The Dancing Lady  Allen Wright / Age 10
2020 Richland Library | Columbia, SC
CONTRIB UTORS Broughton, Sadee 31
Mirosavich, Graham 19
Brown, Calvin Stevick 6
Mirosavich, Lillian 27
Brown, Lucia Stevick 5
Mirosavich, Nathan 21
Brunson, Kaya 3
Moftakhar, Lily 7
Burchell, Bryson Title Page
Myers, Anne 14
Calkins, Lizzie 30
Peterson-Griffin, Jacob 32
Coffman, Keegan 13
Sapienza, Colin 10
David, Addison 15
Shah-Fuente, Zara 16
Dove, Sebastian 20
Simmons, Taliah 2
Dunlap, Alice Inside Back Cover
Stuart, Audrey 25
Easterling, Seabrook 23
Tanner, Maggie 25
Ellington, Susan Faith 26
White, Cierra 18
Geisbert, Jane 21
Whitelaw, Haley 6
Griswold, Lily 7
Williams, Zariah 22
Hedges, Abby 12
Wright, Allen Cover
Hedges, Anna Back Cover
Wright, William 24
Hedges, Ella 14 Holsenback, Eva 8 Host, Cecilia 28 Jackson, Leila 24 Jones, Jordan 9 Kisner-Drennan, Gracie 29 Lindler, Tommy 9 Madden, Asher 17 McBrayer-Donath, Jubilee 4 McVey, Alexis 11 Miller, Brant 30
Summer In Winter  Bryson Burchell / Age 16
2020
Far Away From Where We Live We are far away from where we live. The choppy waves are rising and falling. The captain not caring about how we feel. Chained together, bound together hand and foot. It reeks of vomit and waste with a hint of rancid milk. Everyone far away from where they live. We are stuck in a boat. We will be whipped and tormented. Far away from where we live. The last thing I said to my wife was goodbye. The next morning I was on a ship. I wish I said more because now, We are far far away from where we live.
Taliah Simmons / Age 8
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I Wish I Were Home I am a human Don’t treat me like that. You have enslaved my brother, Please not my mother. I need to pee, Don’t look at me. It is tight And I haven’t seen light. Most of us are dead, We don’t sleep in beds. I wish I were home, I would be known. A lot has changed, My life will never be the same. I want to go home, I wish I fought harder, Then I would still be at home for a little bit longer. I wish I were home So I could run in the sun, And just have fun. I wish I were home
Kaya Brunson / Age 9 Kids in Print 2020 | 3
Shine  Jubilee McBrayer-Donath / Age 11
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(Last Night) A stranger in my brother’s childhood bedroom paints the walls my grandfather and I once brought to life: splashes of blue, green, and purple dancing into waves, careful orange accents by the windows. And she erases easily, effortlessly, wet eraser on a long-forgotten chalkboard, her single roller with dark blue paint a silent killer running back and forth until I double over. She looks over, this faceless face, stare blank where eyes should be, and watches me watch her in his empty room, the fan a steady whir, the air thick with yesterday’s newspaper.
Lucia Stevick Brown / Age 17
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Falling Haley Whitelaw / Age 13
Star Bright Calvin Stevick Brown / Age 14
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Blue Lagoon Lily Moftakhar / Age 12
Tree Brains Lily Griswold / Age 12
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Unaware Eva Holsenback/ Age 14
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Mask I am the face you put on for strength and comfort, Fooling those around you. Putting me on to avoid the harsh reality you live in. Without you I am nothing. I feed on your emotions and hide them from the danger... of truth.
I am a mask.
Tommy Lindler / Age 15
Untitled Jordan Jones/ Age 11 Kids in Print 2020 | 9
Fireplace Dog “You’d better run!” I said to my dog as I played on the floor with her. We laughed, my dog and I, as my dad walked through on his way to his office. My mom was at our table. My dog plays with the dog in the fireplace, which is kind of funny, because the other dog never plays with her. “Mom, do you see her playing with the dog in the fireplace?” I laughed. “Fireplace Dog won’t play with you,” my mom said and patted my dog’s back as she made dinner. It was a kind of dreary day. It was a little bit wet. The sun was shining now and then but it was gray and rainy. My dad had talked to my neighbor this morning. He found out that the dog next door had died. “I just talked to Sam. His dog died this morning from a stroke. Sam was really upset.” I did not know the dog well. Neither did many other people. He was a shy dog. He was black and big and seemed content. Humphrey almost always looked tired. I said “Hi,” to Humphrey. Humphrey always walked away. The people next door had no kids. They seemed fairly nice. Sam was some kind of engineer. I haven’t seen the woman there for a long time. It was just Sam and Humphrey. When my mom came home from work I explained to her about Humphrey. “He is crushed,” my dad told my mom. Dogs are such wonderful creatures. I hope Sam gets another one. My dog is so cute and young. She is very playful. She is so playful she will even play with a reflection. “Come here and get the tennis ball!” I am chasing her around after petting her ears for a couple of seconds. “Give me that ball, give me that ball, give me that ball!” My sister wants to bake Sam cookies. But as I play with my dog, I know that cookies will make Sam feel emotional. Once you get a dog, you love them until they go away. When we walk through our living room, we can see our dog in Fireplace Dog. When Sam walks into his living room, he will see only his reflection. Colin Sapienza / Age 13 10 | Kids in Print 2020
The Power Line Alexis McVey/ Age 17
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Self Portrait Abby Hedges/ Age 11
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Self Reflection The Beginning I was embarrassed, stressed, and dreading that day What exactly is the point of counselling anyway I did as I was told and faced my fears So what, we all struggle, now at least he will hear 3 Months I liked him, he actually seemed to understand No matter how hard I tried, things didn’t go as planned He had ideas, calming things to try But at the end I was still asking why 6 Months One weekly visit could completely change my mood But I still struggled on other days, I had no idea what to do I wanted to use what I had learned, but I didn’t know how I started telling myself, I am ready now Me Today It’s clear, makes perfect sense, I’ve finally won! Anytime, anywhere, I can calm myself using 5… 4… 3… 2… 1 I can think, work, and try new things without fear I believed in myself! I knew I could get here!
Keegan Coffman / Age 10 Kids in Print 2020 | 13
The Long and Twisting Road of Life My life is like a ball of yarn, Or a shaft of brilliant light. My path isn’t laid before me, It’s twisting out of sight. It flows through pastures green and waters blue, Skies of clouds and skies of stars. It’s not like anything I ever knew. It bounces off the walls, And though it may seem frightening in the dark, With the rainbows in the halls, I believe that I can make the journey, As only heaven knows, I’m just at the beginning, Of my long and twisting road
Ella Hedges / Age 13
Runner, Mother and Child Anne Myers / Age 13
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School Girl Addison David / Age 12
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After Dinner Delights Zara Shah-Fuente / Age 9
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Yellowstone Asher Madden / Age 10
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Contact Confirmed Good morning, and thank you for your patience. By now, the whole of the United States is breathlessly awaiting confirmation that NASA and the White House have established contact with intelligent extraterrestrial life. I am here today to offer that confirmation. Exactly eight days ago, NASA detected the alien vessel on its approach towards Earth. The vessel’s trajectory indicated that it originated from outside of our solar system. Upon reaching the moon five days ago, the vessel halted and transmitted a message to Earth. The message was this: “We greet the beings of Earth and politely request to speak to an official delegation.” Having received the transmission, the Earth-Wide Space Force (ESF) contacted the leaders of every country in the organization. An emergency summit, held here in Washington D.C., convened, and the delegates of the ESF voted unanimously to establish contact with the alien vessel. Yesterday, the extraterrestrials requested permission to send a delegation of three beings to Earth. Permission was granted, and the delegation was told to arrive in twenty-four Earth hours. In exactly one hour, at 1:30 p.m., the representatives will arrive on the White House lawn in a small shuttle. They will then proceed into the White House to meet with the ESF delegates. All media will be asked to remain outside, and please refrain from shouting questions at our visitors. Remember, these are our friends and guests from beyond our solar system.
Thank you for your time, Skye St. John ESF Director 29 March, 2151
Cierra White / Age 15
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Far From Home Graham Mirosavich / Age 11
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Yummmmmm! We were driving to my grandma’s house and all of a sudden ssccuuurrrttttttttt! My mom slammed on the brakes and slung us forward and backward and almost gave me a concussion! The reason why is because there was a snake, a rattlesnake, in the middle of the road. We drove the car over it. It did not get hurt—it just got mad! As soon as we stopped, my mom called my aunt and uncle. They have a lot of weapons. So my cousin Spencer came barefooted with my aunt and uncle. We found the snake and eventually Spencer killed it. After that, my aunt and uncle decided to wrap it in bacon because their friend told them it was delicious prepared that way. That’s when we realized it was 4 feet 4 inches long! So we did what my aunt and uncle’s friend told them and we grilled it up and ate it. We all tried it. Everyone liked it except my cousin. My aunt said it tasted like chicken. What would you think?
Sebastian Dove / Age 9
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Chef Cat Jane Geisbert / Age 8
Hot Chocolate Man and Cookie Man Are Friends Nathan Mirosavich / Age 7
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The Shy Girl Zariah Williams / Age 11
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Aisle 7 I stepped into the bustling Harris Teeter, and a deluge of AC whipped my face. After an exhausting day, I was shopping for my weekly groceries. Steering my cart down the freezer section, I reached in for a quart of salted caramel. I was drowsily watching the checked tiles slowly drift by, when Blue Christmas blasted from the dusty music speaker overhead. I was startled by the abrupt sound and surprised as it grew muffled as I walked away. At the checkout, I remarked to the cashier, “Not many stores play Christmas music in August.” “What do you mean? I don’t hear anything. Show me where you heard it playing,” the cashier directed. I guided the man towards the ice cream section, the music gradually getting louder as we came closer to the speaker. “Can’t you hear it now?” I asked. “I’m sorry, but I really don’t hear anything. If this is a joke, it’s not funny.” The cashier looked confused, and I was just as puzzled over why I was the only one who could hear the Christmas song. I was baffled. I was mystified. I was intrigued. The music started when I was on aisle 7 by the ice cream section and nobody can hear it but me. Perhaps whoever controls the speakers could explain what’s going on? I cautiously edged my cart towards a polished oak door marked “Manager.” The shades were down, creating an illusion of secrecy. “Please, wait! Mr. Hernandez does not like to be bothered,” the cashier called. I ignored his appeal and knocked. Rat-ta-tat-tat-tat. The door creaked open, the store’s fluorescent light casting a shadow over the dim office. A middleaged man with gelled hair and wrinkled pants stepped into the doorframe. My blood ran cold when I saw him, and then I passed out… “Miss? Hello? This is Randy, your friendly checkout man to help with all your needs. Please wake up,” Randy anxiously said. I sat up and immediately remembered who I had seen. “Who was that in the office?” I shakily asked, my mouth dry. “Mr. Hernandez? He’s the nicest man at Harris Teeter. He’s a little shorter than I am, and has dark black hair that’s usually slicked back. He’s a great motivator. Why Mr. Hernandez gets everyone to work,” Randy cheerfully replied. I stood up, brushed the dirt off my skirt, and stepped towards the door. I nudged it open, and the same pair of steel red eyes I had seen in a childhood dream pulled me in. The haunting nightmare was coming true. The door automatically closed behind me with a click before the man said in a honeyed tone, “Welcome Miss Lewis, I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
Seabrook Easterling / Age 14 Kids in Print 2020 | 23
Why Adopt a Shelter Dog There are so many homeless dogs in the world that need a good, warm home. These dogs are living sad and hard lives on the street. If they are lucky, they will end up in the shelter. Once in the shelter, they are there for you to look at and consider adopting. Shelter dogs usually have great personalities. They are cheaper to buy because they aren’t purebred. In order for the shelter to put the dogs up for adoption, they must have great personalities. First, the workers will give them a test to see if they will bite or growl. Next, they will walk them to see how they do on a leash. After that, the workers will observe them and see how they are with other dogs. Lastly, they will check their overall health. Dogs from shelters cost anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars less than dogs from breeders. These dogs are usually way cheaper to buy because breeders are overpriced. Next, you get more dog for your money and in mixed breeds, you get all the good sides of all the breeds all in one. Purebred dogs sometimes have more health problems than mixed breeds. Because mixed breeds have diverse genes, they often live longer. After that, purebreds usually have fancy coats therefore they often cost more than mixed breeds to maintain. Lastly, there could be fewer vet bills because they are healthier. Even though purebred dogs make great pets, mixed breeds are the way to go. For all these reasons, I would at least consider looking at the shelter for a dog.
Leila Jackson / Age 11
Nala William Wright / Age 13
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Curious Puppy Maggie Tanner / Age 14
My Dog Moses’ Thoughts Audrey Stuart / Age 8
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Haiku for the Sun and Moon Hesitating sun Sitting in the dark. Cold dawn. It is morning time.
Little sleeping moon Resting in the morning sky. Perhaps it likes day?
Susan Faith Ellington / Age 12
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Through the Looking Glass Lillian Mirosavich / Age 13
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A Vision of Peace Cecilia Host / Age 11
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Peace is Born On January 15, 1929, peace was born. At noon on a Tuesday, peace was born. In Atlanta, in a two-story Queen Anne style house at 501 Auburn Avenue upstairs in a middle room, peace was born. But as soon as peace was here, it left. It left April 4, 1968. At 7:05 p.m., peace left. For 39 years, peace was here, but 39 years is not enough. I hope peace will be here again, but nothing will compare to the peace before I was born. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a hero and that I will never forget. He had a dream and that dream came true. I have another dream. That peace will come again.
Gracie Kisner-Drennan / Age 11
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Stub-Nib Pen I like this pen. It has all the right words And the ink is the color of my thoughts.
Gliding across the page Like a bow across a string Timing and rhythm Perfected for this moment.
An avalanche of words Rolling down a page Of bright pink paper Creating a new landscape.
Brant Miller / Age 15
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Cello Scroll Lizzie Calkins / Age 12
Tree Shadow Sadee Broughton / Age 13
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The Fenn House Abbi looked up at the house. It was quite expansive, five floors, massive windows and beautiful gardens. She looked back at the taxi, but the cab driver had quickly sped away. The locals didn’t like her Aunt Hyacinth very much. She heaved her luggage and walked along the white stepping stones through the front yard. Old statues watched her from within the vegetation. Her skirt fluttered past a small faerie kneeling reverently. She ducked under a low-lying lemon tree, enjoying the sharp scent of the fruits. The ornate door, green with gold knotwork along the edges, loomed in front of her. There were cracks in the yellow paint on the walls, and the baseboards were warped and stretched. That was because The Fenn House had been built upon perfectly flat ground. When her great-grandmother had lived there, there had been a tremendous earthquake that could be felt all the way to the next village. When the ground stopped shaking and they came outside, a hill had risen up below the house. Specialists couldn’t explain how such a thing happened, but local legend said there had been no earthquake at all, that Diabella Fenn had hosted a party for the Fae, and their energetic dancing had shaken the ground and summoned the hill. Abbi knew it was all just an old wives’ tale, especially since all the old wives told that story every chance they got. She’d probably hear a new and more whimsical retelling for the entire summer, since this would be her home for the next few months.
Jacob Peterson-Griffin / Age 14
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Band Aid Alice Dunlap / Age 14
Thank You, Archimedes  Anna Hedges / Age 15
Many people made this edition of Kids in Print possible and we each worked hard to make this publication the best yet. Families, teachers and school staff / Richland Library Youth Services Staff / Molly Ledford Darion McCloud / Bonita Peeples / Marketing and Digital Strategies / Programs and Partnerships Kids in Print Selection Committee Emily Johansson / Heather McCue / Jennifer Naimzadeh / M. McCabe Rentz