busy roads of Manchester and arrived at the grand apartment. “Jeremy, open up. It’s Bonnie, I’m here.” She loudly screamed in excitement but something just wasn’t right. To her horror, she saw Jeremy on the floor, dead. “No wake up, you can’t leave me!” she screamed helplessly as she tried to bring him back. “I could bring him back with magic but it will be risky.” Without hesitation, Bonnie took a huge sigh and breathed. PHESMATOS INCENDIA! Everything went dark. It felt as if time had stopped. “Bonnie wake up, what happened.” Jeremy sobbed. “She’s gone,” he sighed.

192

Ethan H, 12 A hero I look up to is Martin Luther King Jr. It isn’t an original idea but I think the speeches he said really inspired me to be the person I am today, and hundreds of times, but he will be remembered as a hero even a legend who said we will always look up to as these times and deser ves to be remembered until the end of times.

193

Nazneen AA, Yr8 It was 6.30 in the morning and Mrs Jackson’s alarm went off. She quickly got changed into her fabulous, glow-in-the-dark hero costume and went down for breakfast. She knew she had to be quick because someone was in danger! Every time Mrs Jackson’s alarm goes off she knows that someone needs her help. Mr Jackson, her husband, doesn’t know that his wife is the local hero! Can you believe that they have been married for almost 42 years and she hasn’t told him? Wow ! She jumped out of the house and jumped into her space car. Her space car is so cool. She has lights in the car to represent the stars, she has black interior for the blackness in Space but the coolest feature about the car is that it can fly ! So cool. To be a 55-year-old and still looking after the neighbourhood she deser ves a lifetime award. Mrs Jackson doesn’t save people all the time, she is also a librarian. She works at the local library reading books to children and primary schools. Oh boy, she is one busy 55 year-old.

194

Saffa NA, Yr8 One day in a town, there was a girl aged 14 and she was looking for a disc that had music on it in the attic. She saw a cookbook that lit up, so she went to go see what it is and then she opened the cookbook and it had very old, odd recipes and some ingredients that no one knew and at the front of the cookbook was a picture of three girls in the olden days. So she put the cook book next to the bed on the side and closed her eyes, trying to go to sleep then, the cook book glowed and made a magical sound. So she tilted her head and hid the book underneath her bed. The next day, she told her best friends to come to her house to bake one recipe because she wanted to try the recipe as they didn't look like normal recipes, but first they needed to get the ingredient that has never been heard before so they went to their friend’s café, Mama P's, and got the ingredient because Mama P's cafe has basically any ingredients. They tried one and it was called 'shut -them-up shortcake' so they baked it and the first piece they gave to Kelly's brother called Buddy and then he couldn't speak because the cakes name is 'shut-them-up shortcake' so then they realised that the cake made his mouth shut.

195

They have been investigating since then and so they thought that if they try another recipe they could learn more so than that's what they did and this time they made 'truth truffles' and then they gave it to Kelly's mum and then she had to go to apply for mayor so she went and then she told the truth to everything like she was walking past someone saying that “I don't like your shirt it is very disgusting and ugly” so then Kelly gave her mum another truffle and that cured it so she went and apologised and then she was being nice. After days of investigating she realised that the picture at the front of the cookbook of the three girls was her grandma, Mama P and Miss Silvers. They were best friends when they were younger but now they are not even friends. Kelly than showed the cookbook to her grandma and her grandma was shocked and took the book and then hid it, then after her grandma tried to burn down the book secretly by putting fire on it but the book wouldn't burn. Ten years before, Kelly's grandma tried to burn the book using magical ingredients but the book wouldn't burn down and she lost her voice by doing it and couldn't speak again. So for days and days she tried to burn the book down because she said it is too dangerous but the book would never burn down. Then one day she was alone with just Kelly and Kelly was asking for the cookbook because she wanted to investigate more but then Kelly's grandma spoke and said: "Kelly the book is too dangerous, don't go near the bo—" And didn't get to finish her word. Kelly then had tears in her eyes and started saying 'Grandma come 196

back, speak to me!' but her grandma didn't speak. Kelly than started investigating and went to Mama P's and Miss Silvers’ and started asking questions and they didn't speak, they were acting as if they didn't know what Kelly was going on about. One day, Kelly than snuck into Mama P's cafe and took the magical ingredients rom the back and started cooking more recipes so she could find out more. Soon Kelly knew everything she should and Kelly's grandma, Mama P and Miss Silver told everything. They said: “ We were the protectors of the book first and now you guys are and the book chooses who the protectors are.” So then Kelly tried everything to try to get her grandma to speak, she tried loads of recipes but none of them worked. Until one day, she made her own recipe and it cures all the spells everyone is under so Kelly told her friends to come over and bake the cake but they said no its too dangerous but Kelly said: “It's for Grandma, I'll do anything to get her back!” because Kelly loves her grandma so much. So then Kelly managed to persuade her friends to bake the cake with them and they listened so they baked the cake and gave her grandma a piece of cake and then she could talk and everyone was so happy because everyone loved her and then they celebrated and had a party and they had so much fun.

197

But then they realised that all the curses are back to normal. They panicked because when they were a bit younger they cursed a bad guy and since the day they cursed him nobody has seen him. So if all curses are back then Chuck is back! They were panicking so much that they started sweating…

198

Ayesha M, Yr8 It was so quiet you could only hear the pencils scribbling and pages flickering. There was a funny-looking teacher perched upon her seat eating biscuits. At this time of year Manchester was supposed to be ebullient with sweltering heat. But not today. Today was dark. “Oi” Tobias whispers to the girl next to him. He had standard school uniform on. A shirt, trousers, a green and white tie and a green blazer. “ What’s the answer to question 10?” he asks. “You’re so dumb,” Elena replies in a hushed voice. “You shouldn’t be speaking during a test! You both have detention next Saturday !” Miss Jenkins shouts. Everyone raises their heads towards them. Detention was in the library. There were four students in total. The library was quite spacious and had many bookshelves. Suddenly the door swings open with Miss Jenkins stood staring. Except this wasn’t Miss Jenkins. She was a Zombie. Her skin was green and she had a rip in her head that revealed her brain. They all stare in horror.

“Oh my god,” Amber slaps her hand over her mouth. Miss Jenkins comes walking towards them. Fear boiled their blood and fear rushed 199

through their veins. They all stand up quickly. “ We need to get out,” Tobias declares. “How are we going to do that ?” Kai questions. His voice was breaking as if he were about to cry. “Follow me,” Tobias waves towards them. Miss Jenkins was getting much closer. They all walk slowly and still around the tables. Elena walks hastily towards everyone else. They reach the door. Miss Jenkins follows them “Argh!” they scream in despair. They start running towards the stairs. Oh no, another teacher appears, Miss Smith. Zombie Miss Smith! They run the other direction. They run into one of the science classrooms. Tobias slams the door shut and locks it. They all pant breathlessly. “Are they zombies?” Elena squeals. Tobias walks over to one of the highchairs. He places it carefully under the door handle for extra protection. “ We need to get out, fast!” Tobias commands heroically. After twenty minutes there were no sign of any of them. They step out with Bunsen burners and lighters. “All clear” Tobias whispers. They creep down the hallway. Miss Jenkins! They stare at her fearfully. Tobias sets his Bunsen burner alight. Tobias hurls his towards her. Luckily her body sets on fire. 200

Screams come roaring out the fire. Something grips hold of Amber’s shoulder. “Hey !” She howls. It was Miss Smith! They turn around startled. Elena gives her Bunsen burner to Tobias. He sets it on fire. he runs towards Miss Smith and smashes it in her head. He grabs Amber back. “Come on let’s go!” He looks at both Miss Jenkins and Smith. They race towards the nearest escape door. They had been released from the school. They all sigh in relief. “Thank you, Tobias. Without you I would have been dead or worse - a zombie!” They all laugh.

201

Zainab N, Yr8 In the dead of night, one tiny little cockroach scuttled along a pipe and headed towards the delicious aroma of food that was wafting towards him. If cockroaches could talk this one could have been calling over his shoulder: “Hey come on everyone follow me this way !” Hundreds more cockroaches poured through the pipe behind him. The closer they got to the light and the whiff of the Tea Shop, the more their tiny legs picked up speed. The bugs spilled through the end of the pipe and hit the ground and dispersed. All the cockroaches came in every direction ready to explore their new home. Across the shelves, up the walls and over the tables they ran. It truly became the biggest cockroach party ever. The Tea Shop was packed with freshly baked cakes, biscuits, bread rolls iced buns and much more all placed in glass displays. The cockroaches were trying so hard but when the rats and mice came, they knew exactly what to do. A push here, a slide there, and all the tasty treats were free to be eaten. The whole Tea Shop was covered with creatures excitedly chewing and crunching. When Apple and Plum came downstairs, the last thing they expected was this. The Tea Shop was in terrible state. It was a disaster!

202

“The inspectors and mayor were due in the next half an hour!” said Apple in panicked voice. “Don’t give up we will think of something quickly,” assured Plum in a confident voice. Mayor Curdle was gleaming as ever. Looking at himself in the mirror he said: “ Well don’t I look gorgeous?” Roger and Walter gulped. They didn’t want to make the Mayor in a bad mood so Rodger hesitantly said: “You look very handsome indeed.” The Mayor was pleased by his answer, his plan was working perfectly. His dream was to build a big skyscraping tower where the Tea Shop was supposed to be. But the two sisters didn’t want to sell their parents’ local shop that everyone loved. The mayor was furious so he hatched a plan. If his plan worked, this would be the last day the Tea Shop would ever be open. Meanwhile, the two sisters were arranging the very last plate of cakes on a beautiful stand. Somehow, they had managed the impossible task of cleaning up the Tea Shop. The girls were exhausted but the whole place looked sparkling and almost like nothing happened. As the Mayor walked in Walter’s inspection team started searching and investigating. When then Apple asked: “As this is going to take a while Mayor, could I possibly tempt you try our lovely warm sticky brownie?” The Mayor agreed at ate the brownies. 203

Surprisingly, he loved it until Roger came and said “we couldn’t find anything Mayor Curdle”. The Mayor was furious and blurted out: “There must be something here. That was the plan!” Apple and Crumble laughed as they saw the Mayor walking off taking the batch of brownies with him. The sisters saved the shop and was still opened for business. But that’s not quite the end of the story you must be wondering what happened to the cockroaches and rats that invaded the Tea Shop. Well, first Plum trapped all the rats in boxes and sent it back to the food inspectors. And as for the bugs, let’s just say that when the sisters were making the brownies again, they added a special ingredient you won’t find in any cookbook ever!

204

Mariam O, Yr8 A cloud, ominous and black, wondering over the monstrous mountain released a sudden shower. All of a sudden, thunder came marching towards a nest of bees, which made the striped bees angry and start to attack me. Earlier, before that disaster happened, I was going for a run not knowing that there was a storm approaching me, clueless and unaware that I was behind a busy bee nest. As I was being attacked by the busy bees, in a blink of an eye my whole body was swollen with how many bees have stung me. Magically the clouds dried and the bright sun came out and focused on a large, masculine body in a white jumpsuit and a strange looking helmet that had a net around it. My peeking eyes noticed that in one of his hands he was holding a box of toxic equipment, smelling the strong smell of the mysterious spray made me dizzy but as quickly I realised that all the bees were drifting away from me. The anonymous figure put them in the box to calm them down and gave me a frigid ice bag to make the pain fade. He removed the mask from his face and I was surprised to see that it was my dad. My dad is my hero. He is my hero because he is a brave, hardworking and selfless man, he worked really hard to give us a good education and to make sure we would sleep without being hungry.

205

He made sure that we had a roof over our heads and that we slept comfortably and waited until we would sleep so he can go to bed knowing that we are okay. He pushes me to get good grades so I can have a good future and to never have to go through what he experienced in his past. I know a secret that my dad has never told me, it’s that he wouldn’t get himself food unless he bought us some with him, and that he did want the rest of the dessert but he always put his kids before himself, which is why I love my dad. I need to make him proud and so he doesn’t think that he did an awful job trying to raise me to be happy and successful in life.

206

Asma S, Yr8 Standing tall and proud with her arms crossed, smiling joyfully as she has helped people achieve what they wanted, she is a comforting character and listens to your problems. Her hair is golden blonde, fire burning brighter than the sun on a summer day. The town she lives in is alarming where murders happen a lot. A car zooming as fast as lightning , hit a girl and she had blood all over her. “Ow !” cried out the girl who got hit by a car. Caroline, my hero, has amazing hearing as she is a vampire. “Are you okay?” yelled Caroline with fear in her eyes. “Here drink my blood,” stated Caroline, as her blood can heal others. “Thank you so much, you saved my life,” replied the girl with relief.

207

Bibihawa S, Yr8 It was a windy and stormy day in Cheetham Hill. You guys might be wondering where this place is. Well this is my street and this is where I live. Well, by the way, I am Flo. Anyway, back to what happened. Everyone was running home to be safe. The trees were dancing in the wind. The flowers could not hold themselves to the ground. People were running in all directions keeping their heads down. Then suddenly, out of nowhere everything and everyone stopped. Except me. What was this ? What could have happened? I went to check and no one was moving. They were like statues. Then I saw something flying in the sky. That did not look like a bird. That looked like a man! No, I can’t believe that. Just as I was going to run from that place the flying man landed right in front of me. But he landed with a thud and smashed the concrete pavement. Crash. I got scared and I went back just to be on the safe side. The flying man was tall and had a yellow and black suit on that had the two letters CH on it. I ran away from there and everything started to move again. I didn’t see but a car came racing at me and I was about 208

to get hit when the car stopped and Mr Flying guy got me and put me back on the pavement. He told me not to be scared and he said his name was Mr Chap Chap. I was shocked and he flew away as fast as lightning. When he went they started to move again and everything was back to normal. That Mr Chap Chap was really brave.

209

Rumaisa K, Yr8 As the sun shines down and the night goes by, another new day in Manchester. The lush, green trees stand tall prouder than ever. The chatter of the crowd gives the morning feel of a typical day in Manchester. Shops start to slowly open and everything’s back in business! Another cloudy yet cheerful day. Nothing brings down Manchester’s smiles! A blanket of sunshine covers the whole of the city. The cars zoom pass as children walk to school. There is one thing that brings down Manchester though. All these helpless homeless people. If only us as individuals treated everyone equally. It is that one thing that would complete Manchester. As the school bells rings, children rush outside of the school gates. What better than a Friday afternoon? A girl named Emily is walking home from school with her friends, Katie and Rachel. As they all giggle, they pop into McDonald’s to get an after school meal. As they walk out, they notice some adults donating to the homeless people and it was at that moment they really felt they needed to help so Emily suggested: “ Wait, come on guys, let’s go back into McDonald’s I need to get something.”

210

Katie and Rachel follow Emily into McDonald’s with huge confusion. Emily then buys a chicken wrap with some water. They cash out and walk out. Rachel asks: “ We’re only three people, why did you buy another wrap?” Emily replies: “So, you see those adults that just helped that homeless man it touched me really hard so I thought why not help him out ?” Katie says: “Um, ok but you just wasted your money.” They approach the helpless man and Emily hands the wrap and water over to him. As tears roll down his cheeks he says: “You don’t know what this means to me this truly means a lot to me thank you so much have a nice day !” Katie and Rachel still didn’t get why Emily wasted her money on a homeless man. They continue making their way home. As they are walking , Rachel goes home and then eventually Katie goes home as well. At this time, you can hear lots of chatter in Manchester but around Emily’s home it’s quite quiet. As she continues to walk home she notices a narrow alleyway she start walking in she could see a black shadow in the distance of the alley way. As she get closer and closer, she begins to panic she gets closer and realises it’s a man in a black hoodie, all black. She knew what that meant. She started to run for her life! But then this one life-changing event happened. The homeless man that she helped earlier ends up behind the man in all black he starts to attack the man who was trying to hurt Emily. As Emily runs to her house faster than ever, she tells her parents 211

and sibling what had happened. Around twenty minutes after, the homeless man knocks on Emily’s door. Emily goes to open the door and she finds herself in tears. The homeless man said: “Hi, thank you for helping me earlier, it meant a lot to me so I decided to help you by the way my name is Luke!” As they both start to cry they promised that they would meet up every single day after school to say hi. This just goes to show helping others not only makes you feel good but it helps others and who knows, you might end up in this situation as well.

212

Marwah, Yr8 I woke up rubbing my eyes lazily as the sun shone through the gaps of my azure blue curtains. I had just woken up from a bizarre dream about white cats. Bandits still roamed about in my head. I quickly shook my head to forget about it as I looked at the clock. It was half past seven already. I jumped out of bed, grabbed my school clothes and rushed to the toilet to get ready. After minutes that seemed like hours fixing my hair and brushing my teeth I came to go down to eat breakfast. “Sarah! How long are you going to take in there? Come have your breakfast.” called out my mum. “Coming , Mum!” I yelled back as I ran down the stairs. I came downstairs to find that my sister was wearing my hair band with little red things coloured in them which I thought seemed to be flowers. “Ahem” I did a little cough to get her attention. A few seconds later and she was still peacefully eating away at her breakfast. “Ahem!” I cleared my throat again but slightly louder. She was still munching away at her cornflakes. “AHEM! Why are you wearing my blue headband? How many times do I have to find you wearing my things and then tell you off ? Can you not keep something in your head for once without it flying out of the other ear ?” 213

I bellowed unable to control my anger. My start to the day had certainly not been the best and I hoped it would get better soon. When Sophia and I were finally ready and had our backpacks and books ready too. We head outside only to feel the cold harsh wind blowing right at our faces and the rain showering down on our heads. I forced myself through the heavy rain and the strong wind and, after a few minutes, when I was three streets away from my house in the distance I seemed to see a white cat far in the distance yonder. As I came closer to it I figured it had very fluff y white hair that reminded me of candyfloss and clouds. It looked like it was lost, and perhaps sick too. I wasn’t sure what to do with it so I picked it up. As it purred softly in my arms I wrapped it with my scarf. Soon enough, an unbelievably long and white car just like the cat drove towards me as if it was expecting something. A lady with pink leather leggings and a fluff y white coat and a sky-blue shawl wrapped around her stepped out of the car looking like she was ready for a fancy-dress party. As soon as her eyes set upon the lost cat she jumped and squeaked and unexpectedly ran towards me with her arms open. For a second, I thought she was charging at me but she then slowly and softly took the cat from me and thanked me several times before calling me a hero. A smile grew across my face as I thought that maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

214

Nawal F, Yr8 As I rode my bike to school, alone, I glanced over and saw someone, or something , swinging in the distance. From building to building they flew, they seemed familiar. Looked like they were helping people, like our own local superhero. I guess we needed one, not everything’s perfect here in Manchester. I wonder who that is? They’re wearing some sort of suit to disguise themselves. After thinking hard about it, I carried on riding to school, and thankfully got there on time. It was pretty rainy today, I nearly slipped while riding my bike. I got through the first few lessons and got to lunch time. Later on, Peter walked in and quickly ran to his table, hoping he wouldn’t get caught, I don’t think he was very lucky though. “Excuse me, where have you been all day? You aren’t marked in on any of your lessons,” the teacher said concerned. “Oh um I—I had a family emergency, sorry, Miss.” “ Very well, you will still be marked in absent now sit down and get on with the work please.” He quickly put his head down and got on with the work but I saw his notebook. It looked strange. 215

Well I’ve had enough of strange today, I’ll just ignore it. I just couldn’t help wondering what’s going on today. After school, I decided to take a walk around town, I went to some shops. I wanted to see if something else was up. I knew I would find something. Suddenly half of the building that I’m in collapses. It was the most terrif ying moment of my life. I quickly ran over to make sure no one was hurt. I’m 100% sure something’s wrong here. I went outside to check it out, and there they were, it looked like … Spider-Man? I was so confused, I started to feel dizzy, and I fainted. Fifteen minutes later I woke up frightened by what was in front of me. Again, Spiderman, but not just him this time. It felt like I was in a movie. All I could hear was petrified and terrified screams. “ Who are you guys? And what’s happening ? Where am I?” “ We found you outside town unconscious, well, Pete—I, I mean Spiderman did.” “I am a hero. An undercover, secret hero. I have kept who I am a secret from the rest of Manchester. I always love helping people in this diverse and cultural city. Every day, after school me and Peter go around Manchester to see if anyone needs help. Sometimes they let me try on a suit but I’ll admit I’m not the best at swinging from building to building , although the group does see a certain potential from me. So far no one suspects anything about our identities, let’s just hope it stays that way...” 216

Nusrat B, Yr7 The energetic city of Manchester buzzed with vital lively people who worked with animation and ambition, determined to yet do another good deed. There were all sorts of things in the busy street: Victorian buildings that stood elevated, colossal and grand, the contrasting tune of footsteps echoing , hinting people’s moods and their resoluteness. The content, ecstatic murmurs and laughter of people with exultant, exhilarated, elated personalities. But most of all, out of anything , it was the way they were somehow connected together, like one big family, caring for others and helping someone when they felt that they could go no longer. But though everyone believed in equality, she couldn’t shake away the feeling that she was an outsider, that she didn’t belong in this place, that she couldn’t be connected to everyone else like a jigsaw puzzle. The shops nearby welcomed warmly, showing off each other’s ideas and products of what they were selling , as if to show how one could do so well at making intruders fascinated and impressed at the way the shop was managed. She was lightly built, Lucy, with chestnut brown hair up to her shoulders that smelled of sweet cherries, gorgeous green eyes that were full of mystery and always curious, and pale cheeks that indicated that she was tired and couldn’t sleep the night before. She 217

made her way in a fast pace, but also tried not to show the excitement that was growing at the tip of her toes. She turned right to see people staring at her with a bizarre, inquiring look as if searching for an explanation of what a 12-year-old was doing in a quiet, silent street. But they were the usual people that she came across every day for the past two years. Ignoring them, she hastily turned left to face a soundless alleyway and looked back and forth, waiting for someone to pop in and say “I have got you!” But as usual, no one came which was actually good news to her. For what she was going to do not next was a secret and very confidential. What would it be this time? Obedient golems who obeyed the Dark Lord’s rules ? Or a hideous cyclops whose creativity was actually quite overwhelming ? But then, it has to be a man-eating , vicious ogre? No, it might as well be a merciless gorgon, that can turn her into stone with just one look? But whatever it was, the fun had just begun. She slowly got the key out of her locket and unlocked a hidden door that no one would have guessed was there. It was time for her to be a hero and save Manchester from violent mythical creatures. She was a hero who no one ever knew about but also someone who everybody would want. She thought those great thoughts as she fell face forward in the sky, in another peculiar world, full of unknown heroes that no one knows about. Now we see that there are in fact many people in this world who are great heroes and to be a great one, you don’t have to be famous. 218

Somayya H, Yr8 It was a chilly Thursday afternoon in January. The kind of afternoon where all you want to do is stay toasty-warm in your bed wrapped up in your blanket looking like a burrito. Becky, a normal college student, was stressed about how much work had to be done this week and there is still school tomorrow. “Ugh! I am failing so many classes! What to do, what to do? I know, I will call Sam she can help me.” Notification. “Huh? A notification?” “BREAKING NEWS - there is new robber in town and they are heading to Cheetham Hill right now as we speak!” Oh my god, is that Aunt Marie? Mum! Dad! You need to check the news right now ! Aunt Marie is on there! Oh no what to do now ?” As her thoughts filled up her mind, she gets her trainers and dashes out of the house onto the street whilst listening to the news on her phone. She is heading to Cheetham Hill to stop her aunt. When she has Aunt Marie in sight something stops her. Something very suspicious and shocking. There are now men dressed in black running after Aunt Marie! We need a hero to save the day. 219

Halima K, Yr8 Johnny Williams is a shopkeeper by day, and hero by night. I am the only one who knows about his job. Other people think he is a simple shopkeeper, but I know that that is far from the truth. He helps people with simple actions on a daily basis. He likes to think of himself as a modest man, but I have seen the way he saves Manchester from villains, monsters and so much more the public think aren’t real or have gone extinct. One day, Johnny was just doing his job as a shopkeeper, and suddenly, a robber came lively into the shop. There was terror and violence in his voice, he had a gun with him, and he said: “Get down, all of you!” He screamed. All the customers in the shop screamed and shouted. “You!” He pointed the gun towards Johnny, cocking the gun. “ Where’s the money?” He questioned Johnny. “You won’t be getting that today, Sir,” he calmly told the robber. Just then, a shining light came from him. “My good Sir, who are you?” a customer asked Johnny. “I am still the shopkeeper that works here every day.” “B-But, you are such a simple man! How did you turn from that into a superhero!?” 220

Johnny ignored the customer’s question and walked to the robber, the gun still in the villain’s hand. “Give me the gun, and get out of here, and no one will be hurt.” “Ha! As if, come on, I’m not playing around, give me the money or I’ll shoot this gun and kill everyone here!” Johnny was angry now, so he sprouted his cape which helped him to fly and took the robber by his legs. “Hey ! Put me down this instant!” The robber cried. Johnny had forgotten about the gun, so he quickly took it out of the robber Alex’s hand and squished it with one hand. Luckily, Johnny had some duct tape in his pocket from stocking up and boxing things, so made Alex levitate, and put tape on his mouth. “MMF!” Alex muffled. “Shut up, you’re going to jail, Sir.”

221

Charlotte P, 12 Dear Diary, My life is so crazy at the moment. So it all started when I was bitten by a spider, after I felt strange. I was faster than normal and had what can only be described as super powers. Anyway I started to help solve crimes as I was faster and could catch people quicker than the police and was given the name Spiderman. So one day I was helping someone who was getting robbed when I heard lots of exceedingly loud screams and cries for help. I went to look to see what was going on when I saw a huge figure marching and crushing buildings. In the city on the highest building was the Duke and his soon-to-be Duchess and their families. It was manic. Screaming people running but the figure was going for the Duke. I couldn’t let that happen. I quickly chased over to the building but no, the figure got there before me and swooshed his big robot arms. Now I could see the figure it was a tremendously large purple robot. But there’s no time to think about that, the Duchess was falling from the top of the extremely large building. The other family members were safe now I had to save her. I used my powers and spun a web to catch her in and caught her. She was ever so grateful, and that’s when I met Darcy...

222

Helen B, Yr7 When I’m older I’m going to be an explorer and to my best friend I’m going to say come away with me lets go further. We will go and explore the world. Our world. We can be eagles in our next life, just come away with me. We can go far away from here, just join me in my flatbed Ford and they will show us the way. When it’s dark we can watch the sunset under the blanket my grandmother knitted. Then you fall asleep in my arms after a day of country radio with singing at the top of our voices. But those days have an end, and this generation dies off in my next life. I wish to make a change in someone’s life and show them the magic of the sunset, of each wave of the sunflowers in France and the culture in Istanbul (not Constantinople anymore). That’s my wish. When I’m older I will become a mother, I will name her, my child, Roseline, and we can be best friends. I will show her the ways of life and the ways we can be lionesses for the next life, though now we are eagles and I will say come away with me, my darling , we can come far from here. I will show you the way, join me under my wing as we soar through the mountains in Switzerland, we can rest on the top of Dents Du Midi.

223

I will show her the church under the blanket of snow, as I remember my best friend, I have a single tear rolling down my eye. I say to Roseline this is your home now this is your life. I need to go to mine. Obviously, I’m sad that I abandoned her but she is a young adult she will find her way as I found mine. For my next life I would want to be a leader and I would like to be a scavenger – I think I would be good at that. As I wake up, I find six little cubs bouncing on my stomach and I find them being happy. As I go to the water fall with them, I realise I can be loving once again and I love these six cubs splashing themselves with water and I smile and say we have a long day ahead. As I say this, I think I am old. This is my life. This is my calling to the light. I was an explorer. I was a mother and I was a loving lion, whatever that means. All I am going to say I wish I was wise. Wish for happiness not wealth. As I see the oceans coast lines in my life, at my home I see the border lines. This is my other side here are my sights unseen my land unknown.

224

Tola W “ Who did you sit with at lunch today?” I asked him. “Nobody,” he responded, staring down at his worn shoes. “ Why ?” I questioned, almost immediately after the words left his chapped lips. “No one will sit with me, but I like to be by myself, I can think easily.” “Oh,” I whisper as tears well up in my eyes. Adam H is very tall for his age, with coarse brown hair, green-brown eyes, and a bright smile painted on his face. He always says “I’m not into fashion, I’m not into fashion!” whenever I scold his clothing choices. Most days you will see him wearing a worn t-shirt from a vacation spot my family has travelled to, and athletic sweatpants or faded jeans. His voice is warm and sweet, some quality makes it almost impossible to ignore. I can’t tell you how much I love that kid. Everyone can remember the person in their class that was made fun of daily. Most people even enjoy joining in on the teasing ritual. Normally it is Adam who is directly or indirectly being hurt without his even knowing it or knowing all too well that there is something wrong. He does have something wrong with him, but I would never say that is wrong or his fault. The dictionary might say that it is ‘a 225

developmental disorder’ of ‘variable severity’ that is characterised by ‘difficulty in social interaction and communication’ and by ‘restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour’, but when you live with someone who suffers and shines with autism it is a very different concept. Adam has autism, but most days I don’t even think about that. I only think of how lucky and how much I have changed by having Adam as a brother. I watch my peers every day, and I have changed. As if I see things through a different lens than those around me. To say that Adam has changed my life is an understatement. Adam has done so much more for me, my parents, and anyone who comes in acquaintance with him. He has taught us unconditional love and a never-ending patience for others going through his hardships. I have experienced at lot in my life through Adam, some days I wonder how I am able to continue. A little light warms my soul to travel on through the dark. Adam is that light for me. He is special in many more ways than one. He gives me ideas to grow off of and to build onto. Adam is my brother, my hero in life, and I love him very much.

226

Ahsham A, Yr7 The Electrical Hero Julian hastily packed his bag , realising that he was late for school again. He slipped his feet into his shoes, not bothering to fasten the laces. He swung his backpack around so fast that it walloped him in his back causing him to stumble forwards. He inserted his key into the door and the lock clicked. He left the house, quickly asking his mum to lock the door behind him. Julian continued to walk, checking his watch. It was 08.13 and he had to get to school by 08.30. Time was tight, he knew that he had to sacrifice his energ y and begin to run. That’s exactly what he did. “I can make it, I can make it.” Julian kept on convincing himself that he would be able to reach school in time. Eventually, Julian had to stop running as his legs were screaming and were begging him to slow down. Julian continued to travel to school, as fast as he could. As he walked, he was intrigued by a low buzz sound coming from a building with a few wires dangling from the edge. 227

He walked towards the building and noticed that the low buzz was actually the sound of crackling electricity, but from afar it sounded like a buzz. He walked towards the building , cautious of the wires. He frowned. “Oh my god,” he began, “how can this be? Why can I hear words from the crackling ?” Julian was utterly baffled. He couldn’t believe that he could hear words coming from the wires of electricity. “Hmmm,” began the crackle, “you can’t believe?” Julian’s jaw dropped as the crackling continued. “How can you not believe if it’s happening right in front of you?” Julian opened his mouth to speak, but it took a long time for him to find his voice. “Uh, I, who are you?” said Julian in a baffled tone. There was a hiss of a crackle. “I am electricity.” Julian mouthed something inaudible. Julian’s expression said everything about his feelings: pure bafflement. “But, how can electricity speak?” There was another low crackle. “ Well, that’s because I also exist in you. All of the signals your brain emits, all of the signals that your heart generates, it is all electricity. This means that electricity has consciousness. I am aware of the world, because now electricity is worldwide. I’m pretty impressed by you, you noticed my voice straight away despite the fact that you were running late for school. 228

You are also lucky, because I can control time. I can do a lot with time: I can rewind it, fast forward it, make it pass differently in different places. I think you need to be fast, so I will slow time down for you, but make it pass normally for all the other people and don’t worry, no one will notice. However, I haven’t unlocked time travel.” “Thank you so much, you are my hero.” There was a hiss. “I wouldn’t exist without you humans. So, thank you.”

229

Ellie-May H, 13 I look up to Louis Tomlinson because he is the strongest person I know. He lost his mum to cancer in 2016 and a year later his sister died yet he’s still able to be him and produce music for millions of people who look up to him. Louis is my hero because he’s been through so much and taught us all it’ll be okay. He checks up on us all every week by tweeting and telling us what he’s been up to. With all the hate he gets, he’s the strongest boy I know as well as the rest of One Direction.

230

Kaitlin S, 13 Iron Man is the hero because he saved the universe from Thanos by going back in time with the rest of the Avengers to get crystals before Thanos and then he died by clicking his fingers to bring everyone back.

231

Lucy H, 12 A Day in the life of a NHS worker I wake up early in the morning , 6am, to my alarm going off to start another day of work. I get dressed into my tunic, face mask, face covering , full body suit and shower cap to keep my hair up. I walk outside with the moon still out and sun still tucked in. After a full busy day of helping clients.

232

Cordell W, 12 I’m Damon, a vampire I am immortal the only way I can die is by a piece of wood, a stake. He has super strength and speed.

233

Jake C, 12 My superhero is immortal and when you need him he comes to your rescue. They are also super strong and super-fast.

234

Amelia A, 12 Dear Diary, Today I had a very crazy day. In case you didn’t know, I love Ella Fitzgerald and her music, and I actually met Ella a few months ago, and we’re really good friends. Anyway, today I came across her and she seemed really stressed and upset, so I asked her what was going on, and in case you didn’t know, Ella is Black, and a beautiful plussized woman and she told me what happened. Basically she wanted to perform at this club, but they wouldn’t let her because of her skin colour and weight! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing so I barged in the club and told them that if they let her perform I’ll model at the front of the club for a week and bring other celebrities to their club and they agreed! -Marilyn Monroe

235

Talha G, 13 Chlorophyll As I glided through the sweet, scented breeze, Shining Beauty with hazel eyes galloped through the air, sprinkling a touch of charm in the ambience. I smiled a smile, witnessing the flowers, unique and colourful, dancing with the air. The sunny sun glistened its brilliance of vividness, the flowers presenting the aromatic scent of luxury. Gently, I held a love (also known as a rose) and looked deep down into one of its leaves, gazing at the tiny structure of the chlorophyll as gratitude engulfed me. Today, as the clouds kiss the picturesque sky, I’m going to share with you a very valuable lesson about the under-rated chlorophyll which many mermaids don’t appreciate, yet it is filled to the brim with Mother Nature’s beauty and elegance. Because without chlorophyll, the true magnificence of nature will vanish, leaving the world in complete dullness. For without nature, we are nothing , not even a speck of dust, and as they always say : “Colours are the smiles of nature.” If I had one wish, it is to stay always like this, living quietly in a 236

corner of nature, adoring Mother Nature’s unique and fine details, one of which is chlorophyll. It may sound a bit complex but trust me, the way this tiny organelle within the cells of plants work and the lessons we can derive from it will leave you stunned by the true glory of nature and its complexity. Chlorophyll is the food producer of the cell and it’s the pigment that gives plants their green colour. It soaks up the energ y from sunlight and creates a chemical reaction, with the help of carbon dioxide and water, to produce sugar (glucose) and oxygen gas which you, I and all living things breathe in. In short, carbon dioxide and water (in the presence of sunlight) is converted into oxygen and glucose, in the chlorophyll. Without the chlorophyll, plants would be left like the rest of us, to eat what they find. Instead, they hold out their green palms and catch light. If there is magic in the world, surely this is it ? The descendants of tiny creatures in leaves, capable of ingesting the sun. We can abstract a beautiful lesson from this. Imagine you are the chlorophyll. Firstly, the chlorophyll absorbs energ y from the sun’s rays. For us, this is when we start to absorb endless knowledge about success from reading numerous types of books that will benefit us in the future. At the same time, carbon dioxide and water are absorbed by tiny holes being present in the leaves. For us, this is when we soak up motivational lectures and biographies of successful people and their mistakes so we can influence ourselves and make connections to our own lives. 237

Next, molecular reactions happen – carbon dioxide and water is converted into oxygen and glucose – happen inside the chlorophyll. For us, this is when we start to understand the value of time and how precious it is. It’s when we begin to enlighten our hearts by signalling for a more enjoyable and healthier life, filled with unique and newly polished pearls, transforming from inferior to superior. After that, oxygen diffuses from the tiny holes in the leaves. For us, this is when we get rid of things like jealousy, laziness, selfishness, impoliteness and all the other harmful things, diffusing them from our minds. It’s when we grow and develop into better mermaids than yesterday, sprouting seeds of exotic flowers filled with the soul’s enchantment, blossoming in nature. Finally, glucose is transported to different parts of the plant which the plant uses for growth and nourishment. For us, this is when we input all the knowledge and wisdom we soaked up in our body, emitting beautiful, positive vibes that will change the way we look at life. So you see, chlorophyll connects to every meal and every food a mermaid consumes. And if you truly admire nature, you will find infinite delicacy everywhere. By implementing these lessons from the chlorophyll into our day-to-day lives, I can promise you that your life, will change in a way that will leave you immersed in knowledge, success, love, and hope. And this is why the chlorophyll, is my hero.

238

Poojitha V, 11 Dear Diary, This morning , me and my brother woke up and went to the window. It was bright and sunny, so at breakfast – which was pancakes with golden syrup on top – we both decided that we should go and play outside in the garden before our bath. Like we had planned, me and my brother both went and played in the garden, yesterday we played catch with our basketball, today we decided to play football, we both spent so much time playing outside that we didn’t even remember to go back inside for our bath. It was only when Mum had called from the kitchen that it was bath time, that we realised it was time to go to bath. First, she called my brother. I sat in the garden humming rhymes whilst prodding the green grass which danced at the slightest swish of the occasional wind. Thirty minutes later, I heard Mum’s voice from the bathroom calling me to come upstairs. I did what she told me, I locked the back door just in case and came upstairs. I went and got my T-shirt and a pair of leggings and went to the bathroom. Mum was already there, she was making my bath ready. Two minutes later, the water in the bath was covered in an icing

239

made of bubbles. She went downstairs and called Aunt Susan to come, and babysit us whilst Mum went to the shops. It was then, I hadn’t realised that the soap was in my eyes. I was shouting for Mum to come. Seconds later, Mum rushed upstairs and saw what I had done. I couldn’t see anything. My eyes were burning. Mum took me to the A&E department. They gave me medicines and it wasn’t till 4 o’clock in the evening until the burning pain had stopped. I finally managed to open my eyes. I saw a white ceiling. I was wearing a dressing gown which was certainly not mine. I got up and looked around the room I was in. It was covered in rainbows and animals such as giraffes. I realise where I was now, the doctors had brought me into this room for treatment. I saw eyedroppers beside my bed and had poured some liquid substance into my eyes to stop it from burning. Just then, a doctor came into the room and smiled when she saw that I was alright. I looked at her badge, it said that she was called Dr Wilson. Then Mum and my brother came in. And surprisingly Dad too, I thought that he must have gotten a leave from work. They all smiled too. I also smiled and thought of the NHS heroes. We all came home and there was Aunt Susan, she hurried towards me and picked me up. She was so happy to see me alright. I liked Aunt Susan, she always let us do what we wanted just as long as we were in 240

the house and she always brought us sweets. This time, it was me and my brother’s favourite, eclairs. It wasn’t just a normal eclair, it was a ginormous eclair, it filled the size of my little palms. We all played in the garden together and watched T V, Mum and Aunt Susan went into the kitchen to make dinner. It was jacket potato with baked beans. We had to go to bed as it was one hour past bedtime. Mum is coming to my room to read my bedtime story. Good Night.

241

Anmaar S, Yr9 Marcus Rashford is very humble, He remembered when his tummy used to rumble. He reminded all the parents in his town To never back down. He reminded all the children that they were worth more than gold And he made sure that there food wasn’t cold. He was every parent’s hope. He made sure they didn’t fall down the slope.

242

Asdallah M, Yr9 Today and all day they marked my work, Every day on their feet to ensure we learn, Always working hard with selfless thoughts, Cheering up the dull minds of our youth, Helping others with a positive mind, Eating the minimum to make the change, Reading the news to ensure our safety, Safety of ours, with no thought of theirs.

243

Huzaer A, Yr9 A Day in the life of Captain Tom Moore While trudging through heatwave, to give a hope of message. He was 100 years of age we admired him who gave up his time to raise £35 million pounds for the hard-working NHS whenever we needed him to walk one more lap. For good causes, for new hopes to exceed our expectations. Not only going through pain and time, fighting for our country, helping the country. His work ethic, his humble attitude makes him an icon for young people. Young people that need a motivation. The will to succeed and acting as a smiling face behind the pandemic.

244

Ismaheel S, Yr9 NHS Heroes Never ending hours, working all day, Helping the ill working away, Saving lives every day.

245

Kamille, Yr9 Captain Sir Tom Moore He’s old and wise Kind heart and kind eyes No matter how old, He stood tall in pride. Yes he was diligent Yes he persisted No matter what He held his head up high. He was a beacon of hope, Light to our dark. When times were though He taught our nation to never give up

246

Maryam A Day in the Life of an NHS Worker “Brr Brr!” There goes the alarm again, I think to myself. The children are fast asleep with my face swollen up from the gazillion masks from work. I get up once again and slowly creep through the door. As I walk past, I can tell they started to wake up. Rushing I prepare breakfast, my only meal of the day. Back into my room, now I’ve already started putting on my NHS uniform, a badge I wear with pride and joy. The smiles of those I’ve helped to save or even their last words are all I acknowledge at work. Last week, an elderly lady, 91, told me about her life and treated me like the grandmother I never had. I can’t wait to see her once again today. Even at such an old age she always manages to smile and laugh, knowing she doesn’t have long left. That’s the thing with patients, once they get discharged its either to go home or to rest forever. I tie up my hair and pet my dog , trying not to wake her up whilst also trying to reach for my keys. But I missed a step and woke up Sniff. Yes a very childish name, but my daughter Alice named her. She’s only six, what do you expect ?

247

Fast forward, I’ve given Sniff food and headed towards the front door. Turning the keys to leave, Alice came clashing forward. Tears running down her soft cheeks, eyes red and hair a mess. My heart’s already aching for her but I reassure her “Everything will be alright! Lea is coming to babysit. I heard she’s bringing a surprise? Be a good girl now” I say patting her matted hair. Lea has already arrived and now I can finally head to work. The hardest part of being a single mum. I’m finally at work. I wish everyone a good morning and head to Elizabeth’s world skipping in my path, as I see bed folded up neatly and her name plate. The silence is deafening. “Rest in peace,” I manage to swallow the lump. Just an ordinary life of an NHS worker.

248

Mohammed U Day in the Life of an Marcus Rashford Marcus Rashford, an inspirational footballer, has raised a lot of food against poverty among children. Rashford’s actions have been an act of kindness and is helping thousands of lives throughout the UK. Although Rashford is an inspirational figure for his campaign, he is a hero for a number of reasons. He has been a legend for his magic on the pitch, and an icon for young people who want to make a successful difference. We are trapped in a troubling post-pandemic world, but our society will benefit from the outstanding example he sets.

249

Reer A Local Heroes The NHS are heroes. The heroes that save us from diseases, cancers, and pandemics. On Thursday we clap for the NHS for all their hard work. The NHS also gets discounts, vouchers etc. People we gathering in houses and going out. This makes the NHS so much better. Two meters’ distance, no one is following the rule. This has to change urgently. Millions of people have died in the UK. This number has to decrease. Now that the vaccine is out the numbers are really decreasing help this up. Co-operate with the NHS.

250

Safa, Yr9 My Local Heroes “Do you know any local heroes or what one is like?” Stepping out of the door, approaching the infected area. Sacrificing themselves for those who need them. Putting the vulnerable before themselves, but still are not recognised enough. Wrapped in sheets, undressing their faces ready for a 12+ hour shift. Dressed in plastic bags and blue gloves with plastic visors. Suffocating themselves for the community. Either this or inhaling infectious air. Which one would you take? Some of the key workers who have the time to think about themselves righteously want a pay rise as their hours have surely increased significantly. As a result, they get 1% pay rise. This is a joke, in comparison to MPs who are gaining a ridiculous amount. I do not need to explain you know how risky it is to step into the intensive care unit in a time like this. The minimum the government can do for the NHS workers is to give them what they deser ve as they are not asking for extra but what they have tirelessly earnt. But no, they only deser ve a clap every Thursday at 8pm in the government’s perspective. 251

Shanza, Yr9 Local Heroes As the machine beeps, staggering lines, news spreading sympathy, trying to save lives. Pressure swallowing me, risks as the sign of hope, hands shaking , working in layers of sheets. Thoughts provoking my mind, consistent birds chirping for answers, with my inner feelings swarming with questions. Families at stake, sorrows deepening , but now I’ve got my answer. Aid those counting on us aid those of our nation, aid those who are helpless,

252

I have unlocked my answer. I am proud to be part of it. I am proud to be part of the NHS, Now I’ve got my answer, in the times where I’m needed most.

253

Zain B, Yr9 Dear Diary, I can’t believe what I’m hearing ! In this day and age, food poverty is still a thing ! When people plead for help, the government does a magic act and disappears. This disgusts me! It’s in times of hardship like this, we have to pull together and unite as a community and help others in their time of need. Working all hours just to scrape together a tiny meal for their kids – how is that even remotely fair to all these hard-working parents ? I know the struggle. On pungent buses all day, scrimping and scraping to get basic toiletries. And who’s fault is that ? The government’s. What good is money just sitting there, when it could be changing lives or even changing the world for the better ? Food vouchers and food parcels need to be distributed to these poor, vulnerable families. Change must take place and these poor families will get their deser ved help! Sincerely, Marcus Rashford

254

Shamayam K, Yr8 The sun was warm. When he opened his eyes from his two to three hours of sleep, the sun was directly overhead. The shining sun set a joyful and cheerful atmosphere as he grinned from ear to ear. Though many illnesses were trying to devour his body he still didn’t surrender, he still didn’t let it ruin his day and continued to live a happy life till the end. He always woke up his daughters with a faint kiss on the cheek and grinned. His work was a stress working about 12-18 hours a day and struggling to find customers due to the pandemic and the grim virus but it was all that he could do to support his family and he was willing to do anything for them. His heart was overflowing with love and care for everyone although his life was rough at the start by losing his parents and him and his brother floating apart it all seems as a blur as he had his family with him. Though he was working full time as a taxi driver he still had time to make appetising food and after they came from school he welcomed them with a big hug and kiss on the cheek and fed them all well. Soon after his wife came home from her long day at work he continued his job until late night and came home and caught a glimpse of his family sleeping away peacefully.

255

Little did he know it would be one of the last times he would see them, little did he know he would have to leave his family and let them be on their own without him.

256

Samavah M, Yr8 Dear Diary, Today was the most alarming , terrif ying day that ever happened as I went on a walk through Blackely Forest. It all began when I decided to go for a stroll around the forest which remains beside my house. I walked briskly as the streetlights overhead flickered and the cool, refreshing breeze blew through my hair leaving a shiver travelling through my arms to my feet. I opened the dilapidated gate that led to the forest. The gate had been beautiful once upon a time. What was left of the fancy designs and the iron bars was covered in rust and debris and the gate was barely hanging on to its hinges. I quickened my pace and made my way up to the centre of the extensive, magnificent bridge. I gazed deep into the clear blue water that sat beneath the bridge at my reflection for a few minutes until I was startled by a loud, sudden barking. The firm, rigid metal bars stood strong and proud as I strolled along with not a care in the world, I walked and walked until I couldn’t move my legs anymore. Literally, I couldn’t move. I turned around and saw that my leg was stuck in a wide crack in the wall, I felt that the earth was about to swallow me or worse. The more I looked around and realised I was alone, there was no one to help me, I shouted and shouted but there was no reply, I suddenly burst into a river of tar. 257

The bitterness of the tar dripping against my lip, stinging the deep wound on my lip I had received when I fell to the ground. I continues shouting until I realised that it was no use nobody was going to turn up in a cape and come and rescue me, that was until my hero arrived. Not in a cape but with a collar around his neck, a white, adorable Bichon Brideshead turned up to my rescue. The dog swiftly ran back to its owner to get some help. Within a few minutes, I was able to move my leg again, all thanks to my hero, I was ever so grateful! Today I learnt that not all heroes wear capes some wear collars. I am unbearably tired after this hectic day. See you tomorrow !

258

Rana M, Yr8 Dear Diary, Today was a wonderful day I loved it, I love my neighbourhood for one reason the people a hero was amongst us ok I will start from this morning so it makes sense. It all started on a Monday morning the sun was up and I got dressed and ate breakfast ready for school. You see, I am from Manchester but my school is in Cheetham Hill, so my dad wakes me up at 7 o’clock and I do my morning routine but what I didn’t know was my morning routine was about to be completely different. I was in the car on my way two school when a man drove by at the speed of 40mph when, seconds later, I was blacked out in the middle of a car crash. When I was no longer conscious I heard the sirens of the ambulance. I was still a little dizzy ten minutes later I was lying in a hospital bed no longer wearing my school uniform. I was wearing a hospital dress, barely able to sit up straight for one minute. My mum and dad sat by my side all the time. When my eyes opened my mother shouted: “She’s awake, she’s awake, call a doctor!”

259

The doctor ran in shocked, like he didn’t expect to see me alive. A few seconds later questions were spread across my face. “Are you ok?” “Do you need anything ?” “ Where does it hurt ?” They treated me like a famous celebrity I was lost of words the doctor stood by my side and told the nurse: “Ok, we will need to examine her body to see if there are any broken bones.” Minutes later I was dragged in a bed around the hospital it was like a maze. I was the one who was lost. I entered a room the lights were off and I was now in examination the doctor looked worried and furious. He whispered to my parents, something I was struggling , hurting myself, just to hear what they were saying. “She’s – hurt – her...” I couldn’t catch the last words. I was now in pain from leaning over I had to stop. I hated not knowing what was wrong. The world had changed so much from that day after I had my examination because the next day I was told what was wrong. The doctor told me that I had kidney failure and they found someone who had complimentary kidney and that they would donate their kidney. When the woman walked in my face lit up – it was one of my neighbours, Lisa. She said that I deser ve this because I have always had a smile on my face and I always make her smile.

260

This shows me that good gives good and the people around you can be really kind no matter what you think. I have now been out of the hospital for a week and have never felt better. I now visit Lisa a lot and help her if she has any problems.

261

Zaryab N, Yr8 It was a serene, pleasant summer day, I could feel the remarkable sun ray as I climbed the faintly greening trees. I could feel the gentle, brisk breeze. All I hear is peace but wait, all of a sudden, I hear an intense scream. It was from far, it sounded like a broken guitar. I could see it, black and brown thorns wrap around the forest, almost like teeth waiting to tear at you. The trees seem to close in, choking out the light and letting the fog roll around like a breath. Sharp shadows, darker than the deepest forests lurk about just out of sight, while unseen creatures move branches and, you swear, even a tree... At first I just stared, but then I dared myself to go there.

262

I heard the screams from above, so I looked up..... and fell in love. It was the cutest kitty cat, so petite and delicate. He was stuck on the black-brown trees, which were staring at me like silent sentries. I needed to help, it hurt my ears to hear it yelp. As I climbed the dark tree trunks, I gulped at the air, trying to slow my breathing enough to hear. With my hand trembling , I grasped the beautiful, little kitty, and heard the tree mumbling. I slowly came back down, bringing the kitten safe and sound. I ran as fast as I could, towards the neighbourhood, the kitten tucked inside my hood. I brought it home, it started to roam, 263

I used chrome, to find him a new loving home. Indeed I was a hero.

264

Inayah R, Yr8 BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! I jumped up, startled. The small room was dark, except for the amber glow of my side lamp, creeping up the wall. My alarm clock continued to shriek, its loud noises piercing through the once silent room. I smacked it shut, before stumbling out of bed. It was only 4.30am. I walked over to the bathroom, my bare feet padding against the carpet. Instantaneously, I brushed my teeth, had a shower, got dressed into my red uniform, tied back my hair, slipped on my face mask and left the apartment. I walked down the dimly lit streets, darkness surrounding me. Tall lampposts loomed over me, their yellow lights flickering. A small squat building stood in front of me, its pearly white sign glowing through the dark sky, The Post Office. Pushing open the door, I stepped inside. I walked over to the backroom, greeting my boss in the process. With great difficulty, I lifted my large red bag and swung it over my shoulder, almost losing balance due to the weight. I turned the corner from the post office and headed down the first street, stopping in front of door number one. It was a large brick building , with a shiny black front door. The front garden was neat

265

and tidy, the lush, green grass carefully trimmed. I pulled out the first wad of envelopes, sorting through which ones belonged to this house and pushed them through the letterbox. After completing three more streets, the sun was beginning to rise, a gorgeous pink light, pushing through the luminous white clouds. It was strange to think how everyone else would be waking up around now, when I’d been awake for hours. I secured my face mask, before posting a few more letters and parcels. As I wandered down the windy streets, I saw children pulling open their curtains, grabbing their laptops and iPads ready for home learning. I saw parents leaving for work, jumping into their cars, and zooming off. The cold, icy wind bit into my pale cheeks as I strived on, my legs aching. My pale blonde hair blew behind me, like a kite flying through the clear blue sky. Yawning , I walked up to the next house, my huge square bag weighing me down. I waved at the woman cleaning her windows and greeted the girl playing in her front garden and the boy riding his bike. Finally, by 6.00pm, I was coming up to the end of my shift, my head throbbed and my arms were stiff. I walked up the pathway to the final house. Stuck on their clear glass window, a beautiful picture hung , its vibrant colours brightening up my day and bringing a smile back to my face. “Thank you to all the post people! You are my heroes!” 266

Hadya S, Yr8 In my opinion In my opinion, heroes aren’t people who fly in the sky stopping people whose acts are sly. They are not people who have muscles and are strong. Heroes are people who try to stop wrong. Heroes are people who help one another. They think of each other as sister and brother. Be it young. Be it old. We are all heroes. Heroes are people who do little things to help. They are not people who come to the rescue every time they hear a yelp. Heroes don’t have capes, or masks, or tons of useless buckles. Heroes are those who fulfil tasks that are unnoticed and solve all our troubles.

267

Those who walk past the world, wanting some change, those who walk past the world, want something in exchange. And I am not talking about money, or things that are used to pay, they want to see smiles, or people happy every day. They walk past all the looming buildings, and past the bustling crowd, past the monochrome pavements, Past buildings stood tall and proud. They walk bast all the bustling schools as children go in and out, they smile to those children who are sad and have doubt. Heroes are those people who walk on the rigid floors, heroes are those people who want to help more. They walk past alleyways giving money to the poor, Or helping someone next to them like the person who lives next door. It could be taking out their bins on every certain day, Or helping them in many countless ways. A hero can be anyone, your neighbour, dog or cat. A hero can be anyone, who does a noble act. This act of kindness has no limit or size, this act of kindness is based on the intentions inside. Many may not believe person can change the world, But those who have a true heart have obviously heard. 268

That you as one person can’t change the world, But you can definitely change the world of one person by saying just one word. This is a true, a hero who seeks good in all. A hero is someone who like I said before, is willing to help anyone be it changing the world or doing a simple chore. So now you know what a hero is, or what they like do. But let me tell you something you can be a hero too! You don’t have to run to the nearest shop and buy a costume and a wig , just look around for those who need help like a... runaway pig ? Just help those around you like a true hero would, then and only then you are known to be good! My hero is my mum, she helps everyone. She is a true hero. A hero that is my sun.

269

Amanaah U, Yr8 My heroes are my best friend and my grandad and always will be let me tell you why... My mental health was quite bad. I suffered from anxiety and stress. My best friend saved me from all the bad things in life because I took a break from social media and I shut people out but she was always there for me and I’m so grateful for her. My mental health was getting so much better. I spent time with the people I love. My best friend was worried but she knew I was going to be ok even though I lost a lot of people in my life. I think of the positives even though I get panic attacks. I have so many people by my side even though life is hard, I’m going to be ok and I talk to friends online. Even though we have been in many lockdowns, I still have people to talk to online. My best friend is my inspiration, my motivation, my hero, my world, and like my sister. When you talk to your best friend it solves everything. I do get ner vous over small things but when you talk to your best friend, trust me it fixes everything.

270

But let me tell one time I had a panic attack when I was on a call with her, and she helped me so much and I cannot thank her enough. But now I feel happier and yes, work can be stressful, but when you get help it gets easier. I have another hero and that is my grandad. He died in October and that affected me so much especially with mental health and I missed two weeks of school. I got stressed and worried and had to catch up on everything but my grandad will always be my grandad. I know he is watching over me and I’m proud of myself of how far I have come. Death has been a major teacher in my life but I remember when he always gave me money and asked if I was ok but now it’s not like that. He always used to give me birthday cards every year with money in. But I need to know that I’m going to be ok and I have people by my side, but those special memories of him will always bring a smile to my face. I wish I could see him again but this is life. I can’t do anything about this other than just stay strong but I think to myself he is not truly gone because his memories live on and he will never be forgotten. A week ago, I went to my grandma’s house and went to his room I saw pictures of him and all his things, but the weirdest thing is I’ve never seen his room before because he never liked people going into his room but seeing his room for the first time make me so happy I miss him a lot.

271

Fiza S, Yr8 It was just a normal day. As per usual, it was windy and cold outside. Although we were inside a big , holy building , the slightly opened windows let in a cold breeze. The lights were dimmed and the whole room was rowdy and loud, as everybody was screaming to people across the room. I sat there, not knowing what to say until she approached me. My hero might not seem like a hero but she saved me in every way somebody can be saved. I have a lot of problems, including my mental health and negative thoughts. I also have too many insecurities, which don’t allow me to be myself in front of many people. When first talking to people, I find myself pretending to be a version of myself that I think other people want me to be that makes me feel too stressed. I tend to lie about my emotions a lot. After meeting my hero, I feel so much better. After first meeting my hero, I could tell that we would become extremely close and here we are, three years later, the closest friends. My hero gives me a daily dose of happiness, safety and warmth. She makes me feel comfortable with everything and overall, my life has been so much happier since she became a part of it.

272

Someone may say that’s not the definition of a hero, but to me, it’s the greatest way a person could save somebody else. When I’m with my hero, all my insecurities disappear and I can be as weird as I want to without feeling judged. It may seem weird and somewhat cringey, but my hero is my best friend, Noor. My hero feels like she has accomplished something whenever she makes me smile. She feels proud and pleased whenever I tell her how much she means to me. Her personality is the greatest thing. She has a lot of self-confidence and she tries helping me to overcome my fear of people. I also want my hero to feel the way that she makes me feel.

273

Huda O, Yr7 I will never forget that moment. He is my hero. His glistening yellow hi-vis jacket stood out in the dark, empty street. His long , black boots thumped on the autumn leaves, scattered on the fogg y streets of Manchester. He frowned, as the radio echoed. “Burglar alert! Burglar alert!” literally shouted the radio, while all my senses were glued watching through my window. Anything could be happening in my room and I wouldn’t notice. Again, the radio echoed, but this time with a new dialogue, repeating : “Halley Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester”. “That’s the name of my street,” I said to myself in confusion. I scanned around the neighbourhood and didn’t find anything suspicious. But then, a policeman ran across the street. I was startled when I ran downstairs and found that my door was unlocked! I got the butterflies in my stomach and felt vulnerable. Andrew, the policeman, bumped into me and said he suspects a burglar is in my house since he noticed my door was unlocked. I let Andrew in, and we scanned through all the rooms and found nothing unusual.

274

However, just as Andrew was about to leave, we heard footsteps in the room above. He raised his eyebrow while seeming to be processing his next move. He rushed upstairs at the speed of light and identified a thief with a giant black bag. He immediately dropped the bag and gave himself up to the policeman. The heavy bag he dropped revealed all my precious ornaments. Andrew whipped out a pair of handcuffs from his pocket and rushed towards the robber. Andrew in relief spoke into his radio and said: “He has been arrested.” I was over the moon. “My hero!” I said to him, with a bright smile on my face.

275

Sedra A, Yr7 Dear Diary, Today, I was on online school thinking about the world and the future, what can happen? Will something scary happen all of a sudden? Well, I knew it couldn’t! I knew it couldn’t get any worse. Quarantine. Quarantine. And Quarantine. It was as boring as if I was watching a slimy snail walking up the hill. I went on my laptop reading the homework for today. Click. Click. Click. Oh my gosh, is this a nightmare? We should write at least 500 words as the day in my life. Boring. I know what to write, oh it’s too monotonous. Why would they ask us to write about the day in the life when we have to stay at home staring at screens studying , they already know how life is. Ugh, can this dull day get any more boring . BANG! BANG! BANG! I looked out the window with my mouth shaped as an O.

276

I was shocked. There was a break in. A man. A robber. A house. The house window was broken and a bleeding man lying on the floor as I realised who he was – the man who runs every day for two hours. I saw the scene! I saw it! I couldn’t believe the man saved the house, the property from getting robbed. The man came running as fast as a tiger, barging and grabbing the robber to the ground. He gets scratched on the face. Marks stood on his face bleeding as if he was hurt by a gun shot. He was a hero to our street! He helped a house, a family and our street from getting robbed this man was a champion I felt proud of our city I felt satisfied that our city can stop many robbers! I open my laptop and wrote down the day of my life. My hero can be anyone even if didn’t expect it to be the person who you never think would ever be a hero.

277

Shaista K, Yr7 Opaque puddles gathered along the crevices and cracks of the sogg y ground. Incandescent lightning illuminated the sky and was shortly followed by a deafening rumble. The air was thick with condensation and a dull roar, much like a snare drum, reverberating across the sky. Trees cowered from the harsh wind while the leaves soared through the air. A steady drizzle of rain began to descend from sombre clouds, crystal tears landing silently on the pavement. I looked around and saw nobody except Mum. Suddenly the lights shut off and I heard a metal sliding down. I turned back and my eyes widened. Mum looked at me staring at me in the eye. We both peered at each other with deep silence between us. We knew what had happened and we knew there was no way out, all we could do was wait. We had been locked shut in the warehouse. Objects between us. Mum slid down on the wall behind her. “ What are we going to do now Luci ?” said her mum, her voice echoing through the room bouncing from place to place. I gave a sigh and started wandering around.

278

“I guess we’ll just have to explore this place because it seems like the last thing we have to do,” I said. Mum sighed and slid her legs up. She folded her arms and placed them on her knees, she put her head in her arms and silence spread across the room. I turned around and started exploring this ginormous, gargantuan building. I came across the jewellery and spotted a ring that stole my heart. One ‘Absolutely Beautiful Ladies Diamond & Sapphire Ring’! This ‘Stunning Love-Knot style Ring’ contained two interlocking rows of channel-set diamonds and gorgeous sapphires. It was charming , but when I read the price it was £167.99! My hands slid down the glass shielding the glamorous jewellery. My gleaming smile turned into a dejected smirk. I turned around, my heart broken. I looked up to see a small window. I walked toward sit and peered out. I suddenly heard a noise and turned back around. The noise seemed to becoming from downstairs. I made myself brave and went there through the stairs. The beams of moonlight were entering the room. So, the inside of the room was partially visible. I was at first horrified to see a thief. He was gathering currency notes from the payment counter. The glass which he had broken opened. My mum was lying down snoring with sleep. I woke her up noiselessly and told her about the thief in a hushed voice. I took courage and went to see what was going on and locked the apartment he was in. I ran back upstairs and took my mum’s phone. 279

I dialled 101 and told the police everything in detail. They realised from my voice how scared I was. Mum was behind me. I told her to run to the last floor and so we both did. We were unlucky enough to have to run from the frozen stairs. They arrived within a few minutes. The thief was caught, and the security guards were replaced. They were punished for having to be so irresponsible. My bravery and presence of mind was appreciated. I was given a prize by the Senior Superintendent of Police at an impressive ceremony. The manager of the warehouse told me to choose to buy anything at all I wanted from the warehouse for free. I was filled with glee and ran to the top floor and bought my sapphire ring that I had loved before and I gave it to the manager. “She hasn’t chosen something cheap” he said giving a little laugh. I giggled and so did mum. I wore the ring and it shined between my fingers. I was proud of myself and gave myself a pat on the back. It was the best event that had ever happened in life.

280

Safa S, Yr7 The Lifesaver Cold and windy, on Cheetham Hill Road, was where Samantha lived. A 13-year-old girl who always appreciates her mum caring. She lives in a house with her mum and a sister called Lucy. One day her mum gave her a jumper that got ripped by a sharp, metal point. She said: “Thank you, Mum, you’re the best mother in the entire world!” She hates people that don’t appreciate each other. Well that’s what her job is. “Mummy ! Mummy ! Where’s my food?” She exclaimed. Her mum bought her favourite and fresh strawberries and ice cream for her. Samantha always had something to give back. A card. She was a very caring mother to Samantha. Samantha said that she was the most precious thing in the world. Lucy wasn’t like that, she was very mean, but she did claim her mum as a superhero. Whoosh! She went outside and her mother went from happy to furious. She saw a girl throwing her mum’s food that took her three hours to make. “Oi! Why you being mean for ? Your mum made that for you that took ages and you do this to her.

281

You just smash it on to the floor ?” shouted Samantha. “ Well, yes, can’t she understand that I hate carrot cake, this is my 100th time explaining to her!” exclaimed the girl. Samantha didn’t want to shout, it’s not really her mood. She looked at her mum’s face. She was as sad as if someone ripped her smile off. Sorrowful and heartbroken. So she went to the shops and got her a cake to cheer her up, whilst the girl was peering at Samantha. The next day, the sun was shining. She was with her mum going to do some food shopping. She saw that same girl who was disrespecting her mother. She tripped over a cracked brick that scraped her skin and flaming red blood was coming out of her knees. Samantha’s mum ran to her and took her home. The girl was crying and fussing over the fact it was Samantha’s mum. She fixed her leg and her mum came in. “Hey, is that my daughter ?” She looked at her leg and gasped. She was thinking that she was an irresponsible mother who couldn’t be with her daughter like Samantha did. Samantha went to her room. “My mum is the best hero in the whole wide world, no one can beat her!” she said. Mothers are the very best at caring. They are precious and considerate. But just remember to treat them like how they treat you .

282

Ayesha N, Yr7 Busy, the streets of Cheetham Hill. Birds whistling while flying through the bright sky. Streets busy with school students. The ancient houses rowed together. The bus stopped, college students and working people hopped into the bus. Children looked through the shining glass of the bus, they waved, smiled. Emily, a school student. Brave and determined. A girl with high hopes. She had blonde hair and eyes like a diamond. She walked across the streets in her dark school uniform. It was a rainy day, and she had no umbrella. Drenched and soaked in water. Emily went home and quickly changed her clothes. Sat in her bedroom, she remembered the day when a person with a heart of gold saved her from dying. How can someone totally random risk their life to save you? If it was not for him, she would not have been sitting in her room. He has inspired her. He was certainly someone with a heart of gold. It was on a sunny day, there was traffic, she was crossing the road and a car was in such a speed he could not put on the brakes. It nearly ran her down.

283

He would’ve if it was not for a man, he is a superhero for her. He was energetic, he was very impressive. She can never forget that day. The school alarm goes off and everyone ran out the classroom. This time there was no traffic, but Emily remembered always look both sides and then cross. Emily was eager to go home as she was very hungry. Emily returned home and her mum had made pasta, she was so delighted. She sat and ate her yummy pasta.

284

Remas A, Yr8 Ups and Downs: The Tragedy In a dark alley all alone sat a little girl not older than 13. She was the daughter of a rich man who abandoned her and her mother when she was young. He thought girls weren’t the build-up for the his future. He left them to deal with poverty, the mother soon fell ill with pneumonia and died. Age 10, the girl started living alone in their mansion, always staying in the library, looking at photos of her parents. She would read the stories her mother read for her when it was her bedtime. It was similar to her life and became her favourite and never left it out of her sight. At midnight she could hear noises, it was hot, and smoke could be smelt. She turned around and FIRE! She ran. She tried to get away from the fire but she stopped. She forgot her book and ran back to collect it only to find it burnt. She ran for the exit. She was running , she didn’t know where, but she continued. Her house had burnt to the ground, nothing but ashes were to be seen. She had no place to call home she was now living on the streets and scavenging to find food.

285

Her dad found out that his wife was dead and went to find his daughter. He was shocked when he found her on the streets. He asked her where her house was, (she, of course, didn’t know he was her dad) and she told him it was destroyed. She gave him a look and walked away. The man felt so sorry for what he did but he didn’t know how to tell her when she didn’t even recognise her own father. It came to his mind that since she had no place to call home, he should take her to one he followed her for a week know what she likes and dislikes he saw she was very into reading and learning and knowledge whenever he found he she would be reading that book that she saved from the fire he thought of taking her to school. At midnight, he went and woke her up to tell her if she wanted to go or not, she agreed and so they set off. They arrived at the school and the father went to ask the principal to accept his daughter. She disagreed, but the father let it slip that he was very rich with mountains of sapphire and gold. She accepted right away. The girl was accepted right away and she was thrilled. Before her father left, she thanked him for all the great things he had done. He was happy and he confessed that he was her father before leaving.

286

Anaya B, Yr8 Thanking the Teachers It was a raining day in February and everyone half-asleep logging onto their lessons and trying to contribute to lessons, but the only thing disturbing people was the jungle in the house. The jungle in the house is where all your siblings are annoying you and giving you headaches after headaches. Going into the English was Anaya’s favourite subject as the teacher, Miss Farragher, tries to make the lesson fun and interactive. Having English all the time would be a delight as all the English teachers, such as Miss Chivers, who Anaya also has for Performing Arts – but on the other hand for Performing Arts Anaya also has Miss Bhana as a Performing Arts teacher as Miss Chivers has a lot of meetings and is always busy with inter views online. Being at home was such a difficult and stressful time during the pandemic and then people need to catch up on all the work they have missed! All the time people are having technical issues such as microphone issues, camera issues and internet being too slow. Anaya prefers being at school as you can see all your friends and chat to them and then you will not have any technical issues and then you

287

will not need to catch up on the work you have missed, and you can take part in lessons and contribute more. The English team have all been trying their best in lessons and they are all trying their best so Anaya thinks that we should all appreciate all the hard work that the English team have been doing , especially Miss Chivers, the director of learning. In other lessons, such as maths and science, the maths and science team try their best when it comes to pupils working online. When people are self-isolating it can be an issue when you need a device for your work and when you need it for going on lessons the school try their best to get a laptop for you and it can be used for the work that you are missing out and you can message your teachers asking them for the PowerPoints to catch up. Anaya’s local hero is Miss Farragher because whenever Anaya hasn’t caught up or anyone else hasn’t then Miss Farragher tries her best to give everyone resources to catch up and gives you time to catch up but on the other hand, in other lessons, the teachers just say catch up online and in your own time so that is why Anaya chose Miss Farragher.

288

Takwa E, Yr8 As I walked through Manchester, from every side of me, I could see tall buildings surrounding me as if someone is about to attack you. The buildings were very tall and some were old and some were new however some buildings were overcrowded by people and it was so noisy there. In Manchester it always rains on a daily basis but sometimes we get sun, just a few times, however right now during this pandemic no one can really go out when its sunny because the more we stay at home the less people to catch Covid-19. A lot of people have been dying lately during this pandemic which has not been good. The reason they might have passed away is because they have been ill or been in contact with someone or relative or friend that has Covid right now. However some have not some people love to stay at home during this pandemic because they don’t want to catch Covid and they might think that home is a special place for them to stay. This means that the more they stay at home and not get in contact with people then the more Covid will decrease. However when people feel ill, like really ill, the doctors are always there to help and they do everything they can to help cure people. This is the reason why my heroes are doctors, also they do everything

289

they can and risk their own lives for other people which is so kind of them and sometimes, even if doctors do everything , they can’t heal people. Some people still die because they couldn’t get healed a lot but some people can because they got a lot of help from doctors and doctors could cure them. Another reason why doctors are my heroes is because they also make people smile and encourage people to help others which is good and they make me smile too.

290

Emman SS, Yr8 It was a dark, dreary night, whilst I sat on my cosy bed chilling and writing in my diary. All of a sudden, it started to rain. The thunder screamed with anger, icy fingers grabbed my arms as I inched through the darkness. I tried my best to be calm, but the terror inside me wouldn’t let go. I covered my head with my blanket, so that I could get away from the dangerous world. The wind was howling like a raging storm. I closed my eyes and felt helpless. I wanted to feel the peace again. Just then, I heard a sound. The door opened. I felt frightened as I gazed at the dark shadow, coming towards me slowly. It was like a terrible dream! The monster was really near. I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out. I tried to run away but my legs were frozen. And again, the thunder screamed with fright as I gawked at outside at the comfortless sky. As I looked back, the shadow was gone. I felt relief in my heart. My heart was pounding really hard as if it was going to come out. As I bravely decided to get back to my bed, I heard the most hideous sound ever, it was a sound filled with pain and suffering. It was the neighbour who lives next door to us. He has an illness that doesn’t have a cure. It was him crying and screaming with pain. And the noise didn’t stop. After that, I tried my best to go to sleep, but I couldn’t. The terror inside me wouldn’t let me. 291

I covered my eyes with my cold, icy hands. The door opened and there it was my cat Grey-Sky. She was the cuddliest, cosiest and the most friendliest cat ever. She is really beautiful and expressive. She was always there when I needed her, even when my parents didn’t understand me. She is the best friend I could ever have. She was there for me, even in the darkest night. My grandmother passed away last year. I was really alone. She was the only person in the whole world who understood me well. Before she passed away, she gifted me with a really precious gift. She gifted me Grey-Sky. And when I am with her, she reminds me of Grandmother. She is a real hero to me.

292

Aliyha, Yr8 I remember it all as if it was yesterday. I was looking at a purple, cup-like flower one Monday. The next thing I knew was I was caged. But then I was given an opportunity by a strange man who looked like mutiny. “Just give a bloke this ‘ere message, and I’ll give ya some grub.” So, I flew straight out of the hub. It was an early day and I heard some strange cries this way to a new room, the time I came in, I saw some strange creatures with peculiar features. Big , small, short, tall, long tails, and short nails, wings and a lot more. But when I came closer, I saw a gnasher. On one of the creature’s teeth. But it looked off. And the man in black gave me another post to give a host so I flew faster and faster and faster and faster. Until I was dangerously dizzy and tired from here to there. When I came in, I saw an open door and obliged to come in, I saw something more disturbing than ever before. Strange birds weakly chained to a ceiling , scarred and scared, and that those creatures with gnashers and some peculiar ones, fancy-looking ,

293

lunged on some. I do not want to tell you what was to come. Squawking with fear, I flew crazy and zany, crashing into another room. Where I saw my friends locked in doom. I felt like I had to do what I had to do. Free them all or they will fall. Then we will fly. It was a late night and out of desperation, I flew as fast as I could into that room to meet, then I felt a strong grab in my feet. That man in black, he looked like stuffing me into a sack, but instead chaining me to a ceiling in another room, death’s countdown was to loom. But because the chain was weak, I managed to escape the room in a peak. But brainlessly crashed into the man in black and saw some cash sacks. Then I felt something. Those two rooms, the sacks, there were only two pieces of proof, but I think we were trapped. The night went on and I decided to move on to freedom, but I felt pity for them, never being treated like an emblem. So I warned them by pecking , it was a rough start but I was double checking. The morning was about to shine, and everybody knew it wasn’t going to be fine. So at the count of 6.09, we went flying. But some were left scarred, some tired, some caught, some wired. Many of them couldn’t escape or sur vive, but at least the sur vivors were more than five. I don’t know what was going happen to the man in black, but we were no longer sacked. Back at the park I was, and my friends were treated like first class. And as for me, I would always stay free. 294

Bismah A, Yr7 It’s a calm day with the bright sun out. As the kind, loyal, intelligent 21-year-old Emma comes out of her office. Brown hair, black eyes. Emma happily calls her next patient out. She said: “Mrs Smith, may you come in?” She checks her patient and help them. As a doctor she always is kind to her patients. Times flies by. The next day she wakes up thinking it’s going to be a normal day until she reaches work she immediately sees the danger. She looks inside the hospital. There was glass everywhere on the floor. She gets in and see that a room is locked. She confusingly steps forward and looks inside from the glass window. Emma was brave and smart and took the back side and got in the doctors room from the toilet backdoor. As she tries to help this guy wearing all black and had hidden his face he puts a gun on her head. She panics but she knows that she needs to help she takes a deep breath and asks the captain of the group. She confusingly says: “ What is this? I don’t understand why are you hurting us?”

295

“ We have set up a bomb in this hospital and you all will die we will capture you until it’s time we run. You’re dying. In ten minutes you are going to be out of this world” and he gives an evil laugh. She screams and runs forward like a cheetah to attack the people until they all attack her all at once. One of the doctors grabs an injection and he ran it right through the captains arm as Emma instantly keeps getting rid of the people she yells: “Try opening the door!” As the last guy comes attacking she quickly kicked him off her. They kicked the door and get out they start searching for the bomb immediately. There were thirty seconds left. Emma sprints to the top level and finds the bomb the has no idea how to disarm it as she remembers what her grandma said: “Always remember to keep trying.” Then she calls the doctors and they try searching up and calling people. But Emma grabs the bomb. She takes the elevator and remembers that she can manage to unplug the bomb and she knew the right person so she took it to Mr Robert. He is a scientist and he lives right nearby it took him. Less than 5 seconds to unplug the bomb and she calls the police to arrest the people that tried to set it up. In the afternoon the get called to inter view and she says: “I’m a doctor and I love saving lives

296

I haven’t done this alone. There were people that I have worked with for the past five years and I really appreciate them.” Emma was the hero to save so many lives. We all appreciate people like that. People that put others life before themselves.

297

Izzah A, Yr7 Hello, welcome to Manchester. Manchester is beautiful, the sun’s watching the bellowing crowd going from shop to shop. As they roar for clothes! Although, Manchester isn’t always that bad! Some days, the crowds are small and the wind is mild. The shops have a small amount of people buying what they buy. There is no colossal crowds roaring for clothes or other items. In Manchester, the smell of food lures you to the source! And the houses aren’t huge but a reasonable size. Nearly all people have jobs here, and they’re just boring , tiring jobs! But my job is different. My job is to protect those who can’t protect themselves, help those who need help. I wear a black ninja suit to represent my stealth. I’m as quiet as a rat, not making any sounds, to complete my missions. I’m also very speedy ! Fast as wind. And no one can smell my scent! I care about people, I’m basically a hero. I’m known as The Stealthy Ninja. But nowadays, Manchester is different. There have been reports of a ghost crew, and many deaths as well, ten in a day ! I can’t even catch up. Also, there have been weird suspicious signs across these old, scared, abandoned houses. Something is definitely going on, and I am going to stop this and end this before anything else goes wrong.

298

It was night when I came across puddles of fresh, red blood. I was worried and thought to myself “who could possibly do this ?” as the wind blew away the blood. I was now traumatised, but I’ve seen a lot worse! I carried on my journey until I came across a dead body with his heart out as he was covered in blood! The scent of this mysterious civilian smelled like the pizza shop right down the alleyway. So I went to the pizza shop to look for clues and I saw a note, it said ‘meet me as the park’ . I went to the dark park. WOOSH! I felt dark energ y surrounding me. I trembled. I was shaking. I didn’t know what to do. And then I remembered my sensei saying : “Be strong , Ninja. Never quit.” But then, the dark energ y showed it’s full transformation. It was my enemy ! Morro! “ Well, well, well. Guess who it is. My arch enemy, Ninja. You knew I would be coming to finish what I started, and know, I’m inevitable!” Morro shouted in a horrific manner. But I yelled: “You will never win because where there are shadows there is light. But what have you done to my city, Manchester ? It was so peaceful until you came! You little rascal!” 299

I looked to my right while hearing Morro waffle, and I saw a water bucket, I thought to myself, aren’t ghosts scared of water ? Guess I’ll have to try ! SPLASH! I spilled the water over Morro’s head and he turned into dust. Now, Manchester is back! Well, that was a journey.

300

Hind T A-E, Yr7 It’s in the early Monday morning when you can see the huge tall buildings in the streets of Manchester. Whoever comes to Manchester for their first time or whoever lives in Manchester for a long time will have the exact same feelings as me because Manchester is not a normal place. It is different and special place for everyone who has visited it either before or now. It is a great united city which is loved by everyone. In two different schools in Manchester I met my hero. My hero is not a single person. It’s a group of people. My heroes are my teachers. My teachers of all the different subject and my teachers in primary and secondary school. As everyone who reads my story knows, my heroes are different people so I can’t describe how they all look or how many people they are but I can describe their kindness and helpful hearts. Let’s begin. My teachers are my heroes because they help me understand the lessons and try to help me and all the students to have amazing grades in their reports. If we don’t understand the lesson the teachers repeat and repeat again and again for you to understand.

301

They all get tired for every single student and not for themselves. While the students can’t be as thankful of what the teacher has done for them. On the first day of secondary school all Year 7s where welcomed in a great and amazing way and where showed who the head of year was. They told the Year 7s the school rules, showed them their form teacher, showed all year 7 students their classrooms, how they want students to lay out their books – which was so helpful. I am very proud of my teachers that taught me and that are teaching me until now and I want to thank every teacher, but it still will not be enough for the teachers and their work. I guess everyone will know how every student in Manchester and in different cities have their feelings.

302

Aiza A, Yr7 In a city in England, Manchester, where some of the country’s most deprived and most affluent neighbourhoods can be found, once, there was a house founded in a city of Manchester, ‘Cheetham Hill’. Far, far away, on a glistering and dazzling day with the sun shining all over the sky, a dwelling place, a beautiful house stood in the middle of a city, in which there was a captivating family. It’s a story of two siblings and parents but in this story my heroes are my parents. They’re as cool as an imaginary being , they are really comely and engaging. The thing I really like about them is that they’re really understanding , which could be added to the best thing. The most important and approachable thing I loved about them is that my neighbours and our family are really kind and sympathetic with each other. The place we live in is counted in my favourites because we have a beautiful and massive park taking place right in front of our house and a place from where the train goes every day. I chose my parents as my heroes because they really help poor people and give donations to charity. They also helped the people who needed it in our family and out of it!

303

My parents are my heroes because they let me do what I want to do, but they also tell me that what is right and what’s wrong ! I really love the fact that our neighbours help us in our difficult times and we help them in theirs. Each and every parent is their child’s hero but here is a different story. Once we were in Pakistan and literally it was a really bad smell coming out of our neighbour’s house and slowly, slowly the smell spread across the whole neighbourhood and everyone came out of their houses. Then some people went inside that house and saw – WHAT ? There was a man burning someone in fire and no one got courage to go and save that poor man. But Dad went to save him, but it was too late. “He died”. But for payback we called police and that criminal got arrested! This is what made me feel like that my parents are my heroes!

304

Ayesha A, Yr7 Local Hero in the Wings Silence. Tears. Horrific scene. My vulnerable neighbour had the virus. Sitting in the vast hospital lying down uselessly. A mask on his face, no words to talk. Only 32 years old fighting through this battle. His mum limping outside of the hospital. Until something happened. He woke up. Woke up. With a smile on his face. Happy tears. His sister jumping up and down with a smile on her face. Smiling. He was only 32 years old but pushed through it. He is a true hero. Two weeks later he went back home and I knocked on his pale, wood door and gave him delicious, mouth-watering chocolates and pleasant flowers which smelled amazing ! He was great. A true fighter. But coping with Down Syndrome and the virus, it was too much for him, we all thought he was a goner. But he fought through it like a true hero.

305

Bushra B, Yr7 In a nice, clear sky there were two girls named Fatima and Amelia. They were very generous girls who helped everyone around the neighbourhood. They would tidy up people pathways, grow lots of plants and trees and helped with the bins. One day she was helping her friend – her friend is Amelia – with the bins. It was a Wednesday. They were waiting for the truck to arrive to take the trash out to them. They waited and waited and waited until they finally came. They helped the bin man to put the trash in the truck but accidently Amelia’s favourite necklace fell in by accident, but she never knew ! Once she finished she realised she was a not wearing her necklace. Once she looked back at the truck her face was in shock. She could see the necklace dangling in the truck! She had to do something to get it, She had to follow the truck. She had to get her necklace but she couldn’t do it alone. She told Fatima that her necklace was in the truck! Fatima looked at the truck and could see something shining at the bottom. They both quickly grabbed their things and headed straight to the truck but couldn’t make it in time. They both panicked and grabbed their bikes and tried to follow the truck but they had no idea where it went!

306

They needed more help. They tried to find a recycling place they could go to closest to them that might lead them to the truck so they followed the map. They reached the entrance. They saw huge piles of plastic and other materials. They panicked and thought how they were going to find a truck in this place. They entered in and went through some pathways until they were lost. Fatima had an idea of climbing the big piles too see the truck. Fatima started to climbed up. Amelia watched Fatima clime up but was too scared to climb up herself so stayed back. Fatima made it to the top. Fatima shouted: “Amelia! Hurry up!” Amelia started to panic but still had to do it to save her favourite necklace! She started to climb she started to have sweaty palms and almost slipped! Eventually, Amelia made it and saw the truck but had no way down! Fatima tried so see if there was a crane anywhere which they could get help from. But all the cranes left before they came! Amelia could see the junk placed in a machine which burns it all down! Fatima thought of an idea to slide down this junk hill. Amelia was scared but she knew her necklace was in danger! They slid down the hill and made it to the end. Amelia started to run to the junk pile to search for her necklace while Fatima ran behind. 307

Amelia started to dig harder and harder. But she never found it. Tears shredded from her face thinking the necklace was gone. But… Fatima already found the necklace when she went at the top of the junk hill she could see something blinging so she quickly went down and grabbed it! And that’s how Fatima and Amelia saved the day !

308

Banan B, Yr7 On the rustic streets of Manchester, on the busy streets of Manchester, where the intense roads settle and the majestic buildings stand tall. A hero. But not one who flies nor one who wears a cape. She has green, glistening eyes, greener than an apple and luscious brown hair. Most importantly a pure soul. She works in a care home and absolutely admires her job. Although she lives in a small flat near the care home she’s still grateful. Separating her house and the care home is a road. A rustic road where all her heroicness appears. Every day as she crosses that road she selects a piece of litter. And she’s been doing that every day since she started working there. She drops it off in a bin in the care home entry were she sees the receptionist and gives her a smile. However the receptionist wonders where does that litter come from? She adores coming home to the pastel walls of her flat and the comforting aroma of her home. Abruptly, she heard a knock on the door. Who could it be she thought ? She eagerly rushed to the door with a pinch of ner ve inside of her. It was the receptionist from the care home. She was astounded to see her.

309

In any case, they didn’t talk plenty. After a long chat of unnecessary topics she asked her why do you always have a piece of litter every time you enter the care home? She sniggered and said: “Little changes make big differences!”

310

Sumaira A, Yr7 Under a sky glistening like the sea and the sun glowing like the stars, there lived a girl named Charlotte. She had hazel-coloured eyes and silky brown hair. Charlotte was an amazing girl who loved to read. In her spare time she would go to her school’s library. Until one day... When Charlotte was on her way to school, she saw someone running into the school building with something in his hands. She didn’t think much of it since it could have been a visitor so she began to run upstairs to her classroom. As soon as she reached upstairs everyone was hiding in the cloakroom. The school was in lockdown since there was a shooter in the building. The office was trying as hard as they could to take the shooter out of the building. Charlotte’s teacher, Miss Applebaum, shouted: “Get over here!” Eventually the teachers had called the police. As soon as the shooter heard ‘Police!’ he immediately ran out the building and escaped. A couple of days go by and he was nowhere to be found however, for safety reasons the school, was shut. Which meant that Charlotte was not reading any books so instead she started to write books about her journey on becoming an author.

311

She spoke about bullying , knife crime and gun crime in her stories. This helped people all over the world to become better people and until this day she has been writing about it. This how Charlotte inspired me, as well as hundreds of people around the world.

312

Yasmin E-H, Yr7 When my friends are on call with me they always say they wish that my mum is their mum. When my mum has other things to do she always still plays with me. She always makes people happy when they’re upset. My mum is the most amazing person ever. She really likes to help people wherever we go. But this year and last year we couldn’t because of Corona. When I am super bored she takes me out or goes to the park with some friends. (That was before Corona). Before Covid-19 came every time we went to the park with our friends and family right after school on sunny days. And I always had sleepovers and my mum always says yes but now I ask her she says no because of Covid-19. But I only go once a month, so I went in February. Now I want to go to my cousin’s for a sleepover in Easter. She is as kind as my sister but she is my mum.

313

Mina H, Yr7 Dear Diary, I need to have break here. My arms about to give up and my legs are shaking with tiredness. This sickness will never stop. Oh yeah, my name is Hannah. I’m an NHS worker in the local Manchester hospital due to the new virus that has spread everywhere. I never get to have my breaks and it’s always busy. New people come every day and workers are stressed out from who to go to first. These days weather hasn’t been good. It has always been raining and tall buildings blocking are the view. This job was one of my dream jobs when I was younger, but I wasn’t expecting this virus to come which ruined everything. But I still work to save lives because this is my job. I really like this job because there are many friendly workers. My heart is pounding for them to sur vive but hundreds and hundreds are dying every day, ner vously coming to a patient covered up trying to breathe in the tight mask, staring at them dying one by one saying to myself will this ever end. In the dark night I desperately walk home thinking of the people losing their family and friends, arriving home with anxious face, in my bed feeling dead.

314

Imamah K, Yr7 I froze. Tears plunging down as if I was in serious pain. My elbow falling apart as if it was lifeless, my heart racing and racing like an athlete that was trying to get first place. The office rang my dad but he didn’t pick up. Even thinking about my arm led me to stress that time. My dad came to pick me up after school, and right after he knew what happened, he raced the car through the overblown street of Manchester. The traffic was getting bigger and bigger. My head was aching by the sounds of the hurts, arm swollen and my eyes red by tears. We finally reached the hospital, humongous and modern it was. My eyes blurred up. I crossed the line of the broken doors that made me think the worst of the worse. I took a step in... and within a second I fainted. Opening my eyes with no clue where I was, I started hallucinating and flash of images popped in my head. Blue eyes, blonde hair, blue mask? A doctor! My arm already had a cast on, but when? I don’t remember coming here. She helped me a lot getting my arm better so I decided that she would be my local hero. She always seemed to work hard and never gave up. I took a step out of the room, the hallways were like zebra stripes. Nothing came into my head.

315

“Am I even alive?” And, yes, I did pinch myself to see if I was and obviously I was. I felt as if I was in a nursery. I saw my dad and he took me back home. It was hard for me to eat have a shower but thankfully my mum helped me. I went back to the hospital and they said I was healed. I was over the moon after hearing that. “My arm is finally back!” I screwed with joy. And, yes, I did thank the doctor that helped me a lot . I was really grateful and so I decided that she was my local hero. A hero who always tries her best. A hero who helps others.

316

Sama K, Yr7 One bright sunny day with the sky as blue as the wide glistening ocean and as shining as a star there lived a girl who was as bright as the sun. She had a body that was a slim as it could be. Her hair was red and flowing as a river that was flowing on a calm day. Her lips was as red as a rose that had a vibrant colour. Her eyes were twinkling like stars. Her eyelashes were long like a llama lashes. She was strolling through the long streets where she could see tall buildings with misted windows as if someone was having a shower. She led herself in a black gate where it led to a green ground. The floor was filled with wavy drenched grass. The soil beneath was as damp as a forest’s cave. There was a car ved wooden bench for people to sit on. The trees were waving with leaves falling on the floor as if they were sky diving. It kept falling and falling until the leaves had come at a point that no one can work nor play in in the park. Panic and stress ran rapidly through Hazel’s mind. “ What should I do? What should I do?” she panickedly mumbled. A light bulb fired up in her mind.

317

“I have an idea!” she elatedly shouted. She found a shed at the back of the park, she knew it would be for gardening stuff. She saw a message on the door of the shed saying ‘Do not open! Gardener is not feeling well!’ She knew she had to help. She found the key in the lock of the door in case anyone needed something. Her anticipation led her to the door filled with shovels, lawnmowers, sweepers, soil, flower seeds and old pair of wellies she knew it was for the gardener. She thought that it would take a lot of time to find the lawn sweepers because it was only for autumn. The shed groaned as Hazel was digging through the stuff. Luckily she came in the morning and kids had school. “Ah there they are,” she uttered relievedly . She grabbed them and went off to work. She swept and swept and swept until she filled the truck up with leaves. Happy. Relieved. Sweaty. She finally completed her mission. The kids were going to be happy now said the thoughts running through her mind. She went home to take a quick shower. She could hear screaming through the windows, she looked out of the window and saw the children playing in the ground. They were having a good time. Silently she whispered: “Thank God.”

318

Safa M, Yr7 The hustle and bustle of the occupied streets of Manchester. The tall towering building , the constant shouting and laughter of the people, I then heard: “Hero.” A hero? Who’s my hero? My hero is my mum. Long , wavy coal black hair with highlights of brown, lashes like a superstar, has a minuscule black scarf wrapped around her hair, a hijab. Wears pink and black traditional clothing with flowers imprinted on it. She is friendly and caring. Family is priority before herself which makes her selfless. All off this is what makes her my hero. My mother is a hero but seems just like a normal person living their life but she wakes up every day and works long hours as a caretaker to provide for us, as a single parent. She would make sure we would have food on our plates and that we were always joyful.

319

Hafsah M, Yr8 Superhero Mum Towering buildings stood still beside a lady, a lady who stood up tall as straight as ruler. She had short, luxurious, silky dark black hair, almond shaped eyes and long spider-like eyelashes. The lady was my mum. She is my hero because she is the biggest role model to me. She always told me to never look down and be proud of who I am. My mum means the world to me and I can’t imagine if she was gone. She always would be remembered in my heart and never be forgotten since she is the one who made me the person I am today. I know a lot of times my mum is busy and stressed but she never shows that anger to us and appreciate us in her life. As I sat with my mum, she comforts me and tell me stories that she read when she was a small girl and I really thank her for spending the time with me. That’s why I think my mum is my hero, for being the lady she is today.

320

Mariam N, Yr7 Dear Diary, As always I’m writing again and telling all about today. So today I went outside to the Manchester Town Centre. I saw all of the places, did some shopping and went to sit for a little bit because I was out of breath. I sat on this green chair outside Primark. Then my tummy scrambled as I realised I was getting hungry. I saw this cafe so I said why not ? Let’s get a cup of coffee with some donuts! As I walked in the cafe I could smell the delicious foods and I saw this little girl, she was wearing a really nice pink dress with flowers. Meanwhile the person with her – was that her dad? – was really aggressive and giving the little girl an evil look as if she will move something really bad will happen. I was still suspicious about that but I took my coffee and donuts and as I took the first bite it made me feel so better. I was in love with that donut. Mmm! As I was enjoying it I saw the little girl going to the toilet but I don’t know why her dad told her: “Be quick and if you don’t come quick you know what is going to be happing !” She said: “Yes, ok, I will be quick.” I was really suspicious now.

321

I followed the girl in the toilet when she was in there I asked her: ‘Hey ! How are you?” She responded: “I’m ok. Can you help me with something ?” I said: “Sure, what is it ?” “ What ?” She then said, shocking me. She said that the person that was with her was not her parent or guardian and that’s why he was not letting her go anywhere and I only came in the toilet for help I was freaking out now. it was as if I was in a movie. I said: “Don’t worry and stay here.” Then I went outside and asked one of the people that worked there to listen me for a second and that I need help.

322

Aizah R, Yr7 Dear Diary, Today has been an exasperating day ! Well, it was for me, not for my dad. He is a key worker and is a manager at Tesco Express. Every day before I am even awake, my dad is dressed in his deep blue, crisp shirt, navy, neat trousers and jet-black, glossy trainers ready to attend work. When I wake up in the morning , I see him getting into the coal black car and breathing in the fresh aroma of flowers, from the air freshener in the corner. He sets of to work. He drives through the bustling streets of Manchester, manoeuvring his way through the terrible traffic, he can hear the echoing barks of dogs, being held on a leash, going for their early walk. He sees the beautiful bright colours of the sunrise, rose, scarlet, orange. The towering , worn out buildings hover over him as his freshly washed palms clasped the leather stirring wheal. He drives side by side with all the other cars on the pale, concrete road. He feels as though he is squished in a box and everywhere he turns another car is there.

323

When my dad reaches Tesco he must straight away get to work. As well as doing all of his exhausting jobs, he also must help his colleagues who turn to him for help. During this pandemic, many people go to Tesco to get their groceries and because people are getting more handwashes and toilet roll, it means that they need more stocks and when they come in, he must heave each one and place them nice and neatly in the colossal shop. People often look down on shopkeepers, but it is a difficult job and is a lot of hard work. As the dark blue blanket of the night wraps around the glistening starts, my Dad comes home. He paints a happy and jolly expression on his face, but I know inside he is tired and he is trying to cover it up. He has worked from early morning till the evening and he has a little bit of rest and then he does the exact same thing the next day. He is my dad. He is my hero.

324

Hamnah R, Yr7 My Local Hero: My grandad (Daddy) I froze. This couldn’t be true. My breathing was shallow. I swayed on the spot, barely breathing. My blood pounded through my veins; a surge of confusion, almost a defeated adrenaline soaring through me. How could this possibly happen? I only just saw him last week. I held his hand, he was happy, happy to see me. He didn’t say much but I knew deep in my heart he was glad I was there. He looked content, little did I know, he only had six days left. In fact, we loved staying at Daddy’s. We started noticing that Daddy was becoming weaker physically and had been making more frequent trips to the hospital. We always thought it was Daddy’s weak heart, but we never anticipated for it to be liver cancer. I still remember my mum calling me, my sister and my cousin upstairs in the bedroom and telling us it was liver cancer and that we had to be there for one another, pray and stay strong. Therefore, Daddy is my hero because he taught me how to live life to the fullest. Never did he let his illness get in the way. He carried on gardening , enjoying his barbecues, meeting his friends and family and providing for the needy. He never questioned or felt sorry for himself. Daddy. He accepted that it was Allah’s way.

325

It’s been almost a year since he has been gone. Everyone is trying their best to get on with life, but that void and emptiness which is left inside our hearts will always be there. We laugh, we cry, we remember, and we accept, one day, we will meet again.

326

Laila S, Yr7 In the afternoon in Manchester, there was a young girl named Luna that lived with her grandparents. She had no mother or father. Luna had never met her parents, they both passed away when she was just a baby. Luna has long silky brown hair with diamond blue eyes. She was always helpful and she was helpful to her grandparents. No one knew why she was always so helpful that sometimes she even got bullied and called her Goodie Girl. Luna did not really care at first. Until the bullying got worse and they started to ruin all the hard work she had been doing so she thought about what to do and responsibly she went to the teachers and told them what was going on and the bullying stopped. After that Luna started to help even more. One day her best friend Sam asked: “ Why do you always help people?” She responded with: “It’s the right thing to do that’s why.” Luna did all kinds of things to everyone she knew. Everyone was having a rough time so she wanted to help. Luna helps with the bins, gardening and all kinds of things just so everyone can leave their stress.

327

Iqra A, Yr7 A Day in the Life of a Hero Hi. My name is Regena Mulgrave I am a normal girl with a normal life, except for one thing and that is that I am an orphan. I lost both my parents when I was a five-year-old. They died in a car accident. Now I live with my grandparents they are nice to me but I don’t think I am their favourite grandchild because they don’t get me anything that I want. They always say : “Because of you your parents were overwhelmed and due to that reason, they had an accident.” I never take it seriously. I know that is not the case and I know that my parents loved me and I know that my grandparents are upset because they lost their son. I strolled across the cobbled pathway of Heaton Park staring at the cute ducklings following their mother. Mummy birds feeding her nestlings worms to make sure they don’t get hungry. The autumn leaves crunched over my feet as I walked towards a bench to site down.

328

I sat down and stared at families eating ice cream in the fresh air of autumn. I saw a little girl crying she looked up at me and I smiled and she stopped crying. I know that my dad would have been proud of me because he would always say smile to people, you’ll make their day and I just think I made that little girl’s day. As I was walking along the pathway to leave Heaton Park, I saw a lady, about 32 years old, looking pale. As I was glaring at her curiously, she fell on the floor I ran up to her and I asked: “Are you alright ?” I heard no reply then in her pocket I saw her phone. I pressed the emergency button and called 999. I waited. Then I heard a nice sweet voice say : “You have called 999 how may I help you?” I replied: “There is a woman on the floor and I don’t know her.” She asked: “ Where are you?” I said: “In Heaton Park.” She said: “The ambulance is on the way,” and the call finished. The ambulance came and helped the lady and they were taking her to the hospital, then the paramedic pointed at me. So I went. They took me to the hospital too and soon she was better. Then the nurse came out gave me a letter I was told to open it at home. 329

“Hello, you are the girl that helped me today, I think your name is Regena. I am your auntie, your mum’s sister. I was very upset when my sister died. I wanted to take you in but I had no place to take you in. Today I saw you in such a bad state, I was very heart broken that my niece is in such a state. Thank you for helping me you are my hero because you saved my life. Remember not all heroes need to be recognised.”

330

Zara A, Yr7 A Day in the life of a Hero Hi, my name’s Lilly Greene. Well, I’m known as Lilly Greene. You see, I have a secret, not just any secret, a special secret. Nobody can know, it’s just a secret between you and me. You know why? You know everyone’s been talking about that TenderWoman superhero girl, right ? I’m her. I know you’ll think I’m crazy but I am TenderWoman. I was born in 2005, so I’m 16 now. Well, I just turned 16. People think I’m childish, but they don’t know my secret. Manchester is always so warm. There are always so many cute little kids playing on side streets but you can tell that they’re boiling. Then their mothers come out bringing the children sun cream. Poppies and daffodils glimmer and beam radiantly in the glowing sunlight. The lush green grass covers the bare ground like a cuddly green blanket. The laughs of adults playing cricket in Heaton Park – the local park, it’s really big – echo in the streets and mysterious tunnels. The cobbled pavements are spotless and peaceful. Now, where should I begin? Ah, yes, of course! My usual routine.

331

I wake up at 6am, eat breakfast and do all that usual stuff that everyone else does, then I go to school and arrive at 7am. When school finishes at 3pm, I take the bus home and arrive at home at about 3.30pm. Then I act normal and tell my parents I’m going up to my bedroom, so they don’t suspect anything. I run upstairs and get changed and I go out to save the world! I will always be back at 6, I eat then I go to bed at 7.30pm. So, today was a normal day like any other, and I was out doing things that normal heroes do (specifically looking for trouble or danger). I suddenly heard cries. ‘’Help! Help! Please someone help me!’’ I rushed to where the cries were coming from, and I saw a girl, she had stunning blue eyes and beautiful golden curls in her hair. She told me that her cat was stuck up a tree, and I told her that everything would be ok. I flew up the tree and convinced the cat to come down. The cat leaped on to my shoulder and I rushed down to the girl. She thanked me and told me I was the best, lots of people jolted outside to see what all of the commotion was about. They all thanked me, I felt proud to be the local hero once again. They all chanted: ‘’ You’re so brave, you’re so fun, you’re so kind, you’re so caring , you’re our hero!”

332

I wonder what tomorrow will bring me? A whole new adventure is always awaiting me.

333

Najwa A, Yr7 A Day in the Life of a Hero Frosty and bitter, the glacial wind blew into my face. I held tight onto the tree nearest to me to not slip on to the frosted ground. Glimpsing through the misty windows, I spotted a family huddling together near the fire. Oh, I can’t bear the fire or the sun. Winter is my favourite month. I peered around, to be sure that not a soul was around, and I sneaked into the forbidden woods just outside the neighbourhood. A forest would be preferable to me, but there is no such thing in Manchester. I can’t bear to leave though, it’s the only place I have managed to find which is extremely cold, even in the summer. Although the sun can appear, it isn’t very intense like Eg ypt. I nearly died there. I sneaked between the leave less trees until I found my secret spot. Then I transformed. I spread out my coal-black, smooth wings, shook the chilly snow off as best as I could and took off. I must be careful, you see. I’ll be chased after if they find a bat in Manchester. But I don’t need to be anxious. The people here don’t really have good vision, they usually think I’m a raven! So offensive! Anyway, let me tell you about myself. My name is Val. 334

And, well, I’m a vampire. Half vampire. Mum’s full but Dad’s not. He doesn’t really mind having vampires in the family. He’s on a business trip in Eg ypt and Mum’s gone to visit her family in Romania. I can’t bear the filthy monsters, so I stayed. It gets lonesome most of the time, however I have many companions in the woods, but they don’t come out much, I don’t blame them. Manchester’s different now, with people going missing and animals being slaughtered. Vampires are known to be murderers, in fiction novels as people believe they’re myths (which is safer for us), but today, I became known as a hero! I had transformed and soared into the starry night. I was having my habitual flight when I heard a blood-curling scream, an eerie bark following and then silence. I couldn’t ignore it. I followed the scream. I didn’t dare transform back, I’m not that brave. I saw someone familiar, kicking a miniature puppy that was gripping the man. I’ve seen him before, I know him, but from where? Suddenly, the window busted open, revealing a fist, cut and covered in blood. I couldn’t stop myself. I transformed back and darted towards the fist when I realised there were all the people who had gone missing there. They backed away from me since they had seen me transform, but I helped them out as they nodded in thanks to me and fled, clutching their injuries. I turned to the man who was standing there. I couldn’t believe my eyes.. The captured had revealed what I was and how I saved them, but I can’t go back to explain, not when he’s here. Nobody is safe. 335

Eman A, Yr7 A Day in the life of a Hero Many children play in the park. Even more people with their children, sisters and brothers, or going solo to the park. In the park there are swings, a seesaw, and slides. There are red benches, so you don’t get tired standing up. Opposite the park are some buildings, and a three-storey building with flats. Lavished with half-bricks and half-concrete painted light yellow on the walls. In the yard of the flats, are some bushes, a place that you could put your bicycles or stand in while it’s raining outside or just for some space. The clean sky overlooks the whole of what’s happening. In one of the windows of these flats, there is a little girl, just about eight years old, looks down and sees people walking to the park and thinks to herself, “So many people going to the park!” She has light brown skin, long , dark brown hair, and blue, sapphire eyes. She has earned the title ‘hero’ by saving someone stuck in a fire. She was walking down the street with her mum when she saw a house on fire! It had seemed that the fire ser vice was late to arrive, and there was still one person left in the house. Without thinking , she ran inside the house, and saw that the person left was not an adult, or 336

a teenager, but a little child that was one year younger than her. Rapidly, she picks up the little boy, and hurries outside. The mothers of them both run to them and keep asking if they’re ok. And that marks the start of her title as a lifesaver and hero. Another thing that she has done, which follows the fire incident, is that she had volunteered to help in the charity foundation when she was six and gave most of her pocket money and toys to the charity for other people to have. It was her dream to be a teacher, so she works hard in school and gets good grades.

337

Zohra B, Yr7 A Day in the life of a Hero She hurried and ran down the stairs of the flat knowing that she’ll miss the bus once again. The busy streets of Manchester bustled early in the morning and the breeze howled as she left the building. “Ugh, not again!” Lee groaned as she noticed the bus leaving in the distance. She sulked. “Looks like I’m going to have to walk to the library.” Walking along the pavement, the leaves satisf yingly crunched as they were stepped on. The gentle stream flowed across the dancing flowers leaning in for sun. For a moment, no cars passed by and it was peacefully soundless. All you could hear was the birds chirping early in the morning. Lee took a few moments to admire the colourful trees surrounding her. WOOSH! A car sped through the road splashing water on her. “Hey !” she shouted expecting the driver to stop. “I’m soaking wet! Can this day get any worse? Ugh.” She stomped away. Not taking any chances, Lee 338

decided to sprint the way to the library because walking wasn’t an option for her anymore. Sprinting was a talent for Lee. She would always win the races when she was in school and would never get tired so easily like the others. She had always thanked herself for being good at running because it had always saved her and other people. Gasping for air she finally reached the library. “Ahh, finally, I’m here.” Glancing around and noticing an old Victorian-like building , she spotted some construction going on there. “Oh well, I can finally rest and study. All this running has my legs aching.” Lee finally sat down and opened her books. After an hour and a half, she decided to stop studying and took a nap. Suddenly, the fire alarm had went off. Lee woke up startled because everyone was panicking and the fire alarm had went off. “ Where is the fire extinguisher ?” someone shouted. Lee instantly got up and looked around if anyone was left behind. To her surprise there was a little girl crying behind a bookshelf. Lee quickly ran to her and asked: “ Where’re your parents ?” The little girl responded saying : “I lost my mother in the crowd because everyone was rushing to get out the building and now I don’t know where she is!” Lee quickly picked the little girl up and dodged the fires whilst she ran to the exit. 339

Smoke took over the room causing both Lee and the little girl to cough. “ We are almost there! I think I can see your mother!” The firefighters came just before Lee and the little reached outside. “Sana!” The little girl’s mother cried. “Mummy !” The little girl ran into her mother’s arms. “Thank you so much for saving my daughter! How could I ever repay you?” The mother said with tears running down her cheeks. “No, no it is fine! I need to get going now ! Have a lovely day !” Lee said as she left to go to the grocery store.

340

Elaha B, Yr7 As the mountainous Victorian buildings glanced over the hectic streets of Manchester, shoppers stumbled along the groaning cobbled streets. As the flaming fireball in the sky shone brightly, the crystalblue sky gossiped to the milky-white clouds. As the wind whistled contentedly, the warm glare of the sun beamed down on the earth. While the ancient buildings grew envious of the modern buildings, the glass buildings giggled at them uncontrollably. The impatient tram sped away. The oblivious pedestrians strolled speedily into the shopping centre. As the girl with auburn hair, honey coloured skin and almond shaped light brown eyes stumbled through the crowd. The girl was wearing a pair of black jeans, a black turtleneck and black boots. As she sprinted through the crowd of people, some of the pedestrians in the crowd started to glance at the girl as though they had recognised her. Out of breath, the girl sat down outside the BBC building on a bench. After a few minutes, the girl got up and dashed into the WWN (Wireless Wizard Network) building. Sprinting backstage, the girl was led onstage by a witch, who was wearing magenta robes, to a podium. As she was being introduced

341

by a wizard, who was wearing blue robes, she smiled at the camera. Then, she was told to address the audience about the war. “My name is Ophelia Brown and I am a witch that has attended Hog warts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for six years. I have been on the run for the past year with Harry Potter. Over a month ago, the wizard known as Voldemort was defeated by Harry Potter which ended the second wizarding war. During the final battle, which took place at Hog warts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, many people died including my best friend, Fred Weasley, and many people were injured. Me, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley helped Harry Potter defeat the Dark Lord. I destroyed three of the horcruxes, which are objects that can be enchanted to conceal a piece of your soul in so that you cannot die, that Voldemort made. This helped Harry Potter defeat him.” She beamed with pride as she looked at the camera. “I’m going be an Auror,” Ophelia thought to herself.

342

Nora G, Yr7 Hero Scorching , summer sun, beautiful flowers that were colourful, tall, towering buildings that stood proudly. Together! The people of Manchester are diverse despite the many differences they have. The more Manchester became greater, the more people came to visit. As the tall, green trees that had many leaves swooshed through the light breeze, people used bus stations, that were very busy, and speedy cars, that sped through the roads, to get to their work places, which were very organised. This is Greater Manchester. One weakness Manchester needs to improve though is appreciating heroes. There are many heroes which help out every day to their limits. But one in particular, cleaners. Cleaners work hard to improve our society to help it be unpolluted. Aren’t they heroes ? For they kill viruses before the need for people to book appointments with doctors ? Aren’t they thoughtful of the community Mocked! Disrespected! Teased! Still, they continue day by day. Ambitious and awesome, cleaners help despite the humiliation they get.

343

The more they help out, the more institutions and workplaces are pristine. Patient, don’t cleaners put up with the dislike they get ? They must be recognised for the contribution to Earth, yes they do. Being a hero is easy, for everyone is a hero. Find your passion and play a part in society. The only way the world will change you! Everyone is unique in a special way of theirs. Heroes aren’t getting what they deser ve. We know superheroes as Superman, Batman and more. But we should know them as anyone who is contributing to society and community. Thanks!

344

Zoya G, Yr7 A Day in the Life of a Hero Manchester, Streets of everyday life, Everyday people who strive, Feeling lucky to be alive, In such a wonderful nation, Filled with inspiration, And people with dedication, But what if you knew, These everyday people were special, it’s true, With such loving hearts, We could never fall apart. But lurking in the shadows, Is a superhero whose heart glows, By day an orphaned girl, by night a hero, By day known as Sally, by night as Owl-Girl, With a heart pure as gold, Her true story untold,

345

Mother died at birth, Dad much sooner, People underestimate her as an orphan, But when night comes and children turn of their night lights, She sneaks out of the orphanage in the dead of night, Fighting against evil crimes of hate. Our world should have people like Sally, No not the superpowers, the heart, The world is blind to see, The best solution for humanity.

346

Aryana K, Yr7 A Day in the Life of a Hero The surrounding houses were scorched by heat from the blast, it was as boiling as an older siblings revenge. Trees standing as tall as Mount Everest. Houses peering down on the bustling , hectic and vibrant road. Flowers blooming gracefully in the open. Birds flying peacefully like a gentle breeze. The sky is as blue as shimmering steel. With a gleeful smile on her face lived a young girl called Isla. Her eyes are as brown as the ribbed sea sand. Sweet Reanne is seven years old. Her hair is as golden stepping into the sun light on your bare feet. She has a smile like an angel, and a heart of gold. She tells her mum not to buy expensive clothes and still she is as happy as a wave that dances in the ocean. She wears a white and black striped dress like a zebra and tights as black as a starless night. It was a beautiful and picturesque day. Isla and Jason were playing outside, Jason would jump on the trampoline while Reanne would peacefully sit on the swing and rock herself back and forth. Isla would gaze at Jason and would enjoy watching the smile Jason’s face. “Reanne, Emma!” yelled Mum. 347

“Yes Mum?” said Isla. “Do you want to go to Heaton Park?” asked Mum “Yes!” cheered Emma. Emma and Reanne swiftly but gently grabbed their bikes, Reanne’s bike is lilac and Emma has a fiery texture to her bike. As soon as they got out ,they were both told to stop at the end of the road. “Aren’t you good at stopping ?” said Mum. They both gave a chuckle. “Yay, we’re here!” yelled Emma. Mum and Dad also has fun with them, the family is as happy as a mother holding her child for the first time. “ Why are we going ?” cried Emma. “Jason, it has been ages,” replied Reanne. They all leave. “Stop!” screamed dad. “ We’ve stopped” replied Isla. “Before you cross, look left and right” said dad. Emma and Reanne looked left and right and the road was empty like a birds nest in December. Safely they all crossed. As they get on the pavement Emma starts biking ahead so fast that he can no longer hear Mum. “Emma stop!” screamed Mum. “Don’t worry” replied Reanne. Off she went like a cheetah, biking so fast that she caught up to Emma but he was about to cross and a car was heading his way, as soon as she crossed Reanne peddled like a jet.

348

“Emma!” yelled Reanne. The car was about to hit Emma, Reanne leaped and managed to save her. Reanne was hit. “Quickly call 999,” suggested mum. Jason was a teddy, hugging her constantly and sobbing. The ambulance came. “She will be fine, a few murderous wounds,” said the paramedic. “Thank you” replied Mum. The family are so relieved that Reanne is fine. The news about Reanne, saving her sister’s life ends up going viral, Reanne’s favourite actors call her and tell her she is a hero. She gets invited to shows and gets multiple awards.

349

Maryam K, Yr7 A different version of Gloves Off. A book written by Louisa Reid. How a victim of bullying became a hero. Silence spreads over the street, everything is soundless, with a sense of peace. A few seconds later, bustling footsteps increasing , mumbling voices getting louder and louder. Then they get quieter And quieter. Distant footsteps, voices chattering , everything moving , head is aching In the centre of the street there is a teenager. On the floor, his heart shattered in a million pieces. Meet Louie, he has just turned 16, in fact it was his birthday just yesterday. You’re probably wondering why he is on the floor ? Why his heart is shattered in a million pieces, and we will get to that in a minute, first let’s meet his family. Meet Mum. She is the most loving mother in the whole wide world, Louie says she is too over protective. She stays at home and looks after the house. Meet Dad. He owns a g ym and does boxing classes for children. Now to answer the question why he is on the floor. Because he is being bullied, and the reason why his heart is shattered is because he has been tripped by the bully leader, he has bruises all over him, even on his face. 350

Now, now, I know you may be thinking why hasn’t he told a teacher ? And the answer to that is because he feels embarrassed even to talk to his parents about it. Another question to raise is that how have his parents not realised? His parents think that he is a teenager, therefore he is anti-social and because of the pandemic he is wearing a mask to cover the deep painful marks on his face. As it was Louie’s birthday yesterday, he had enough and decided to go and call...

351

Mojdah M, Yr7 A Day in the Life of a Hero The fogg y clouds fade away as the sun replaces the moon’s throne. The buildings stand tall and proud and the pigeons carry on to search for leftover food on the pavement. Just like any other day in Manchester. But there’s something else, what is it ? A girl. Not any normal girl, but a hero. She wakes up, first admiring the now magical sunset. Carefully, she gets out of bed to not wake up her little brother sleeping next to her. This hero is actually poor, which explains whys he has to share a bed with her brother. Her mum is a janitor and her dad is dead, but that doesn’t stop her from saving people. She cleans her teeth, changes into her uniform, brushes out her tangles and eats breakfast. She was ready to set off for another day of school. She walks, going through a shabby pathway, gawking at the nasty messages sprayed onto the wall. Her eyes prevented to look at the gang of suspicious men in the corner. She then meets up with her best friend. Samantha held her hand and violently tugged her arm as she rants at her for being late. Samantha had dark black hair and deep blue eyes that the hero admired, but not as good personality. 352

They finally end up in school and the magical sunset disappears. Finally, the school day is over. The hero can now rest after doing sums and writing. But she hears a commotion in the distance, what could it be? She crept slowly just in case it was something that she wasn’t allowed to witness. She peers at the back of the school and to her horror, she saw two boys attempting to take off the hijab off a girl. The hero could hear her desperate whimpers and knew what she had to do. She bravely ran towards them and shouted: “Stop immediately ! What do you think you’re doing to her ?” “ We want to see her hair. Go now or you’ll see what happens,” one of the boys jeered. She looked behind her and realised that all the kids and teachers weren’t around. She rapidly dashed to the girl but the two boys were much stronger. One of them caught hold of her and held her by the neck. Thinking fast, she struggled as she told the girl in the hijab to run. She then bit the boy’s hand and he let go out of pain, which gave the hero a chance to run. You may be wondering , why didn’t the so-called ‘hero’ beat up the bullies to begin with? This hero doesn’t go with violence (unless it’s really needed) because hurting a bad guy is the same as hurting someone innocent, it still hurts. 353

The hero may have a name, but that’s for when she’s in the spotlight. So, what really is a hero? Someone in a cape with superpowers ? Or maybe someone that is kind and helps anyone around them. But that’s up to you to decide.

354

City and Relationships Birmingham and Nottingham

Shayal Q, 12 Joint First Place

The Wild Adventure Silently, I crept along the deserted, decrepit street along with my little sister who was able to make light out of her body. There were mice crawling along the filthy floor. It was pitch black, nothing could be seen for miles. I realised it was way too quiet, as if something momentous was about to happen. I started hearing different sounds, and then I realised it was my sister! Then I tried calling for help but the only reply I would get was my echo on the calm wind. Afterwards, I went knocking on random doors stupidly waiting for an answer. I was very cold, my eyes frantically searching around. Luckily another one of my sister’s powers was to make fire from her hands! However, I saw something. It was an ancient door with some weird hieroglyphs on it, I tried opening it but it was locked. In frustration I kicked the door, it opened! I quietly tip-toed into the corridor. With every step there was a loud creak from the floorboards. There was a bookshelf along with an old fashioned T V and two couches. I carried on upstairs and ended up in a bedroom which seemed to have strange markings all over the 356

walls! Suddenly something spoke. I turned around but there was no one in sight, and the voice came again. It spoke irritably : “Oi, down here.” I gradually looked down. Me and my sister screamed, I could not believe my eyes. It was a dog ! It spoke again: “Yes, I know I am fabulous, but did you lot have to scream that loud?” I couldn’t dare speak. On the other hand my sister pulled together a few words: “ Wh...Who are you?” The dog replied: “Me? You don’t know my name? I am the amazing Anubis, and you are?” I replied that my name was Jack and my sister was Sarah and that we really needed to go. We ran down the stairs and out the front door, not quite believing our wild adventure.

357

Isaac D, 11 Joint First Place I love Sutton Park. The sky was as blue as a crystal as I walked down to a stream running under a majestic cobblestone bridge. I looked up to see small droplets of water starting to fall onto me and felt them trickle down my face. I could hear raindrops slowly dripping off the tall dark trees all around me. I started to shiver like a leaf in the wind. I wandered further to look for a lake, then right in front of me I saw the carpet of rippling water of Blackroot. I gazed across to see a gaggle of geese with water falling down their black and white foreheads. The beautiful birds saw me then took off in a fright to form an amazing V-shape in the dim light. I continued my journey to see another gurgling stream. I paused and stared at the long , winding stretch of water with my eyes wide open and my pulse racing. It took me back to when I was younger, catching small sticklebacks with a slightly fragile net as golden sand started to run in between my small toes on a beautiful summer’s day. Sutton Park at night however, is a very different place. I could barely see through the grey gloomy fog. The moonlit sky was covered by an enormous shield of black branches. I could hear the tall slender trees creaking like an old mahogany rocking chair. I carried on through the endless black of the night. As I crept through the eerie forest,

358

I felt an old autumn bush brush past my shoulder almost as if it was walking on by. I finally made it to a dark grey gravelly path. I anxiously followed it to a giant field with tall, dancing grass waving at me in the crisp breeze. I scampered down to see the wide-open space and then I stopped and looked around me. A great oak tree stood before me. I’ve never felt so small. Tiny rays of moonlight glistened through the huge arms of the magnificent giant. It was at that moment I saw it. A beautiful mesmerising fox stepped into the gleam like an actor stepping out on stage. His head raised high with his red and white glamorous body, sat tall and proud. His bushy tail wrapped elegantly around his body with his head and ears moving to attention sharply from side to side. I wanted to see more. I took one footstep closer. CRACK! A twig snapped thunderously beneath me. For just a moment, I had his full attention. He stared right at me with his enchanting brown eyes. He then darted to the edge of the light, looked back at me and galloped into the shadows of the grass.

359

Angela B, 14 Runner Up You’re one in a million! My mind glows in flames, knowing that my best friend has left me forever, WHY, why me? Drops of tears collected above my cheek like a paddling pool. My heart pounds in frustration flickering through all the memories I had with her, my one and only best friend. I can remember we used to climb trees together swing along the branches having fun, imagining ourselves as brave explorers in the dark wild. I just don’t understand why so soon? Why me? Why now ? My eyes blur in confusion and uncontrollable tears ran down my thick curly eyelashes, creating forms of drops like that day we sat outside in the rain. My heart sinks deep in my stomach making it hard to believe you had to leave me to sit here on my own and live as though nothing happened. I open my eyes and awaken on a bright soft fluff y cloud, overpowered by the aroma of daffodils. The scent she loved the most. I see a golden arch with the pattern of intertwined squiggles. I recognise it, that’s her drawing , I just know it is.

360

My mind fills with thoughts of where in the world I could be. Am I insane? I see a fluttering , tantalising butterfly leading the way to a beautiful waterfall seeing the glistening , shimmering , sun reflect off the water beneath! I see someone from afar but don’t recognise who it is. She has a fine-looking pair of silky, glimmering feathered wings! Could it be her, my brain questions. I start to hear a lenient, exquisite melody echoing over the mountains that have appeared beside me. I feel free I say it to myself : Where am I? Is this real? I start to see a glittery, trail appear out of nowhere, I was interested so I followed along. I come to an end and look around in misperception. Where have I ended up? I hear the melody yet again, and start to think maybe it’s a clue to something. I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder and it was her, my best friend, I knew I would see her again. However, she speaks in a gentle voice saying : “Do you need any help? Are you looking for somebody?” I don’t think she remembers me. I answer back in surprise: “It’s me remember ? Your best friend, your other half of the necklace you have around you!” “Oh this one?” she says. I reply in an excited voice: “Yes!” I run in for a hug but she disappears into thin air. What is going on? I start to panic uncontrollably 361

and fall through the cloud and awaken from my dream. I find the necklace of hers in my hand, and say to myself that I will live for her and for her dreams. I was thinking maybe this wasn’t a dream, I will see her again one day, and my love for you will never go away. I gripped the necklace hard and it caused pain. I love you.

362

Iona M, 14 Birmingham – where difference makes us the same Here dawn breaks silence in a mélange of red and yellows to birds chirping from trees in Cannon Hill. People of all shades walk down a cobbled Roman Road, today’s tarmacked Icknield Street of Beormaing-ham, modern day Birmingham, where the Beorma people once made home. Buried in the soot and grime of industrial heritage, remnants of old merchant houses line her skin, in this erstwhile Workshop of the World. Along its countless canals, more than Venice, boats ply peacefully, the Ring Road and Spaghetti Junction spread arteries of growth. Seas of migrants have arrived here in hope of better living. Ireland, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey, Poland and, Romania, in a melting pot of identity, culture, beliefs, and lifestyles tied by social glue, yet claiming their little private space. Hence, a China Town, an Irish Quarter in Digbeth, a Bangladeshi locale in Small Heath, a Kingston suburb in Handsworth. In Birmingham, contrasts are fashionable and commonplace. Silver metal discs of the Selfridges stand beside St. Martin’s spire in the Bull Ring. The Jewellery Museum wrapped in a time machine holds

363

hands with the contemporary Think Tank. Local chippies fight for space with gourmet restaurants. Discount shops displaying hats, shawls, and salwar kameez coexist with designer brands in the Mailbox, window shopping feeding the soul. Here, shops cater for a dynamic community, textured by change. Hence, an old pub transforms into a curry restaurant, the local supermarket sells yam, cassava, halal meat and spices. Buildings do not crumble in Birmingham, architecture is refitted, restored, and revived incessantly for generations. The Victorian, Georgian, and Romanesque entwine with listed stately homes, halls, and manors in leaf y suburbs competing for space with upcoming flats, tower blocks and tenements. Here ‘hellos’ and ‘his’ from the heart mean more than goodbyes. Friends made over Sunday picnics, Zumba classes, bike rides and football matches. In local parks, friendship blossoms over ice cream, home-made sandwiches, crisps and squash. Our largest public library connects strangers over books across all languages while food makes one feel at home. In the Balti Triangle, flavours of the East are abound. Spicy kebabs, butter-soaked naans, steaming hot samosas, and sweet jalebis. In Bournville, the air carries a whiff of the effer vescent, melt-in-the-mouth Cadbury chocolates. Sparkhill’s Somalian coffee shops sell aromatic freshly brewed, underrated coffee while freshly baked products from Kurdish bakeries and Polish delicatessens make the air heavy. In Birmingham, temples, gurdwaras, synagogues, mosques and churches send prayers for all. The Jewish school in Mosely has 364

more Muslim pupils lights unite people as Jamaican reggae, and personal triumph and

and Eid, Christmas, Diwali and Hannukah social clubs, inns and shisha lounges, as jazz, bhangra beats celebrate our key moments of failure.

My city has been destroyed by fire, riots, and plagues, yet risen a phoenix from the flames each time, carrying tales kept alive from the crevices of people’s own stories connecting communities through the language of love and holding each onto the other, making Birmingham home and helping it sur vive.

365

366

Rowan K, 12 The Stories Of Our City A day out in the Bullring with my nan. Finally, I got to see my nan, it had been so long and we had decided to go to the Bullring and buy me some new trainers. I was so excited. We travelled to the Bullring on the bus, which was quite smelly and full of people, which was quite uncomfortable, but I felt safe with my nan. When we got off the bus we headed straight to JD sports because it is my favourite shop. We find really cool Adidas trainers but then I became distracted by some other trainers that was shining like the sun. I couldn’t believe my eyes, they were amazing ! I asked my nan if she would buy them, then she saw the price. “£300!?” I said: “Please, Nan, I will give you some money.” After a silent pause she smiled and replied: “Okay but only because we are having a great day.” My feet slipped into my new trainers and felt amazing like squishing jelly between my toes and wearing them made me feel like I had

367

special superpowers. I could jump high and run superfast and even make a super shield. This was the best gift ever and I loved my nan even more for it. It was 3.30pm and we had two hours left before I had to go home, so my nan suggested we could play the real Connect Four. So I held her hand and zoom as fast as a car we were there. I felt worried because my nan was a pro legend and master of Connect Four so I tried my best to win. But, unfortunately, I lost with my magic superpower trainers. We played basketball – I can jump really high – and played really well so did my nan. we drew ! We end the day with a veggie meal from Burger King and wave to each other goodbye. The day was a great adventure with my nan. She is the best nan in the world. The End.

368

Francesca R, Yr9 The cool glass window was the only thing keeping me from falling , head first, into the road on Boldmere High Street. People were just dawdling around and eating food and doing normal life stuff. Which would be and should be normal. But, in all fairness, it wasn’t normal. In the slightest. How could anyone be going about their normal life on a day like this ? I mean it’s the 20th April 2016. My face slid around the glass as my dad made his way to the park. “Francesca! Get your face off my car window now !” U-oh my Dad must have caught a glimpse of me leaning against the window in the wing mirror, how else could he have seen me? “But it’s comf y,” I retaliated. “No, get up, because you’ve got a mucky face mark on the window now and I’ll have to clean it.” Fine, I say to myself, besides I don’t want to ruin my hair. Half of it was up in a neat bun at the top of my head that my Mum did for me, she’s very good at those, and the other half was curled so my hair went to just below my shoulder blades. I looked into the rear view

369

mirror to check my hair was still in ringlets and, thankfully, it was. I saw the familiar sign that read: Hartopp Gate Sutton Park. Gates close at 6.30pm. We drove down the short dirt road to find The Bistro standing , as normal as ever, in front of us. People were eating and chatting and having fun. But how did they not know what was going on today ? I jumped out of the car and my dress glowed in the sunlight. My gold sparkly cardigan with one pearl button done up at the top glistened as my gold background and white flowered jacquard dress blew in the gentle breeze. My nanny gave me this dress and it’s my favourite. It also has a thin gold belt around the waist but I had taken that off in the car and I was wearing white sandals. We made our way down to the glade in the forest of pine trees to set up. The others wouldn’t be here for a while so me and my sister, Claudia, had a bit of waiting to do and if there was one thing we’re both horrible at it would be waiting. So my mum and dad gave us things to do to keep us occupied. For example, set up the picnic blankets and lay out the branches, peelers, glue and don’t forget the decorations. As the sun shone stronger through the trees it became time for people to arrive and arrive they did! Once everyone was here we sat down at whatever station we wanted. The first station I went to was the wand making that me and my sister set up, then fairy door making and finally fairy platter making where we had to collect different things from the forest and make it into a ‘plate’ with ‘food’ on for the fairies. Once we had finished me 370

and some of my friends that were invited played fairies. And that’s when I saw it. A flash of shimmery pink by our fairy plates. And another. And another. And more kept coming. “Fran, what are you doing ? We need to sing happy birthday !” called one of my friends from over her shoulder, her name is Ella. We’ve been friends literally forever. She was stroking my aunt and uncle’s dog , Mush. He’s a husky. I looked back over to the fairy plates and now there are flashes of shimmery blue and purple. “I’ll be there in a second,” I called back. “Ella,” I say in a hushed whisper, she looks up. “Come here, be quiet.” She walked cautiously over the bed of pine needles on the forest floor watching her step for any branches. “ What, what is it ?” she asks. I look over to the platter making station and see another flash but this time there’s a glow of gold in between the purples and blues. “Did you see that ?” I ask. Astonished. She takes a while to reply but when she does she says what I was thinking : “The Fairy queen.” She barley breathed the words. But I knew exactly what she said. I knew it. I knew this day would come. “Girls what are you goggling at ? Come over here so you can have some cake and sing happy birthday to Claudia.” 371

Maryam J, 12 Beep. Beep. Beep. The monitor’s lines where constantly in the same pattern up and down up and down. The old man stared outside the window of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He sighed knowing he did not have long left. Beside him was his anxious daughter, her eyes blotchy and red. He squeezed her hand tightly. Then his mind wandered off disappearing from the outside world and into his own world full of thoughts and feelings. He thought to the times when he was a young boy at school. The primary school he went to was Bournville Infants and Junior School, but now they had joined both parts together and it was called something else. His mother used to work at the Cadbury Factory. Every day when she picked him up from school, he would get free chocolates. She loved him dearly and he loved her. One time at school, he and his friends sneaked up to the carillon. They had lunch there and he shared Cadbury’s chocolate with them all. Then one of them, Jack, dared him to play some notes on the massive baton keyboard that controlled the bell. When he had refused, the boys had laughed and made fun of him. In the end he

372

had agreed but, like he thought, they all got caught. That day when his mother picked him she didn’t give him any chocolates. He would never forget the face his mother made when she picked him up. Beep. Beep. Beep. The monitors lines were in the same pattern but this time a bit faster. Up down up down up down. He closed his eyes trying to ignore the sound and wandered off once again. He remembered another time this was one of those moments in life when something happens to you and sticks with you forever. It was around January and it snowed which was unusual for Birmingham. He took his wife on a little drive across town. He left Lizzy, his daughter, at home with his mother. It looked beautiful with snow on the roofs of the library and Bullring. They passed the statue of Horatio Nelson and the bull which looked cute with snow in between its ears. Then he unexpectedly bumped into a bunch of his mates. He had not seen them for ages so they chatted for some time and he introduced them to wife. Then when it was time to go home one of them suggested they had a race. The rest of his friends agreed. Feeling the pressure, and despite his wife’s suggestion that they shouldn’t, he agreed. His wife sighed as they got into the car. At first, he followed his friends for a while onto a clear road. He remembered it was a quiet neighbourhood near Solihull. He looked out of the window watching the trees pass by in a big blur.

373

His wife looked like she was feeling a bit uneasy and so was he but he couldn’t get laughed at, not another time. They passed rows and rows of houses and finally stopped. One of his friends got out of the car. It was Jack. Jack explained that he was going to go against him in in the race. He gripped his hands tightly on the wheel and waited for the go signal. When the signal went, he shot off with Jack trailing a few metres behind. He grinned and gave has wife a look that said ‘see this isn’t that bad’. But in that split second Jack got level with him. He pressed the accelerator to speed up. He wife cried out and pointed in front. On the road right in front of his car was a child crossing the road. He didn’t know what to do. If he stopped then Jack would beat him in the race, but if he didn’t then he could risk that child’s life. His mind wandered back to Lizzie and the smiles on her face. He wouldn’t be able to sur vive if she died. He stopped the brakes a few centimetres from the boy. The boy was safe and that was all that mattered. The man smiled sadly remembering all the mistakes he had done in his life but was glad that he could now die peacefully without any guilt. He felt a hand brush his face and opened his eyes. He saw his daughter sitting there wiping the tears away from his cheeks. He hadn’t even realised he had been crying. Smiling sadly, he kissed his daughters and all that could be heard was: Beep. Beep. Beep

374

As the man closed his eyes he was again swallowed into a world of his own.

375

Tomilola A, 11 My Life and Family I am going to tell you all about the people in my family (yes, that includes the annoying ones too) and about how I maintained doing the things I love during lockdown and how it affected my life. Let’s start off with my Dad, I would say he is the most calm, relaxing person I know. Well, most of the time. Sometimes he gets a little annoyed but he is still the best. The only thing is that he works a lot. Now, when I say a lot, I mean he sits there on a computer all day and goes on different calls and stuff. Before lockdown and Covid he would sometimes go to different places like Birmingham etc. But now he must work from home and the only place we all go is shopping. Next, we have my mum, she is a nice, beautiful, calm person but, let’s get to the truth. Well, the stuff I have said so far is true but, like I said with my Dad, she is also very hardworking. She works for the NHS and is one of the key workers. She takes night shifts so when we see her it is mostly when she is making dinner as she is asleep all day. Let’s now move on to my favourite person in the family. My sister. Well, it depends on what my attitude is towards her that day because 376

sometimes – oops, sorry, I mean ALL THE TIME – she is sooooooo mardy over tiny, little things. So, apart from that, she is my left arm and I’m the right. Yes, I know it may sound weird, but I can trust her with my whole heart and confide in her with EVERY THING. Well, that depends, because once I asked her to do a trust fall and I told her I was very serious because most of the time I just mess around with it, so I told her I was not joking , and she thought I was and dropped me on the floor and I banged my head and trust me it was not a pretty sight. At all. Now I’m going to tell you how I have been coping with the lockdown, oops sorry again, I mean with ALL THREE LOCKDOWNS! Wow, it’s been a real struggle, just thinking about it makes me remember 2020. Anyway, let’s forget about it. We are in 2021 now. Anyway, me and my sister are interested in sports, but it’s been hard as competitions have been cancelled, athletics trainings on hold and so forth. Anyway, as this entry comes to an end, I just want to say thank you for spending time reading this and have a nice day.

377

Taffy S, 11 “ What’s my name? What’s my name? Uma! Say it louder...” my friends and I sang as we were at the back of the coach singing a descendants song , while my other friend, Dominika, enjoyed her murder mystery book. We were on a school trip to a boring , boring museum. See, this is why I hate school trips, they’re always soooo boring. Like I could die. But at least we don’t need to do any lessons so that’s the only benefit out of it. Well, that’s what I thought before what happened to me. But I’m getting there... After a long , long , long time, we finally arrived, and you guessed it: It was as boring as any other museum. Ugh! I mean, why can’t we choose our trips ? It just makes sense and I’m pretty sure everyone agrees. When we got off the coach we walked to the building , the building looked exactly like a museum. The walls were a dirty white and there were pillars and at the front of the building and... you get the picture. When we were in the museum the activities that we did were... Never mind let’s go to the exciting part. I was bored listening to the tour

378

guide saying something about fossils. So I started to speak to my friends. “Guys come on, let’s go and explore” I whispered. “No,” Dominika said firmly. “You can go if you want but I’m not risking it.” “ Willow. Destiny,” I said desperately. “No,” they both said at the same time. After a few minutes luckily Destiny said: “Actually yes.” So one at a time we asked the teachers if we could go to the toilet. But we didn’t go there, we went outside. We were going to go and get some snacks. But then I noticed a hole in the ground and I was very curious so I walked in the opposite direction. “TAFFY,” Destiny said, confused. “ Where are you going ?” “There’s a hole there.” “So?” “I want to go and see.” “Look, Taff y, we’re not even meant to be here so if you wanna go and look, go.” Jogging , I went to the hole looking down. It was really deep. Wow, it’s so cool. I was about to go back, but I tripped on something and went flying then the next thing you know I was in the hole screaming for dear life. The last thing I saw was Destiny running to me shouting my name. 379

I woke up with a sore throat and a pain in my head. But for real, how am I not dead yet ? “Hello,” a voice said, it sounded like a boy. Then I saw it. It was a blonde boy with dirty clothes which were torn. “Hello,” I said even though I sounded a lot like a mouse. “ Who are you?” The boy said the way he looked at me creeped me out. It was like he had never seen a girl before. “Are you an alien?” “ Wait. What ? You’ve got to be kidding me there is no such thing as aliens,” I said laughing. “Are you hungry ?” the boy asked. I thought about it and I was a bit hungry and tired. So I said yes, I needed to lie down. But a sharp thing was stabbing me. Using my hands as a spade to try to dig it up and I found loads of diamonds. Loads of diamonds, like, literally. Then I put some in my pocket but then I passed out. Next thing I knew I was in the back of a police car with Destiny looking down at me. “ What happened?” I said wondering why I was not in the hole. “Taff y after you fell in the hole I had to go and inform the teachers and the tour guide,” Destiny explained “Yeah, but what about the boy? The boy that was down there?” I said to her. 380

“Taff y the police checked the whole area. No one else was in there except you. You were probably dreaming.” I kept quiet after that because I wasn’t bothered with arguing. But then I remembered the diamonds. If I wasn’t dreaming then where did they come from?

381

Tami A, 13 Friends and family are some of the most important people in my life because they will always be there for you. There are so many different memories I have with them. I believe that friends and family are the true cause of happiness. When you have friends and family, you have those who care for you. When you have them, you do not really need anything else. When you have a family and some good friends you know that they will always be there for you. You know that you can always count on them and you know that you can trust them with a secret or anything personal. When you are surrounded by them, you realise that nothing in the world can ever replace them. Nothing can ever replace the memories that you have. No matter how much money, or how famous, or how glamorous you are, it would not be that great if you did not have friends or a family. I would never trade them in for anything. I would like to be rich, have pretty shoes, expensive purses, own a ton of make-up, and have a whole closet full of clothes. But my family and my friends are much more important.

382

They do not even care about what I look like or what I wear. I could come to school in pyjamas or wake up looking like a freak, and it would not matter. They do not care about looks and they really don’t care that I’m not perfect.

383

Sharmel O, 12 Friends, Family and Relationships Dear diary, I am Jodie Hype and I am 14 years old. I would like to tell you about friends, family and relationships. First let’s talk about friends. I have many great friends who I can trust and tell them about my family and I even have a best friend who is a boy called Matt Parkside. He is really kind and I have known him since I was 2 and we are both the same age but I am older than him by a few months. He is like a little brother to me. Friends can come in different shapes and sizes: tall, short, wide, slim or thin. You will know your friends and best friends when you first meet them and feel an instant click like you have known them for years. The next thing that I would like to talk about is family. In my family, I have my mum, dad, two brothers, one older sister and me ( Jodie Hype). I think I have a big close-knit family. We have even called ourselves The Hype Family. Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Some families are single-parented which means that there is only one parent like, maybe there is only a mum and no dad or

384

there is only a dad and no mum. But as I know every family likes to bring out the best they can in each child so they can have a great childhood. The last and final thing I want to talk about is relationships. Relationship isn’t always about boyfriends and girlfriends as everyone thinks including me. But you can have great relationships with family and friends. In a family relationship, you can have a strong connection or bond with your mum, dad, brothers or sisters. This can have a deep meaning and it could show that they get along very well or they love them very much. In a friend relationship, you can have a strong connection or bond and you can trust them with secrets that they wouldn’t tell anybody else. This can have a deep meaning and it could show that they would never want to hurt you any day of the week. Some relationships that are fiancé and fiancée can change into husband and wife which means they have a strong connection or bond, they want to get married and promise to never depart until death. Well that’s all I have got to say about Friends, Family and Relationships. I hope you have enjoyed my story. Thanks. Bye, until next time.

385

Future and Connections Bradford and Blackpool

Hooria R, 13 Winning Entry I still remember my wedding day as if it were yesterday, the memory is completely fresh in my mind. It was quite a tranquil event, actually, not as rowdy as I had expected at all. The two of us, Ralph and me, just about. I was a blushing bride, running through the flower fields of Auroria, shouting for my groom to slow down and wait for me throughout laughter. Birds glided above us and the sun shone on my face - I let my hair down and let it act as a curtain for my eyes, to block the sun from blinding me. I felt as warm inside as out. “Your hair’s beautiful, Meg !” I looked up at him through tears, tears of happiness. He chuckled and said that he didn’t understand how I could cry on such a day like this. Nor did I, however, I’ve always been somewhat a cry baby in every aspect, no matter what day, no matter what weather. As myself, my bridal gown was never the same after that day, unfortunately. The long hem had been caught up in muck and ivy, and I knew that no matter how much I would try to clean the dress, it would always remain the same. Soiled.

388

I didn’t expect bad things to happen. I didn’t see my misfortune in the distance. I was young , naive. I fell for Ralph’s charm, into his sinister trap. The first few years had glided past as I had lived in a mystical fantasy of a life. We were such a happy family - Ralph Lloyd, my husband, and my two sons - Aaron and Devon Lloyd. Not the most unique names, perhaps, as I must admit. But I had given all permission for Ralph to name them. I don’t know if he came up with them from the back of his head or he had cherished those names, however, I’ll always love my children the same no matter what. I had promised this. When Aaron, my eldest child, was born, I stroked his wrinkled forehead, kissed his soft little pink cheeks, held him close to my heart and swore to protect him with all my power. He was a healthy child, at seven pounds, having soft, tufty brunette hair and the most beautiful bright blue eyes I had ever seen - a deeper blue than the ocean, eyes that sparkled like bizarre. If only all births were so easy. Devon, my second child, was born prematurely and was so small that Ralph could cradle him in one of his arms. It had been hard for me, as Aaron was a tantrum-throwing one-year-old at the time, and minding two babies was quite difficult. Thankfully, Ralph was there to support me through all of this, bless his soul. I don’t know how it all went wrong.

389

Ayaan A, 12 Runner Up I Come From I come from one god who made everything and everyone, I come from a loving family, I come from a caring community, From dull to bright. I come from a Pakistani culture, I come from saying please and thank you, From perseverance and determination I come from the mosque after the prayer. I come from giving not receiving , From sad to happy. I come from anger to love, I come from God.

390

Sophie J, 13 I dragged myself up the prom, my legs aching , my back tender. In the distance I see what was once the Coral Island arcade. Most letters had fallen off the building , somehow still keeping it history. The ivy growing along the side of the doors was slowly over taking the entire building , slowly wrapping around the smashed windows. I slowly approached the place, and saw my sad reflection staring back at me in a million pieces through the window. I had dark bags under my eyes, and my hair was matted. I looked down at my ripped shirt and bagg y trousers and thought back to when Blackpool was a happy, crowded place. The pavements would be overcrowded with people, and no one would have a single worry. I thought back to when I was younger. I’d be out in the warm summer days with my friends. We’d run along the beach with my old speaker, blasting music and singing our innocent hearts out. We wouldn’t have to worry about anything apart from what time we’d all have to return home. The image flashed through my mind and I was put back into reality. Stray cars, left to rust in the middle of the damaged streets. No seagulls flying over the town, no sound apart from the same, old sad shuffle of my shoes as I dragged myself around. No people. No life. Just silence.

391

I continued looking at myself in the shattered reflection. My eyes filled with tears as I thought about what Blackpool had become. The virus ended. Everything was perfectly fine. But then it happened. The nuclear war. The war had wiped out most of the population of Blackpool and other towns for a long distance. Those who managed to sur vive knew they wouldn’t be able to live for much longer. Somehow, my bunker worked. Somehow, I sur vived. Why me? I started to remember the feel of his cold hands on my cheek, him telling me everything would be alright. But it wasn’t alright. A world with him gone wasn’t a world I could sur vive in. I watched his breathing become lighter and lighter until it eventually stopped. Remembering the reason I left the bunker, I shook my head and continued my journey. As I got closer to the town centre, I saw more destruction that had engulfed the town. Everything was destroyed, buildings collapsed and rubble everywhere. I looked around and realized. This is what Blackpool has come to.

392

Amy D, Yr8 I stood looking at the reflections of the beauty I call my home town in the disturbed water, and with each drop of water that fell from the sky, a cluster of colours danced together. Each colour was mimicked from each ball of light on every wire and post, even on the great tower that stood behind me, freshly painted. Every wall was a canvas filled to the brim with gorgeous art, nothing was as bland as the past but instead as bright as the future. Music blared from large speakers on the old newspaper that spread across the floor; the music was directed to a cluster of people. They were all covered in paint and shiny bits, ones further from the road of lights glowed blue, yellow, green and pink where paint had splattered on their bodies. Each person thrashed around in bliss, people of all races and colours mixed together (not separated by communities). Not one bad word. To know just years ago this wonderland was filled with hate and fear makes me proud of how far we have come. To think that teens would hang around the streets terrorizing others is insane. Why did it take so long for small minded people to open up and accept others ? To accept other communities. To respect other genders.

393

To respect other humans who are seen as different because of the way they dress, look and act. The lack of respect for others snuffed out the beauty of this town. I am proud of my new Blackpool. I can be open about my likes, beliefs and self without the fear of being excluded from what society sees as okay. Truth be told, as long as you’re not hurting anyone in some way (that being physically or emotionally) then you are free to be who you want. You are free to be yourself. You are free to be human.

394

Mohammed Awais R, Yr8 I Come From I come from Keighley, A place you can’t imagine. I come from a caring family, A family you can’t imagine. I come from Keighley, A town which is crowded with people. But today there are no crowds. Me and my family stuck inside, Waiting for the pandemic to move aside. Families waiting to meet their loved ones And eat all the rice and kebabs on Eid. People just need to have faith and hope So that lockdown opens and let us free. I come from Keighley, An amazing town.

395

Hannah M, 11 I Come From I come from a faithful family where we Pray and follow our religion. I come from a pandemic which has been really hard, We never gave up to be where we are today. I come from a hard-working family Who tell me try your best to achieve your dreams. I come from a mum who makes me Asian foods With lots of love. I come from an strong family Who support me in every way. I come from inspiration where my family inspire Me all the time. I come from strength, When we fall down we rise up.

396

Malk M, 11 I Come From I come from Sudan. I came to England with my dad and mum and my brothers and one little sister. I miss my family in the home country and I miss my grandma and aunties. I can’t choose who my favourite is. I love all of them. I also miss Sudan because it has the best food ever and every Ramadan we always eat dry dates which are my favourite.

397

Lucy-Jo D, 15 Rules Potterheads. That’s what we’re called, Hog warts is our home, Slytherin is my house. The house that belonged to evil wizards of the past. Purebloods, halfbloods and mudbloods alike. One thing that brings us together is magic.

398

Chloe C, 11 Familial Surroundings. Smells. Certain smells. Scents that can send memories whizzing around your brain as flashes of smiles and tears circulate times of genuine joy and serenity. Sometimes we get lost in the drab of dayto-day life without thinking about how valuable family moments can be. Sometimes we get those chances taken away without having the chance to make more. A division of people who were once united is now so apart, it’s hard to see the seam that split so quickly. Millions of people try so hard to post smiling pictures and pouting selfies every day, just for a comment from an insignificant social media fanatic. Instead of focusing on the people around them and creating new moments, they prefer to spend time thinking about how they can impress someone who constantly hides behind a screen. Chasing dreams and having butterflies in your soul from the excitement of a new experience is what life is all about, not pretentious people commenting their irrelevant opinion on something so infinitesimal.

399

Tanzida S, 12 I Come From I came from two strong , independent parents who care for me. Two annoying brothers, one loud sister and me. Dreaming big , fantasising my future, always trying to aim high, Trying to make everyone proud. Always proving many people in my life wrong , Breaking stereotypes, Trying to make a change! Growing up religious and being the oldest, Being a role model for the whole family. It’s hard, I have to admit, it’s not all that easy but I still try, And that the best thing I can do. Because one day I know eventually how hard I worked, knowing I made everyone proud, knowing I actually succeed in life as one day I will look back and see, being proud of myself of all my achievements and hard work. Forgetting all about the stress, pain and anxiety, Knowing it all paid off at the end! 400

Amina Q, 13 I Come From I come from a town that is kind. I come from a big family. I don’t live near mountains Or the big blue sea But I live in a town that’s quite pretty. I live in a small street, With lots of shops which means loads of treats. I have loads of cousins, Which means I’m never bored. I love where I live A nice kind community.

401

Daniel R, 13 I Come From A loving household not big or small. On a quiet street, across the road. It’s quite peaceful where I come from. The house is quite big. But the same as always. Even though there’s only six. There are more all around. From next door is my cousin. Then more up is my other cousin. Where I come from is peaceful and bright. Nothing can change, while there. Even if some are gone. I’ll always remember them, from heart.

402

Dominika H, 12 I Come From I come from a courageous, loving family. I come from a small, crowded town where nothing really happens. I come from being taught that inspiration is key, and you that you have to strive for what’s best. I come from a place where thinking clearly and ahead is essential. I come from a place where you have to sometimes make sacrifices to see loved ones.

403

Hadia F, 11 I Come From A house of manners and respect, All loved and caring. A strawberry fluffy pancake, A close relationship that would never end. A narrow lane. A kind and strong friendship. A friendship that always stands for each other. A world of peace and God the creator. People struggling and having a tough time. A world having an impact on education. A world full of joy and happiness.

404

Hana A, 12 I Come From I come from a global pandemic. I come from a world where you can’t see your family. I come from a world of isolation. But now I realise that family is very important, It has made me realise to appreciate the little things. Family, friends, going out, spending quality time with family. I come from a happy childhood, Happiness, joy, freedom, A place where we could go out, Life where we could do anything and go out. Where we were all happy.

405

Bethany D, 12 Dear Diary, Today is 2050 and the whole pandemic hasn’t got any better. No one’s even allowed to shop for essential things, you have to order and that’s something. From not wearing a mask is illegal, to not being able to breathe is crazy. But a good thing is that we have got advanced technolog y that is reliable. The houses look like some sort of alien flying saucer! 2050 could be better, but you can say that about any other year. The sky always looks like space, even in the summer. I think we will get used to global lockdowns. Bye!

406

Max V, 11 I like watching the sun rise on the sea. It makes me feel good and when I look around the ice cream and rock shops awaiting someone to buy something (personally I like strawberry rock the most) then I start the adventure back home it’s good because there are a lot of ways to go so it never gets boring the way I go the most is past the tower next to old amusement park it broke down ages ago. And when I got home all the technolog y that was never around when I was younger like floating chairs eye-controlled T V ’s. I go in my room and I hear a weird noise it’s like a rumble I didn’t think it was anything but it happened again downstairs my family were playing a game and the bang was my brother slamming his head on the table and then falling of his chair it was like the floating chair was dancing the way it rolled around I want to get cereal but no one fed the dogs so I did it I tried to get my cereal was not there so I had to go and get some more. What happened next was crazy when I went in the shop they did not have any so I went to the next shop to get my cereal there was none in the next shop either so went home disappointed but what I did not realise is that my brother had all the cereal. So, we would have a duel for them. He was stronger than me so there was only one logical thing to do. The battle started so I pulled out my secret ability........ RUN AWAY I ran as fast as I could and my brother ran after but he ran into a door the cereal was mine and I had it at 10:37. 407

Jessica B, 11 A Brighter Blackpool The blue waves brushed against the soft sand as rubbish was urged into black bin bags. The whole town had come out for a big beach clean. Children took hoverboards to school to help them get there faster. Whilst adults took auto driving cars to work (so they could get 5 more minutes of sleep) on the way to work. The tower had grown 10 meters longer thanks to the newly made building androids. Doctors took days off to go on trips to the beach thanks to new technolog y that could have a successful surgery 99.9% of the time, Notarianni’s had created a new type of ice cream that never got warm, and never melted but was still as delicious as ever. Seagulls flew above the soft clouds and dogs chased automatically moving balls across the sandy beaches. Girl scouts set up camp by the sea, protected by a force field, not letting any water in. Animals who once could walk now have real looking mechanical legs and bones. Blackpool was now paradise; happiness was not in short supply.

408

Holly A, 11 A Brighter Blackpool Dear diary, I just wanted to say how prosperous I am that Blackpool is satisfactory again! There is not litter at every corner, cigarettes down every street. People are kind hearted again, everyone can be trusted, neighbours are friendly. We are now not called one of the worst places in England, but the best. There are pleasant places to shop with an extremely sizable shopping mall filled with clothes. Food places are a lot posher and well-liked with people coming from everywhere out of town to eat it. Coronavirus is gone which means that people can go places again, visiting friends and family. Sea water is a lot cleaner for people to go in. Homeless people do not shamefully live on the street anymore as charities have been giving millions of pounds to rehome people. Rubbish seems to have gone and now is being chucked into bins! Climate change is being affected greatly as people have stopped producing as many gases which means penguins and polar bears can live safely as ice caps are not melting ! Schools are also being improved with amazing progress. Houses are being renovated and stopping the streets from looking unkempt. Everything is being painted and grime is being removed from everywhere. Everything looks clean like how I wanted Blackpool to be!

409

Zara J, 11

410

Zara J, 12 A Brighter Blackpool My uncle tells me of what Blackpool used to be like thirty years ago, since then quite a lot has changed. He tells me what all the streets around town used to look like. When I asked him which one had changed the most, his answer is always, “the road that runs by the promenade. “Uncle Hank says there were only a few scarce trees there when he was a boy. There used to be an ice cream shop called Notarianni’s around the corner from that road, I know it now, but uncle says it moved to the other side of town, along with some of the candy floss stands. “ When I went there, me and my dad used to walk to it, there wasn’t much parking. “He says Lytham Road didn’t have flowerbeds and that there never used to be a public park along the road. I guess things were very dull when he was a boy, now, trees grow only metres from each other down the road and Lytham Park is a very nice place to visit. It has butterflies of all colours nearly all year round, deep lilac and blue ones and the special orange ones that uncle says were very common when he was younger. In the year 2025, my history teacher told me they almost went extinct. Stanley park is also one of my favourite places to go, they have a large play area which I love going to and lots of friendly ducks at the large pond.

411

Opposite the park, there is Victoria Hospital. It’s a nice place to go for a hospital. I went there once when I broke my arm on a skateboard. It is very clean and has two buildings. Even with staff rushing around, the atmosphere is very uplifting. Once, I passed a ward that read “Covid-19”. We are learning about the pandemic of 201920 in history class as well, though there are only around two new cases worldwide every month now, we still get a vaccine every two years. Yesterday me and Dad went to the beach. The water is crystal clear and it’s always clean and free from sogg y paper wrappers. Plastic wrappers are as common as Olympic gold medals now. Whenever Uncle finds one, he holds it up like a trophy and runs to the nearest bin. All of the town’s bins empty into five recycling centres, which Dad admires and says are leading the way to the future. In the town centre, there’s a mall called Hounds hill, it has three buildings and I love shopping there, they do all sorts of healthy food in the food court and they always have the latest plugincurs on display. They look very expensive. Mum takes me on a Saturday for lunch and we always look for good sports shoes for me. I play in Blackpool’s tennis team and I have to keep practising on the local tennis courts, the team is doing very well. Blackpool is a very nice, clean place to live in 2050 and I hope it will always be like that.

412

Olivia D, 11 Blackpool the town reborn Thursday 3rd March 2050 It’s the year 2050, Blackpool has changed massively ! Most things in Blackpool are technolog y based now but the little things that aren’t involving that much technolog y have changed quite a bit. For example, in the year 2021, pollution was flooding the oceans. Now in the year 2050 we have specialised robots to make sure the ocean floor is as clean as a newly bought car. Also, the numbers of sea creatures have increased from this massive change. Another great change is the medicines we have in 2050! A couple years back the scientists have found some things that are truly incredible. For example, the cure for cancer has finally been discovered and everyone in Blackpool that once was relying on chemotherapy doesn’t have to worry about losing their hair anymore! Also, when a terrible illness called coronavirus hit Blackpool years ago, there is now no trace of any living person in Blackpool that has had covid-19 which is a massive relief for some! Blackpool has now become what it once was in Victorian times a major seaside resort for tourism, with people from all over the world coming to see the sights and sounds of Blackpool. technolog y has played a great part in this with now holographic illuminations fill the golden mile. You can now walk down the promenade with great 413

people from the past walking by your side with a dazzling display of lights. The clear waters of Blackpool sea and the warming temperatures around the world, have created a vast array of sea life from dolphins, to turtles can now be seen from the top of the tower! Crime is unheard of now as electronic policemen sur vey every corner keeping homes and streets safe from crime.

414

Ruby T Hello Lovers of Earth, As you know the population of animals in the sea is going down very quickly so I’m here to tell you what we can do about it. There are a lot of things we need to change in this planet like from the streets to the depths of the ocean. The first topic is obviously water and all the animals in the sea from all the life from the sea beds, we need you to help to make this world a better place by getting yourself messy or even soaking wet because we only have one Earth and this is the only planet we can live on so far. It’s good for exercise because children from all ages can go on the beach or go in the woods with a trusted adult or walk even to collect all this trash and you’ll be very amazed how much there is rubbish on different landmarks.

415

Hollie C, 12 A Brighter Blackpool Dear Mum, Blackpool in 2060 is so futuristic and interesting. It’s so much different from what we thought it would be like. The sea is clear for miles with no plastic in sight. The feeling of being at the beach makes me feel warm and joyful. Seagulls fill the blue, crystal-clear sky and smiling children run around with three-scooped ice creams in their sweaty hands. There is also a lot of new technolog y here too. This includes electric, flying cars, robotic guide dogs and lots more that I can’t fit on this letter! As I go into what used to be our town centre, I see that it is now filled with fair grounds and small businesses selling low budget, everyday items. Everyone is so happy and it warms my heart to see that life is good, it just takes time. My next stop was our home. I was curious to see if we had moved or stayed. I had moved out and started a new family. You and dad still live here though! As I took my first step inside, I can tell you that our stairs did get re-done in the end, don’t worry. Apart from that everything hadn’t changed a bit. This brought back so many memories including the pandemic.

416

We stuck together, even though the hardest times. Continuing my journey I realise that the Blackpool tower was looking better than ever! It had way more lights and looked ten times more modern. The restaurants ser ve scrumptious food and look so welcoming. I had the most wonderful piece of steak you would ever eat! It was delightful. To end the best day of my life I watched the fireworks light up the night sky. I had never felt better than what I felt at that moment. It gave me a boost of hope for the future. It was the perfect end to a perfect night. Lots of love and hugs, Hols xx

417

Lexi HC, 12 A Brighter Blackpool It’s now 2054 and the dolphins and seals now swim in the sea, We now need to promise and guarantee, There will be absolutely no more littering , Stop ignoring and chattering , Animals can be killed by this plastic, Let’s all be enthusiastic, Tomorrow is a new start, So let’s help the environment with all our heart, If we do this all together, Our future can be better, With litter not only in the sand, It’s everywhere and in my hand, Please just put your rubbish in the bin, Eventually everyone can win.

418

Jake P, 11

419

Millie D, 12 Dear Diary, It has been 30 years since I was last in Blackpool, WOW how the memories have come flowing back, it feels like I only lived here yesterday. I started my day by walking on the promenade to Blackpool Tower, amazed by how much it has changed. I remember going to the arcade to try to win more tickets than my older brother, going swimming in the water and making sandcastles at the beach with my friends in the summer. I remember in 2020 when Covid-19 just started, we all went into lockdown and had to do school at home and when we went out on our walks, seeing that there was nobody in the streets and the beach all quiet and clean. But now it looks like a different place. There are massive water displays with water shooting up in time with the music and dancers putting on performances everywhere I look, there are even tightrope walkers on a big line from Central Pier to North Pier.There are a lot more fantastic rides at the pleasure beach and they are still working on more ideas. There are also so many new hotels so more people can come and visit, I even saw a roller coaster on the top of one of the new hotels.

420

As it turned dark, I saw the Tower change colour as it did all those years ago but in all different brighter colours, all flashing at different times, and all of the illumination lights were replaced with laser lights that flash in every direction possible, it reminded me of Las Vegas. The next day I went downtown and I realised there are more shops and they were all 10 times bigger than they were before (you should see the size of Primark now). Coral Island had much bigger and better arcade machines, and little robots zipping around the place but it still had the good old 2p machine which I just had to play again for old time’s sake! There are also many more food restaurants, some even posher than the Beach House and yummier than a McDonald’s big mac. Everybody always seems to be laughing and wearing a smile on their face, just how I remembered my days out in Blackpool.

421

Chloe W, 14 I began to wonder how different life would be when my home town Blackpool changed for good. All the crowded streets and crumbling buildings, all turn to modern world designs that only I could have dreamed about when I was younger. I am going to take you along with me and explain what I want to happen in the year 2050! The narrow streets of Blackpool turn to exciting passages of the unknown, every left and right are new designs of what we as humans could only dream of. Glass buildings with hologram screens portraying designs of what’s to come. Clear cobble-stone pavements free from all of the chewing gum, litter free streets and a safe air to breathe in. Global warming has come to an end, no more animals getting driven round the bend, no habitats lost and animals are free to live the life that they could only dream! A safe life for everyone to live no fear and no crime, children can feel safe to enter the world of the unknown as they come to realise how different things can truly be. Updated parks, and amusement grounds scatter all throughout the town. A new adventure awaits when you step into the park’s magical gates as the hologram swings await, every child’s dream. You might be thinking , “ What about school? Will it still be the same?” We hope the idea of virtual learning will finally come into place. 422

Helping people understand what happened in real life from seeing battles taking place, elections and the human race. Black Lives Matter will still be a thing , remembering those who fought for the rights of other people and put them first. As we wander down the streets of 2050 we find loads of updated cars for all you earth-loving people. These fully renewables helping the environment is first on the agenda! The beach! How could I forget ? The main attraction of our small town is the clear blue sea with tropical fish being able to make peace with animals and not hunting them for our own letting them live their greatest life. Our town coming together as one enjoying the time in the sun with our improved weather trying to accomplish every endeavour. Families could have the chance to have an option to use virtual time machines and see their ancestors living their life and enjoying their time on the earth. As I explore 2050 in my mind I wander back to the current year 2021 and I’m wishing and hoping that this is the new way of moving on!

423

Harry E Dear Diary, The year 2050! Adults in hovering cars on the way to construction jobs wave to their children playing on the silver grass with their shiny wheeled toys. The fake, silver coloured plastic grass outside of everyone’s homes is the only safe place to play now. The streets are too crowded as the population has grown too much to find any space to run around. The children are becoming overweight and pale. Because of the amount of people living so close together the WIFI signals are so slow. Families are given allocated times when they can use the internet. The poorer families often sell their internet time to pay for their rent. Blackpool is not as busy as it was several years ago. So the work dried up when the holiday makers stopped coming. They chose warmer cheaper holidays abroad. There are better areas on the outskirts of the town, where the families have more space to live. It is rare to see the children in these areas playing outside. They have better signal so they are usually in their rooms playing on their computers.

424

Where do I fit in here? Both of my parents are able to work so we do not live in the deprived areas. But we are not rich so we don’t fit on the outskirts either. We are the lucky ones. We are free to move around in the open spaces, the parks we have left are close to us so we can play there. We can reach the beach too. Not many people come to the beach now, they are too busy.

425

Maja G Oh in a brighter Blackpool, Oh in a brighter Blackpool, It’s 2050 and we don’t have flying cars, But we do have more technolog y that’s more bizarre. Factories don’t have workers they were all fired, They were replaced with robots that were wired, To do the workers job and never take a break, And never make not even one mistake. Buildings are all cottages to make the place look more appealing , To live in a big mansion-like house you must be succeeding. Which is hard now because robots have taken over jobs, If you are working you must be making special thing ymabobs. Oh in a brighter Blackpool, Oh in a brighter Blackpool, Pets get their own little home, But most don’t like being alone. Police officers on patrol, Had to give up their important role,

426

And instead we have cameras everywhere, Most people weren’t bothered by the stare. Of the little black thing that has a shiny lense, That believe it or not can grow legs, When it drops off the wall and the legs appear, It checks to see if the roads are clear. Oh in a brighter Blackpool, Oh in a brighter Blackpool. Some people wish that somethings wouldn’t have changed, But I would never go back if someone else would they are deranged.

427

Amelia H, 12 “A brighter Blackpool” what does it mean? To some people, it’s flying cars and robots with the world full of technolog y. To me it’s a lot more than that, it’s a future, a possibility beyond our vision. In 29 years, there will be some technolog y of course but what else is there? I think that there are jobs beyond your imagination. Jobs like medical mentors, or technolog y specialists. You can think of so much in the future that may be true and may be out of the question that is not possible at that point in time. Sometimes I like to wonder about how good the future is going to be, but I never think about how it could possibly get worse. Climate change, Global warming , so many things that could happen. Now, enough of the boring talk and more of the good things and the fun. Technolog y, there is lots of technolog y in the world such as phones, computers, printers, tablets, mp3 players, headphones, game consoles etc. What I’m saying is we have come so far in the last 21 years and made so many new technolog y items so if we have made all of this in the past, what can we make in the future? There are possibilities over possibilities, I bet that in 20 years time, there will be robots roaming the streets helping the elderly with their

428

shopping , or handing out newspapers if they will still be doing that, I mean they’ll have technolog y after all. I just hope that in a couple of decades there will be something that kids see in history class and will say, “that’s older than my grandpa” and giggle to their friends, something like an iPhone 7 plus. I suppose we never know what the future will specifically be like, nobody will, but I guess that’s the fun of it. ‘A brighter Blackpool’ and that’s what I think of.

429

Aliyah A, 12 Dear Diary, In Blackpool it is now 2050, so much has changed since 2021. In 2021 there was a horrible virus called coronavirus. It hit families and key workers hard but we got through it with the covid vaccines scientists have created for us. Now 2050 is a better life with less pollution in the sea. Lots of new technolog y is out like self driving cars and space tourism in orbit! The whole of Blackpool is an amazing theme park with all different rides. The houses are amazing , they are much bigger. In each house there is a waterfall full of joy. There is yummy food everywhere and the water is crystal clear. There are lots of new jobs like in a hospital there are robots for taking care of your newborn child. Everyone loves the new picture filter. It is now rainbow. In schools there are no books anymore it is just on computers. Extinct creatures have come back from the dead and scientists have created giant creatures that are still in the medical care.

430

Max N, 11 It was opening day and Blackpool really was booming with people from all around the world elated and enjoying the wonders of Blackpool seeing all that it has to offer. I was lucky enough to get an early access universal pass for all Blackpool attractions for free. I managed to ride the zooming , floating monorail, Sandtown water park, the Pleasure Pier with an arcade, 5 star restaurant, roller coasters, mini games and a full sized football pitch with its own football team. Last, but definitely not least, I got a once in a lifetime experience to visit The Max Pleasure Beach. I was jogging towards the biggest theme park not in Britain but in the world, I was met by massive 50 ft tall stone and iron walls and then I saw the gates stone and iron again but with the letters TMPB car ved in the gate and patterns that looked like optical illusions but to an extremely large scale. Guards patrolled the entrance and to enter you had to show them a ticket made out of 24 karat gold it was literally a golden ticket but this time to something much better than a crusty and dusty chocolate factory but a ticket to the future. There was an airport linked to the park as big as Heathrow and filled with luxurious private jets fit for millionaires. The first ride

431

I stumbled across was called the invis-mobile, there was nothing there. I was so confused when, “ahhhhh!” shouted a group of people riding an invisible roller coaster a bit like the quin jet. How was this possible no one had ever told me about this! It was as if I was in a fantasy world or dreaming. It would be an understatement to say I was blown away. To my right laid a ride called the magic 1000, I was confused until I saw a massive speed-o-meter beep and then f woosh a gust of wind slammed in my face and 1000 miles per hour was recorded. Everyone I saw looked like a cheshire cat with a smile beaming from cheek to cheek or looked like they were in a jaw lock with their mouths wide open. The rest were amazing but there was one that caught mine and everyone else’s eye, The Omega One standing 2500 ft tall and took 9 minutes to finish the ride. I ran as fast as I could over to the ride and the queue was 4 hours long but then eureka! I remembered I had fast track from the universal pass I got and I was straight on the ride trembling in fear and buckling up my seat belt getting ready for the ride of my life... ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch. The ride stopped right at the top but then, “oh no,” sighed another person on the ride. Now I thought I was stuck that was not the case. “Ahhhhhh” I was off plummeting to my death but then there was another trek up much faster and then back down I felt queasy I then threw up but the g-force was so high the sick came out my mouth then as grim as it is went back in my mouth I was having fun, but it was too much I blacked out and the next thing I knew was that I was back home in bed with my mum and dad next to me with the television on. 432

Jayden G, 13 It is the year 2050 and Blackpool has received some shocking transformations that have formed the seaside resort’s stunning reputation. A newly constructed transport infrastructure, which is all ecofriendly, has improved the air quality drastically as extra people have abandoned their cars and no carbon-dioxide is emitted from the vehicles as no petrol is used. These automobiles have been solely made of recycled materials meaning that fewer products are having to be manufactured out of new materials. You wouldn’t even recognize that they were recycled as they look extremely slick and modern. Also, the roads have been resurfaced with a mixture of recycled plastic and tar so then they are less susceptible to damage and wear and tear to ensure there is less maintenance required. This helps with plastic pollution because more of the material is being repurposed instead of it being disposed of resulting in waste accumulating in the oceans. In addition, there are no people scavenging the streets for food and shelter as there are flats to accommodate them with food being

433

provided as the council have established a support scheme for people that have lost their homes and can’t afford to eat. New sport and leisure facilities have been built to encourage people to do more exercise so then they live a healthier lifestyle. More parks have also been built for the children living in the area to allow them to meet up with their friends to keep them socializing and having fun. Law enforcement has tightened to suppress crime meaning that living here is a lot safer than it was in the past. Because of this, the miniature town has become one of the best places to live in the UK which is a massive improvement from the previous ratings the town had received. In conclusion, I admire the way Blackpool is now in comparison to the way it was previously because the streets are immaculate and there are fewer crimes being committed in the area. Also, people are happier as there are better facilities and the roads haven’t got any imperfections because they have been vigorously maintained to cease disruptions. In addition to all of these improvements, the air quality is extremely pure because more steps have been taken into consideration to reach carbon zero. This is the way I would like to imagine Blackpool to be in 2050.

434

Holly W, 11 I met a girl called Harper who was from... the future. She invited me to come in her time machine and travel 30 years into the future. We arrived in the year 2051, as I slowly stepped out of the time machine my heart was beating so fast. The first thing I noticed was the tower. It had not changed one bit at all! As I glanced around everything else had completely changed. As we both walked along the prom I noticed that everyone was wearing bright colours...like glowing yellows and bright pinks, it was amazing ! Even the hair styles were crazy, girls were wearing at least 6 buns in their hair with glow in the dark hair bands. I noticed the town was a lot busier than I remember. There were so many people about. We came across a shop called World of Wonderful Sweets. It had three floors, and was massive! It had every single sweet inside. We decided to go in and have a look. All you could smell was bubblegum. Even the lift was shaped like a gingerbread house and smelt of ginger. Next, we had a look around the Museum of Dinosaurs. Inside were

435

lots of bones and models, there was even a 3D cinema experience. In the middle of town there was a massive entertainment centre that was filled with everything : an ice cream parlour, cinema, bowling , restaurants, shops and play areas. Harper and I treated ourselves to a fruit salad ice cream. In the evening we watched a magnificent magic show. I had not seen anything like it, it was amazing there were so many people. After the magic show had finished, Harper told me it was time to go. When I got back home to 2021 I couldn’t but think about all of the exciting things and places that we had seen. It made me happy to think of all the fun places in Blackpool we will be able to visit in the future.

436

Ava H, 11 At the start it was all a blur, then there were colours. I was confused. I felt like I was being engulfed by my own thoughts. Once I gained back my consciousness, I realised I was in a much brighter Blackpool. Hover cars zoomed past and robots walked mechanical pets down the streets. It was early in the morning so the Blackpool Tower illuminated the streets a cool blue colour. By midday the pavement was filled with people out for their summer shopping ; there were parents in the park playing in the fountains and enjoying giant ice creams. I was still in my nightgown so I decided to do a bit of shopping. I entered the shop and it was full of colour and life. Girls were trying on makeup and trying on designer clothes; everything was so flamboyant. At the counter there was a robot. I was surprised everything was replaced by robots. What a year it was. I felt like I was dreaming. However, leaving this futuristic paradise will be hard. But mum says, “Be home by tea time we are having bangers and mash for tea”. Yum!

437

Jake R, 13 Blackpool 2050 29 years in the future, the small seaside town has revolutionised and has improved dramatically, job opportunities pour into the town opening new windows for people who originally came to Blackpool for work and found themselves on the floor of the promenade, the run-down shops on the sea cost have improved dramatically, filling with customers. The streets that were empty and abandoned have now turned into new properties going for high prices because of their sea front seat. The hotels on the seafront have been knocked down to rebuild 4-5 star hotels down the beachfront. Historical and iconic places such as the pier have been repaired and look brand new due to storms pulling some of the foundation loose over the years and the town has expanded 1-2 miles of length with brand new houses making herds of people funnel into the town. Ever since the rewilding project skyrocketed, assumed to be extinct animals resurface inside of the new forests and animals return to normal once more. The astonishing shops that scavenged the town centre, thought to be abandoned or forgotten because of the new places opening outside of town. The streets have all been cleaned and replaced with clean, slick pavements with trees with bright green leaves scattering the street like a futuristic scene in a movie, but with the fancy smooth white and blue lights.

438

With Blackpool’s population booming , a lot more workers are introduced and to keep up with the constant stream of needed money, banks are rebuilt with state of the art facilities, vaults and a high tech money printer but this only happened with big banks, with state of the art bullet proof cameras and 2x as many guards as there would be making the money inside secure as long as the bank lives. The town now has 2 skyscrapers that tower at almost the same height as the iconic Blackpool tower, electric cars have become the main source of driving and gas stations have become obsolete to electric stations. Blackpool along with many other towns and cities have now begun to make robots that can move on their own and do other jobs, more hospitals have started to be built with the best technolog y and many diseases once thought impossible to cure have now been cured by scientists that have worked over time, becoming the most popular group of scientists in the medical industry. And to add the cherry on top, the most important thing we humans need, right next to a home and water, food, during the evolution of man, farms have doubled in livestock leaving millions of spare animals with the other million pieces of meat supplied to the super markets making people never go hungry again.

439

Riley G In 2050 will life be any better? The bright lights of Blackpool appealing to the go-getter. But beyond the lights there are major issues, the back streets are littered, but not just with tissues. People in poverty and racism is rife, don’t they deserve to live a normal happy life. The town could be great and people can prosper, but let’s not be the unwanted imposter. We all know deep down we must make a start, to make life better in the town in our heart. Start with the little, just say good morning , before you know it we are smiling and life is not so boring. We are all the same deep down inside, we may be different shapes and sizes, but the colour of our skin, we must hide! The terraces are filled with a multicultural society, let’s lift the taboo and release the anxiety. I want a town that is equal for all,

440

where we walk down the prom and we can all stand tall. No matter where you are from or the language you speak we can make our town the best and 2050 will not be so bleak.

441

Jake H, 13 January 29th 2050 Dear diary, today I walked around the remnants of a town that used to stand tall in the sky as flying vehicles circled around my head as I walked to the local beach. It was about 3:37PM. As I was about to sit down, a man tried to get my attention as he jogged over to me. I said to him that he needs to stand away from me and put a mask on, then I asked what he wants. He said he is sorry and he couldn’t find where the shop is, so gave him directions and he went away. It seems as I lost track of time and it was getting dark now so I got in my car and flew up and away back to my house.

442

Chloe W, 14 The End of an Era Today, as more and more attractions are popping up all over the United Kingdom, Blackpool announced the impending closure of one of its biggest ever attractions, quite literally ! The news has rocked our town to its very core and left us without any idea what is coming next. The news of the closure of Blackpool Tower, which hit national headlines yesterday morning , has been met with backlash from nearly everyone who read it. However, unless something drastic is done, nothing will change and Blackpool Tower will run its famous lifts for the last time ever in one short month’s time . Of course, if it hadn’t been for those in charge, our Tower may still be providing joy for families everywhere. You see, I can remember visiting the Blackpool Tower when I was just a young child, spending quality time with my family. Now, reflecting upon those far happier times, I am absolutely devastated that yet another of the places I recall so fondly is having to close. How can you not see that the government’s irresponsible, ridiculous and idiotic spending has cost our town more than they could ever repay? We have lost far more than just the tower itself !

443

650,000 people from all over the country visit the Blackpool Tower each year. Saying that they bought single tickets, that would be a total revenue of £9,067,500! As you can see for yourself, that is an astronomical sum and, you may think, simply too much to just throw away ! Well, that is what seems to have been decided for us. Since when have we, the people of Blackpool, had a say in matters like this ? Never, but now is the time to do something about it! This is our town and it’s our right to stop this! So, you might be thinking to yourself, ‘how could I possibly help?’. Well, there are a lot of things that must be done before the closure takes place next month and the Tower is no more. During that time, there is plenty that can be done, that should have been done much sooner, to save this beloved icon. I spoke to manager John Smith, who gave me this statement: ‘ We at the Tower are heartbroken to see it go, but if we were to simply have more funding , we may be able to operate a while longer’. There’s your answer! Blackpool Tower is legendary, up on the list with the greats like the one and only Eiffel Tower. We should all come together and try to raise some money to keep this part of our history open. If everyone contributed just £2, we would have £278,000 to keep it running , so get your thinking caps on! Nevertheless, if nothing can be done and this part of our heritage is going down, it will do so in style and give us something to remember for years to come, a legacy that will forever put our little town on the map.

444

Charlotte L, 11 A Brighter Blackpool The splash of the sea , morning rays of sun People edge out their houses , the day just begun The seagulls and starfish The clownfish and cod The colourful ocean fresh sand not been trod The piers and great tower , iconic to see The ballroom dazzling , everyone does agree Once a place where litter overran the whole ground Now it was clean , no litter to be found. The once dying oceans now have lots of life The pollution is gone where it used to be rife Where shops were closed unable to sell They were now open and busy as well This little town that used to be missed Had got a place on the map and was now very blissed The sun now fully rose and all the people outside This is the new Blackpool that has so much pride 445

Abbie C, Yr7 A Brighter Blackpool It’s a beautiful life, It’s a beautiful place Many things to do In such little space The beach, the pier Amusements, Blackpool tower It’s a great place When will we have the power? The town is in lockdown, We got through this together. We fought for the rights, Whatever the weather. Online school is a nightmare, Families are struggling.

446

Doing what they can, Though it is still troubling. In the future there will be more, More of care, love and hope. Think about the sea creatures dying , Think about how they have to cope. Creatures, cope in the worst ways, You put your litter on the floor. And they have to suffer, More and more. In 2050 in the future, Who knows what it will be like. Things that will make us forget, The times we would even dislike. The bad memories and the good, Will linger because we had plenty. We will think back to the memories, We made in 2020!

447

Abigail T, Yr7 A Brighter Blackpool Hello people, today I think that we should make Blackpool a better place for example: cleaning up the streets for the Queen, Giving money to the homeless so they can find a new home, Cleaning up the beach, Picking up plastic. Because we could all kill the sea animals and none of us want that. I think we should be better people to God and the world because we drop so much rubbish everyday and we care so little. We need our world to change... Some people don’t have a world for nothing , we can’t treat it like we treat ourselves, With hate and broken trust and bad love. We can’t let people make our world fall apart, we can’t let water wash it away. So whatever you do please treat our world right because it’s falling apart and I hate the fact that we treat it with so little respect, Residents of Blackpool, I want to say I’d love to change the world, make it a better place but we can’t do that all alone. This needs to stop. We need to stop and think of all the people struggling out there. No home, no money, no food. They could all die alone and all of their families wouldn’t even care but for the ones that cried... for the ones that did care... THANK YOU! I really have a hard time

448

realizing how hard it is for the people that lost their loved ones., I get so tired of looking at people suffer and cry. This needs to stop now. -Be nice, helpful -Don’t let people suffer. -Try your best and don’t give up. -Even if you get knocked down. Get back up and show them that you deser ve to be here!

449

Billie G, Yr7 Blackpool in 2050 wow let me think, Lovely beach and lots of pubs, people love to drink, At Blackpool, in Lancashire were known for our sea Come to Blackpool, in the winter make sure you have a tea, Kids and adults were open for any, Pop to an old building , only spend a penny Open for anyone come, come, come Opera house, Madame Tussauds our town isn’t glum Lucky for you we’re open 24/7.

450

Blake H, Yr7 Good afternoon everyone, I need some money to help make Blackpool better as there are a lot of homeless people in Blackpool that need help. They need somewhere to stay like a hostel or a flat so they can get off the streets and into a nice warm place and have some food in their tummies. How would you feel if it was someone you knew or a family or friend? Also, we need to save money for the residents of Blackpool instead of charging them the same as tourists. We can save them 50%, that way everybody can enjoy the sights and we can make more money. Then we can build more stuff to help everyone. I think this will be a great way to get Blackpool back up and running so we can make money and keep the homeless off the streets. Thank you for listening to my speech.

451

Ebony S Blackpool...what can we say it’s a very nice area to be in we have a lovely beach and a very nice parks but can I just say something about the town in 2050 would be very modern and very old as I really want it to be the same in 2050 because it looks so good now why are they changing it now ? Like it is already as nice we have good fish and chips. This would happen in 2050 we have better phones, better technolog y like better phone seviers and better transport, like flying cars, better police ser vers, no criminals around and better fast food! We have an amazing beach full of new people from around the world, we would have a better Blackpool tower so it won’t be fixed 24/7. We finally don’t have robbers, homeless people, rich people and many more. It helps with everyone around us and that we don’t have any people who we think are criminals. We have better schools, better policy, no bullies or they would be kicked out. As much as we all wanted to get rid of bullies is still the law to have all kids in school.

452

We have better buildings, we have a fantastic cinema, better parks, we also have a 5 star hotel that people from all around the world come to and have fun with so come to Blackpool we’ll make your 2050 as best as possible!!

453

Evangeline M Family and friends United once again Then later torn apart Unusual to everyone Reminders of happy time Everyone.

454

George Y Hello there! I’m here today to talk about Blackpool. As you know, there’s been crimes around Blackpool. Not just Blackpool, around the world as well. We need to act up and make Blackpool a wonderful place to visit. This means we need to be kind to each other, respect each other and collaborate with each other. That’s what Blackpool needs. I dream one day will everyone was treated equally. I dream one day that all the homeless people seek help and manage to get back on their feet and I dream one day that everyone will be loved as you can see, God and Jesus love every individual they have created. Do you love him? Unfortunately, there is a coronavirus pandemic in place, so we are not really able to change our act. But, if we worked together to stop this pandemic we can actually change. All we have to do is follow the coronavirus pandemic restrictions by working from home and not travelling too much, until told by the government. Me and my family are doing great and working to try and lift the restrictions and I’m working very hard in my online class studies. What about you? That’s all for what I have to say. I hope you have an amazing day. Goodbye!

455

Harleigh W, Yr9 ‘Blackpool in 2050’ There will be more flowers The size of Sweets There will be more Towers On Halloween they’ll be more Treats Snow will fall like a Shower People will eat less Meat

456

Jess F Yr7 I think that Blackpool would be a better place if people were not homeless or had obesity problems. Being homeless can change with a friendly helping hand or two. All you need to do is lend a room for them to bloom. Then they will be able to get a job and move out of your house and get one themself. Then they won’t be homeless any more. The bad thing about lending a room is that you don’t know what the person is like because they might have ended up on the streets for a bad thing they have done in the past. But if you are kind to them, they will be kind to you. Obesity might not be what they are eating , or how much, it is mainly what’s in the food. All that needs to be done is change how much sugar and artificial tastes and colourings go into foods. The bad thing is that they might change the recipe and no one likes it or they put things in that people are allergic to. So the companies that make the foods will have to think hard about what goes in the food. I also think that Blackpool will be more interesting in the future if the illuminations were slightly different and more interesting every year. Although it will cost a lot of money if they did change the illuminations every year so it will be best not to. These are a few ideas that I think will make Blackpool a brighter and interesting place to go to. 457

Madison B Yr7 Everyone is thinking that we are going to have the best future, but I believe that we need to stop with these hopes and dreams and clean up our town. If we even want to see a future, I need you all to help me make a difference. Sometimes no one believes us because we are young. I hope you can see that we are destroying our planet before our eyes and we are not doing anything about it. Our environment is suffering through all of this littering and it is becoming a serious problem here in Blackpool. l strongly believe that if we keep littering , we will have no town and it will be nothing but a waste land. Why does no one care for our planet ? A lot of people say that they care, but I want you to prove that to me and help me make a difference! Many families are having to go through all of this rubbish around the world, children are growing up in horrible environments please tell me, what would you do if you were in that situation? Blackpool is a place where everyone can come together and walk on the beaches to have good times, without having to feel plastic on their feet and get hurt.

458

Blackpool should be a place for us to run free and should not have to see rubbish anywhere. If that is the type of place you want to live in, or come on a vacation to then may I ask you once more help me make a change please for those who are suffering.

459

Mckenzie C, Yr7 NOW- It’s 2021 and in 29 years it will be 2050, Homelesness is everywhere, and there is rubbish all over. HOPES - I hope for these two things to disappear, for technolog y to get better, for equipment in school and hospital to get better TOURISM - I hope less tourists come to Blackpool, but still many should visit.

460

Mia W, Yr7 Do you really want Blackpool to disappear ? Right now in Blackpool everywhere is closed so no tourists can come because it would be boring but as well they can’t. This means that people who work at hotels and sites where people can live when they are on holiday aren’t gaining any money and because of this they won’t be able to look after their family. 40% of people who work in hotels and sites in Blackpool have lost their jobs. To stop this from happening again we need to make sure that Blackpool looks like a good place for tourists to come. If no tourists come it will be dark and gloomy and people won’t want to go to Blackpool because no one else is. Do you really want to be a town that people find boring and no one goes to? You are ruining children’s dreams of making new friends from people around the world. The first thing is to make sure that Blackpool looks good for tourists

461

to come because they won’t want to come to a place that is dirty and does not look very nice. In the summer lots of people come to Blackpool but in the winter when it is cold and there are not many places to go it is a bit boring. So I think they should make things that you could do in the winter like an ice skating rink and right outside the rink there is a hot drink stand or things like that so it is better in the winter. I hope that together we help make Blackpool a great town again.

462

Nika R, Yr9 I dragged myself along Blackpool beach. The sand wasn’t yellow and soft but mimicked mud. An inconvenient side effect of depressive weather. The air was polluted, suffocating the hope out of anyone brave enough to come out during a pandemic. No one left their houses anymore. It was the loudest silence I had ever known. In 2020, COVID-19 began strangling us. We naively assumed it would stop but it was now 2021. Everyday routine; a continuous cycle, dizzying me. It felt like history was repeating itself. A nightmare. It was a shadow looming over our heads. Despite our efforts, it hadn’t let us recover. As a child I watched sandcastles crumble underneath my fists; now it was the uninhabited hotels around me deteriorating. But life doesn’t have to be this way. Thirty years from now, the zoo is a rehabilitation centre; volunteers help get rid of plastic waste. We made a caring community. The sun shines, blessing every last person under it with a soul-warming kiss. Wherever you go, cheer follows, like a puppy. I almost felt myself lying under the sun, watching a rainbow dance with pearly white clouds. The entire town bustles with noise: laughter from Stanley Park practically echoes across the vast land; thrilled screams of those at the piers, a breeze sweeping their hair away from their rosy cheeks. The air has the aroma of

463

everything good in life: grass cuttings, fresh donuts, milkshakes. The smell of summer. A smile would spread over my face, the way water does over golden sand. The moon scatters across the purest water we have ever seen. I stand at the promenade and take in the breath-taking view. Robots clean up the streets, tidy the seafront. We are known for the clearest water in England. The entire town constantly radiates excited noises, a pleasant sound to hear. A euphony. I visit Pleasure Beach, my sadness levels falling down along with the rollercoasters. spread across the horizon. A perfect sight from the new ride: ‘Love Drop’. My feet may ache from exploring Blackpool’s signature place of delight but it would be worth it. I’d finally feel full again. I was distracted in my thoughts, so deeply that I hadn’t realised where I had wandered. I stood at an old park. I rested on the grass, knocked off my feet by sorrow. The grass under me was nearly lifeless, a consequence of being deprived of children playing amongst it. I was falling down a hole of self-pity when something caught my attention. A blooming violet flower was rising from the barren ground. A small flicker of optimism sparked in me. If that flower could find the will to fight past rocks and stern soil, maybe there was hope that we would make it out of this. Maybe all that rain is just what we needed to water our roots and start our journey of growth, to a brighter Blackpool.

464

Robert H, Yr7 Residents of Blackpool, Would you like to live in a world where we can breathe fresh air ? Well the answer has been here since 1885. Trams unlike cars are 100% electric and very good for the environment. While cars gurgle fuel, trams swiftly glide past the indigo sea. Why don’t you make the change? The year 2020/2021 has hit public transport hard but our trams have sur vived proposed closure, prices for tickets going up and Covid 19. However, Blackpool needs trams as it is unlocking Blackpool’s potential for tourism. Our environment is falling into a bottomless pit and cannot be retrieved without your help. Trams can help with this because they give off zero emission, are 100% electric, modern and fast. Who wouldn’t like to live in a green world? In our community people are constantly breathing polluted air. Personally, I don’t want my lungs my being like a sponge soaking

465

up dirty air. When I grow up I want to live in a more eco-friendly world and I feel angry that we’re destroying our planet. So I believe that trams are one step closer to sustaining our environment around our town. One step in the right direction to change this problem, which is growing like cancer, is to educate people about climate change and the impact it has on our planet. As well as this, I believe that governments should take this seriously and invest in green transportation. Blackpool Tramway had 4.8 million passengers during the 2019/20 financial year, this means that Blackpool trams are getting cars off the road. Imagine living in a green world where we can breathe fresh air. To achieve this, governments have to rethink how we get around, like using bikes, walking , trams, electric buses and other forms of green transportation. As the first electric tramway in England, Blackpool led the way for cities across England. However, our tramway was taken away from us because the government thought that cars are the Future. This was a big mistake. Now we need trams more than ever, as the UK is the 23rd worst country for air quality. I like trams because they are good for the environment. Thank you for coming. #More trams for Blackpool.

466

Shahed S, Yr9 This is a wonderland, heaven or something that an ordinary mind cannot describe, looking around for clues of what this place could be, trying to convince my mind that I am not in heaven but it is hard to believe. As you walk you see the sea which is full of magic and dreams and the rainbow is reflecting its beauty on the wide blue sea like a bed dreaming about this place’s beauty. I could not stop looking at this beautiful place. Every time I looked, it gained more beauty and magic. As you throw your vision to the other side, you see all kinds of shops that sell stuff I never saw before, and they give you something extra to think about. It is weird yet satisf ying to look in every small magical shop and see new stuff each time. As you take a step, the soft and gentle ground becomes softer and softer each time and as you stop walking you feel that there is no ground but feathers delicately moving you forward to your destination. That is where I knew this place is a place that could not be found on earth. It was time to go home, but which house should I choose? One with

467

a magical pool which the warming sun is laying gentle down on to create the perfect temperature or the one with a magical small wonderland full of wonders and beauty? The list goes on for tens and hundreds of homes. As I was walking towards my own magical house, I was thinking of how this place is perfect in every single detail. It made me think of who made this who made this beauty that can’t be described in any sort of normal words, by looking up to a sign saying “Blackpool, designed by mother nature”. There I knew this beauty cannot be man made.

468

Summer F, Yr7 As I woke up from my rest, A fuzzy feeling filled my chest Happy thoughts filled my head Will I ever go back to bed? As I shifted the curtains away I’d usually be filled with dismay, But not today No way My eyes laid upon a lovely sight Happy smiles from left to right A joyful smile escaped my lips As I bathed in a feeling of bliss Cheery faces filled the streets They didn’t give up? We delayed the defeat! Kids sung homemade songs As their parents chuckled, and sang along The despair and weeping had seemed to be gone

469

The hatred will never be redrawn I hope.. I woke up early But there was a reason Because summer happens to be my favourite season! The future of our town Honestly I would expect population to shoot So much joy filled the road Cold was the sea Hot was the sand People sung Holding hands As a happy feeling warmed my face The sadness was gone Without a trace The sun shone on the residency All the other places hissing with jealousy My eyes fell shut as I smiled to myself

470

I was one singular item resting on the shelf ‘Shelf of what?’ You may sit and ponder Yet don’t let your mind wander, The shelf of residents! Honestly, I’m, happy we need no bother with president

471

Tyler B, Yr7 Today we are going to talk about Blackpool, a town known for its tower, beach and attractions not to mention the golden mile but how do you find Blackpool? Do you like living here? Are there any issues you have? Do you think that Blackpool is an upcoming place where you feel safe and want to bring your children up? If you could change anything about Blackpool what would it be? How do you feel about the current state of Blackpool? Where do you see Blackpool in 2050? At the moment the town is a shadow of its former self, there are hotels left empty the same hotels that used to provide a job, maybe “for even a family member”. Buildings being knocked down. Youths are causing anti-social behaviour causing residents to feel isolated and vulnerable in their own homes. These aren’t just people they could be your mum, dad, sister, brother. Homeless people are a regular sighting and poverty is rife. The beaches once filled with tourists bringing families which provided income for many businesses are now deserted because of covid which has also affected many other things majorly. This can all be turned round, but it will involve me, you and others.

472

For me and my family we have mixed views on living in Blackpool. Yes, we have a roof over our head and a warm meal to look forward to. I have an education and friends but we also realise that jobs are hard to come by as most are seasonal leaving us with the worry of, even if we gain an education are there going to be any jobs out there that can sustain the cost of living comfortably? How are our children meant to thrive at school with these worries hanging over them? I’m sure at one point you’ve had these same worries. There are many major issues surrounding Blackpool. Among them is poverty, this doesn’t just affect adults but children too. Homeless people line the streets and with the way things are going , one day that could be you on those streets, with people staring and just walking by. I have also been guilty of this like I bet many of you have. Children are going to school and bed hungry not knowing where their next meal is coming from. People are too scared to leave their homes due to youths making them feel scared, and the police have no authority, as they continue to cause anti-social behaviour, despite warnings. Children’s education is suffering as some no longer have the support they need and because of them struggling they feel there is no point. The derelict buildings are being vandalised causing hundreds and thousands to repair. Money that could be better spent on other things. How can we as a community change this? What can we do to make Blackpool a better place in 2050?

473

This is what we need to do. We need to work together, children, young adults, parents, teachers, council, business owners. Together we can work towards ending poverty and other issues. No child should go to bed hungry or wake up hungry so let’s provide regular hot meals at community centres for everyone who needs one. After all, how would you feel if it was a relative of yours going hungry? People young and old need to feel safe, safe to leave their homes, safe to walk the streets, so let’s put wardens on every street and provide everyone with direct numbers to essential ser vices. Youths need to work with the police not against them and know that respect is earnt and if laws are broken, consequences follow, to help let’s set up community halls that hold events like boxing , karate, etc. at just a donation cost so that all families feel they can access them, let them use their negative energ y for doing positive things like helping turn those derelict buildings into homes for the homeless. Let them help create activities, help design technolog y for them and others to use like video games and VR systems. I’m sure you agree if you have built something yourself or helped, you appreciate it more. Together we can turn Blackpool around to a place where the elderly can walk the streets without fear and a place where parents want to bring their children up. A community that pulls together through the good times and the bad. Somewhere where tourists don’t just call a holiday but a place we are proud to call home. The plan for 2050 may seem far away and unreachable but we can make this happen. Let’s also provide extra technolog y to schools, put more entertainment on, but at a cost everyone can afford. If we 474

can do all this, Blackpool can be a place of the future, a place where everyone wants to live. Imagine in 2050 looking back at this and seeing how far we have come.

475

Taylor F My Hopes and Dreams For Blackpool HOPES My hopes for a brighter Blackpool are: -We fix big problems such as homelessness -There is no dog poop on the ground at all -There are more community things such as community clubs -There is no rubbish on the floor (people don’t litter) -And we try to help solve world problems DREAMS My dreams are: -That my hopes come true -Kids will be able to go places by themselves without worrying about bad people -That Blackpool will become a place for people and communities to come together and enjoy themselves -To ride dolphins if they like it

476

Willow S, Yr9 The scent wafted through the restaurant’s air and entered my nostrils. My spaghetti had finally come. I tried to not inhale my food and use proper manners - that was proving to be difficult. As I ate, I looked out of the glass wall and soon I was lost in my thoughts. The ending of the sunset made the sky a purplish-blue colour. The illuminations flicked on, ready to put on a show-stopper. The carnival music in the distance was slowing down, preparing to hand the spotlight over to the lights. The promenade was chaos. Cars were stuck idling on the road but they were too dazzled to be frustrated. Neon signs furiously blinked, trying to coax people away from the luminous lights. The Ferris wheel suddenly blinked to life - its lights reflecting in the dancing waves. The tower lit up - wanting to protect Blackpool wherever its light touched, wanting to join the show. I watched this through the wall and my thoughts suddenly turned dark. Before, it was a time of fear, a time of darkness. The tower happily pushed itself to the background, not wanting to attract attention to itself. A virus was unleashed onto the coastal town, sending thousands into isolation, thousands hospitalised. Schools closed and children worked from home, fear was replaced by a depression. Blackpool’s sky was never a purplish-blue; it was always a charcoal grey during

477

the day and black at night. The grey clouds pressed themselves onto the town, needing people to express their dismay. Tourism slowed and eventually stopped. Businesses fell and homelessness and unemployment polluted Blackpool. Hotels were abandoned and were left to rot on the promenade. The waves angrily crashed against the deserted beach, threatening to harm and drag those who were having fun into the ocean’s depth. The darkness had won and it kept winning. The scrape of a chair brought me to my senses. I left the restaurant and the coastal winds gently guided me to the show. The waves gently licked the sands, savouring its purity. The waters were a clear blue and the sea foam frothed on top. The rainbow gleam of the fishes’ scales was just visible below the surface. Jellyfish swam together in unison in the distance, their colours a pastel pink. At that moment, a warm hand clasped around mine. A smile slowly crawled across my face, dimpling my cheeks. The gentle winds brushed the hair out of my face, wanting this grin to be displayed. Children ran around, their sugar-coated mouths screaming with joy. Their parents were too happy to tell them off ; they instead gave them more doughnuts. A wave of emotion crashed over my head; gratitude and contentment came to the forefront of my mind. I spun around and took my turn to walk along the endless pavement and at that moment, I knew that this Blackpool was my home

478

Paige R, Yr10 The sun 80p Into the future of Blackpool What will Blackpool look like in 29 years time? So, as we are in tough times with covid-19 let’s start thinking about what Blackpool will look like in 29 years. As a young journalist I think Blackpool will be greener and only think this because there is roughly 23% green and 50% concrete. I took this quote from a member of the public called adam45 who says “I want Blackpool to look brighter and have more places for the local people.” I think this is a good idea because Blackpool in the summer has put the prices up in summer holidays for the holidaymakers when they come and stay and the locals should get a discount. Will Blackpool be cleaner ? I think by 2050 Blackpool will be a lot cleaner and the sea will be clear. I also have a big idea that there will be houses built into the beach. I went on a hunt for some local people to ask what they want Blackpool to look like. I found a woman who has lived here for 10 years called Jane who is 35 years old who said, “I hope there will be more family events that are fun and not too EXPENSIVE for the 479

locals and will get some of the locals out of their houses and then they are not staying in all the time”. I think this was an amazing idea so then whoever lives in Blackpool will get to go out and have fun without paying the full price of what that company pays. And now I think to myself we hardly have any g yms and shops, so what if we get more shops. Blackpool airport: The airport will get a refurbishment and get a new life in the new world. This new airport will get people to fly all over the world and not just to go to Spain and that. This new airport will have a lot more space and have hotels which will be bigger and better, also a brand new casino which will look like you are in VEGAS. There will be a 3-sided leisure centre one side will be a quiet area, another side will be a family area and the final side will be a spa for adults who need time away from the children. If you don’t feel safe leaving your car outside why don’t you put it in the secure underground car park? This means you don’t need to worry about your car getting robbed because this car park is the best ever. I also wonder will you have to push your own luggage? No, of course not because it’s 2050 there will be flying robots to get your luggage. I think this will be amazing and shocking. The robots will be waiting for you by your car to collect the bags and take them to the plane.

480

Chloe R Have you ever wondered what Blackpool will look like in the future? If so, come on this trip with me, let’s go to 2050 and see our future selves! We have entered this world that we could never imagine... Where are all the problems? What happened to our terrible traits ? Well, I will tell you. In 2023 when covid19 had finished and we had all had our vaccines we all finally realised how selfish we were being ! We had not thought about the health of ourselves in the future and we weren’t worrying. This is when it all occurred to us, we needed to change. We decided to take our species to the next level. We decided that we were going to get rid of mobiles and electronics. We used minimal electricity and we made our environment a better place. We can see children playing happily in the sand dancing around in the clear blue sea. Thes skies are blue and clear of clouds. All around are people talking and laughing enjoying their time together. There was not a soul in this world who didn’t walk around without a smile on their face. Then, looking in further, I realised I was there a future me looking so happy and proud. Wow look at that, I haven’t seen myself smile so

481

broadly in so long. This truly is paradise! Sunbathing , getting a tan, little picnics on the beach! Parents can sit and talk without having to worry about the safety of their children, because they are safe and sound in this new life, no violence, no sadness and clear air. It is like a dream, puppies running along the sand barking , full of happiness and joy. Love is all around, people caring for each other no matter who they are or what they look like. It is a life of freedom and a life where you can live like you deser ve to live! Who wouldn’t want this? Feeling free and happy not a worry in sight or mind. So many smiles, such a healthy lifestyle. So many things happening we never would have dreamed would happen. This is the life. The life we always wanted. It’s our time to shine and show ourselves how powerful and amazing we really are. I always knew we could do it. I always believed in us and look we did it! I never want to leave this pleasant world who would want to go back to our world as we know it as today when we can live our lives in peace and harmony. Knowing that we are supported no matter what. And it happened the life everyone always dreamed of having the life we would have loved to live and now here we are and we are never leaving this life! Imagine just imagine.....

482

Schools With thanks to the following schools, whose pupils’ wonderful work is included in this anthology:

Abraham Moss Community School Armfield Academy Blackpool Aspire Academy Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy Highfield Leadership Academy Longdendale High School Manchester Enterprise Academy Saint Paul’s Catholic High School Sale Grammar School Sir Thomas Rich’s School St George’s School St Peter’s RC High School Trinity Church of England High School Unity Academy Laisterdyke Leadership Academy University Academy Keighley 483

Appleton Academy Hanson School Nottingham University Samworth Academy Bluecoat Wollaton Academy The Trinity Catholic School Bishop Walsh Catholic School King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls The University of Birmingham School

484

485

“This anthology is a celebration of the creativity and achievements of young people across England. A huge congratulations to all the young writers involved and I’m thrilled that the National Literacy Trust could help to provide a platform for their voices.” - Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive, National Literacy Trust

Connecting Stories, funded by Arts Council England, aims to increase children and young people's interest in reading and writing, and to promote diverse voices and stories. Children and young people were invited to take part in a creative writing competition which has been judged by publishers, authors and community champions. This anthology celebrates their creativity and hard work. We hope all entrants feel extremely proud to see their story published and that this gives them the conﬁdence and passion to continue writing.