StudentsXpress Winter 2015/16

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Superheroes

You can read a bit about super powers in this issue, but we want to hear more!

• I n your life, who is your own personal (someone you know) superhero? Why? • I f you were a superhero, what would be your superhero name?

Why? •W hat powers would you have and how would you use those powers to make your life better/easier?

•H ow would you use your powers to help those around you?

•W hat would your superhero costume look like?

Why did you design it this way?

• Write a short story in which you use your powers for good.

Please turn in your submissions to your teacher or rachel@studentsxpress.com by January 22, 2016

www.studentsxpress.com Publisher Rachel Switall Magazine Group President Rachel Switall rachel@studentsxpress.com Editor Rachel Switall Art Director Rachel Switall

Dear Readers, his is our ADVENTURE issue! Along with the student adventures published in these pages, you will find an “adventure maze” sponsored by Adventure Stage Chicago. Find your way to the end of the maze, and make your way to their theater to check out When subm Students— upcoming productions. Learn more about Adventure Stage and how itting wor write neat to become a Trailblazer on page 2. One of our loyal supporters is ly. Spell ch k, please be sure to eck does no so I apolog t ch Jersey Mike’s in Lakeview. This issue, they are offering up another Also, if you’ ize if I got any nam eck names, es w re turning in chance for your to be adventurous: try the “Stickball Sub,” a secret artwork, un rong! paper is th lined white e best. menu sub—not even on their regular menu! Order this sub in write your name on ev And please ery page su the month of January and receive $1 off your price and $1 will be bmitted.

Thank you! donated to StudentsXpress....so tell your friends too! Thank you Jersey Mike’s! I received so many adventures, I didn’t have enough room to include many of the ones that explore super powers, so our next issue will focus more on that. See the prompts on the opposite page. Enjoy your reading adventure!

Advertising Director Rachel Switall Director of Marketing Rachel Switall

Can you find these pictures throughout the magazine?

Printer Topweb, LLC 5450 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL 60630 773.975.0400

I would go to a jungle in Mexico in the summer. I would like to go when it is noon. I would like to go with my family. I would like to see animals, like birds. I would like to explore the different places in the jungle. I could do a contest with my family who can see the most birds. The winner will get an ice cream cone after. —Andres C.

An adventure for me would be going camping with my family.

—Sofia S. I would love to visit Niagara Falls I think an adventure is when one day! you go and explore things.

—Evial M. ne day I was on a casual nature walk when I saw a rattle snake and a rat. The rat was eaten and I ran home to tell my parents what happened, and that’s my adventure. —Harrison H. Zane

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Cover art by Lauren, Camren, Tonique, Ireanna, Cody, Demetrius, Makare (Wentworth Elem. students) Wentworth students also created “Peacefulwood,” a book about their Englewood community and their hopes and dreams for a peaceful future.

To order your copy, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com.

First of all, I would take my dad on an adventure because he is brave and a problem solver. Also, he is nice and playful so it would The greatest adventure I went on so far would be going to different states. I went to Wisconsin and Florida. I drove to both those be fun to hang out with him.

In addition, I would take my places. I’m not counting the states I drove through during the trip mom because she is very friendly to Florida. It’s hard because you are stuck in the car with your older and smart. She is also very ad- sister and little brother for 16-18 hours. It gets old fast! Anyway that venturous so we would do a lot was the greatest adventure I went on so far. —Sophia K. My brother went on an amazing adventure! He climbed a mountain! of cool things. We would probably even go on another adven- There is a small island that is called St. Martin, and a huge mountain! I was in the pool outside and I saw him. It was cool. I wish I went! —Hallie N. ture. —Alexander W.

This summer the greatest adventure was going to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Raging winds or calm waters What I learned was that the environment is Silent hills or waving trees based in each animal habitat, like sea animals, Go anywhere or everywhere you see. creatures. I will like to go to the Pacific Ocean Find a great spot to explore and dive with the animals. —Alexia A.

Time for Adventure

and you’ll find much more.

What an adventure means to me is doing In this adventure you will find... one million math problems in one month. what the wold thinks of on the inside.

—Sam M. I went to Puerto Rico Natalia C. Calvin P. I went paddle boarding (where I’m from) in Wisconsin. First, I was and climbed a big mountain. looking at my sister doing it. I did not want to do Alexia C. it because I was scared.

My sister was having so much fun so I decided to do it. I went down to the Try something NEW. beach and tried. It was Have an so much fun! I loved it.

My adventure...when I ADVENTURE. —Allison M. learned how to read.

Cristian C.

Written and Illustrated by Wentworth Elementary School Students

Contact rachel@studentsxpress.com if your school would like to participate in StudentsXpress.

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One day I took a trip to the Amazon Forest and I saw a bunch of endangered animals. I saw green winged macaws, pythons, and monkeys. I went down a river and touched an alligator. A monkey jumped from the trees and landed on my shoulder and I patted it on the head.

I had my monkey with me for the rest of my trip. I loved my trip to the Amazon Rain Forest. —Amelia W. My greatest adventure is when I went into a cave. It was awesome. I went with my grandma, my dad, my brother, and my little sister. We had to crawl through then it was getting bigger and bigger until we could stand we turned our flashlights on. It was really cool. We walked around and saw a big hole on the top and there was a whole different level. My dad helped us get up, we looked around, later we got out. And that was an adventure I am never going to forget and it was so good seeing everything with my family and having them there on one of my greatest adventures yet. —Shea R.

Eleanor P.

Bella L. Caiden M.

Alabama. I loved it when I stayed there it was so fun. I missed my family all year. Ever since I moved here it’s been hard but easy. —Anitra J.

Johnny

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n July 15 I go to the jungle to search for a mysterious animal. I am an adventurer who can sense every animal and its distance from me. I had already searched everywhere on the ground so I began to search the trees. As I climbed the trees I saw what I thought was the mysterious animal, but when I got to it, it was just an ordinary bird.

When night fell, I discovered paw prints. I followed them to a cave. The cave was big and dark. I was a little scared to enter. I got some courage to move on and shined my flashlight and entered the cave.

After awhile I came across the mysterious creature.

It was a big cat-like creature, like a lion or tiger in size. Being the first to find this creature I decided to name it Epson. After taking a few photos, I left the cave and took my discovery to the news. Revealing to the world my new discovery. —Markes S. My dream adventure is to see bald eagles, one of America’s symbols, in mid flight. I’d also like to see them hunting in their natural habitat. In addition, I’d also like to see their nests. —Jonas L.

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ne day over the summer I was at Camp Clearwater at Tomahawk Lake. I was with my friends Kayleigh and Emily. Usually we swam in the shallow part of the water. We also rode horses and did archery. However, one day my parents signed me up for tubing and my heart fell as if it were skydiving. I hated deep water. I knew there were huge fish and it was 100 feet deep too. Before I went on the tube I was shivering so much. We had to swim to the boat.

Once we got on, we went 40 miles per hour and after 5 minutes I flew off and crashed into the water. Then I got to ride on the boat for the rest of the time. I loved it! —Ella B.

Once I was on a ship it was really rocky. We were going to a place called the Aran Islands. It took a long time but we were finally there. I had to climb rocky hills. I fell a few times. We finally got to the top. If I wasn’t smart I would have fallen off. —Adam H.

My Dad and I went to Six Flags. Then my Dad said, “Why don’t you ride the fastest roller coaster?” I felt like spiders walking up my neck.

Then I stopped and looked. I felt like I just entered another dimension and felt like I was about to die and I got lost. I try to find my dad but he can’t hear me. So I stayed there until my dad found me. It was four

Going to Denver on a train is really far, my sisters, brother and mom will be great to go to Denver with. I will climb mountains until the sunsets, with the beautiful orange, yellow and red colors. I will see birds high up to the clouds.

I will watch out for scary mountain lions or even bears. Don’t wait too long in the mountains it’s time to eat. Some treats like ice cream but first we have to drink water. I will never forget how much fun I had. —Gabriella B.

I would take my friends on an adventure inside a maze.

Tony G.

My greatest adventure I ever had is when I went to Minocqua, Wisconsin. My uncle owns a house up there. Every summer we go up to his cabin. I go fishing there and sometimes we go hiking. I remember this summer we went to a big island in the middle of the lake. We got on a boat and everyone there got to go to the island.

When we got to the island the first thing I saw was the eagle that lives on the island. When we got on the island we hiked over to the eagle’s nest, but we saw a tree that had fell over. It looked like a very big tree. It looked like the wind knocked it over. When we got to the eagle’s nest we saw some amazing things.

We saw bones, skulls, and feathers. We picked them up and went back to the cabin. —Dylan S.

hours and then my dad found me and we went home. When we were coming home I said, “Stop!”

My dad said, “What’s wrong?”

We forgot Mom. —Alexander E.

My greatest adventure so far is going to Guatemala because my whole family lives in Guatemala. I love my family. I go to Guatemala every summer. My plane is so high up. I get scared a little bit. In the plane I can see a line of wind. I can also see clouds and the plane go on top of the clouds. I love going to Guatemala because it is always hot and if it snows then the people die. —Keiry S.

ABOUT ADVENTURE STAGE CHICAGO

Adventure Stage Chicago is a program of Northwestern University Settlement House that produces professional theatre that tells heroic stories about young people. For over a decade, ASC has sought to engage the community and inspire people to be heroes in their own lives. Housed in the historic Vittum Theater in Noble Square, Adventure Stage Chicago produces fall and spring shows.

The Vittum Theater also hosts other public performances and educational programming throughout the year.

Coming in April 2016: the world premiere of Sight Unseen, a new dramatic adventure for young audiences.

More information on our current season and school field trips at: 773-342-4141 or adventurestage.org.

ABOUT TRAILBLAZERS Adventure Stage Chicago’s TRAILBLAZERS is a FREE and unique mentoring program that places young people (11-15) with mentors who are professional theater artists. Student participants guide the program’s content with thoughtful assistance from its professional artist mentors. In addition to creating original performances throughout the year, TRAILBLAZERS go on field trips, camp in Wisconsin, stretch their creative muscles with exposure to different forms of theater and learn to work collaboratively in a supportive environment. If you are interested in joining Trailblazers as a student participant or teaching artist, please contact Allison Latta Lashford, Associate Artistic Director at allison@adventurestage.org.

Your adventure begins here!

773-342-4141 • ADVENTURESTAGE.ORG

Adventure Stage Trailblazers wrote about taking risks. Find their submissions throughout the magazine with the Adventure Stage logo.

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nce upon a time, there was a unicorn who lived in a small village far, far away. The unicorn has a super power that nobody knew about. His super power was flying.

One day the unicorn got a call from his boss (Jeff ).

Jeff told the unicorn to go to space to fight his enemy the turtle. The unicorn flew to space to meet the turtle and grab the magic amulet. The unicorn saw the turtle and they started to fight. At first the turtle won but then the unicorn came back to beat the evil turtle. The unicorn grabbed the magic amulet and flew back to Earth.

When the unicorn went back home the people had a celebration for him. At last the unicorn was never ever bothered again. The End —Yulissa R.

I was at my friend’s Michigan house. The house is on the lake, so we went in it a lot. One time, his mom and I went canoeing. The waves were really high. One of the waves got us so wet that we were shaking because it was so cold. One huge wave flipped the canoe over! The water was really deep that we couldn’t touch the bottom without our head going under. Luckily, I had a life jacket on.

Everyone was trying to help, it was crazy! I swam back to shore with my family helping me. Right after, my friend’s mom swam to shore. We both were wrapped in a towel once we stood up. That day we ended up eating lunch on the sand. That experience was really scary. I always remember now to stop complaining about wearing life jackets because it saved my life.

—Alexis G. Leo

Oliver B.

Jessica C.

Gracen

Sonia A.

We were driving for hours and hours under the hot Arizona sun when we came across my favorite place in the world....The Grand Canyon.

My most exciting adventure hands down, was my family trip to the Grand Canyon this past summer. If someone has seen pictures of the Grand Canyon, they should know that seeing it in person is not the same. It has layers of many different colors that are eye-catching! The colors change at different points throughout the day as the sun rises and sets. It can be mesmerizing watching the changing scenery. It is expansive and Lucas R. beautiful and seems to go on forever and ever.

My family and I hiked down the Bright Angel Trail for about three hours, but it felt like one. The exhilarating hike down and back up was tiring, but gorgeous.

I wanted to stop and stare. Look up, down, and to the sides. If you looked closely, you could see the river in the distance. I remember thinking to myself, wow how could a river make something this beautiful?

People come from all over the world to the Grand When I went ziplining upside down I al- Canyon to see this magnificent landform and now I most fainted. I was ziplining down a Costa can understand why. I will never forget my experience Rican mountain. I was shaking in my head. at the Grand Canyon, and hopefully I will go back one I wasn’t thinking about anything but the day soon. —Lior L. words “I was gonna die!” When they called Two years ago I went to Yosemite National Park. me up I was dead silent then said “here.” I I was waiting forever to go hiking so my dad took didn’t know what I got myself into. I started me. I was jumping up and down I was so excited. walking to the zipline. I pushed off and flew My dad said “Let’s go!” I jumped in the car and through the air. When I was in the air I saw we set off. The car ride took 3 hours, but it was how beautiful nature is! —William W. worth it. We got to the mountain and started goWhen I was 8 my family went to Florida. ing. I was climbing on rocks but then suddenly I fell! My dad grabbed onto me. I was freaked out! I We went to Disney World. wanted to go back down but my dad said we were I went on Space Mountain and some too far to go. So we got to the top and there was other rides too. We had a blast. a little pond. We took a picture and headed back —Emma K. down. It was really fun. —Luke G. Adventures are gold Tyler C. Adventures are secrets Adventures are told to humans and creatures The best adventure I’ve been on is when we were shooting a movie. I wore an Indiana Jones outfit and hat, including whip.

We went to the woods and found a stream.

It was perfect. We shot the scene, but later returned and went down stream in boots.

There were tunnels, wells, and lots of cool things to see. —Aidan F.

We want to take risks We want to discover We want to have fun with one another —Lacey R. Adventure isn’t all jumping from tree to tree and slaying beasts.

It can be trying foods, drawing, and even walking! The best way to have an adventure is to try new things. Also, I have a message: Adventure awaits! —Leo Winter 2015/16

Miles L.

Adventures can be scary They can be rough You can do it—just be tough Adventures are fun All day in the sun Or a walk through the park Or scared in the dark —Kylie M.

Jocelyn C.

Lily C.

The clim big g be b Mo est a c kis ause unt E dven so ver tur w nt he hen w est w e wo lips e g ith m uld . et t o th y girl be to e to frien pw d e’ll

In 8th grade, I applied to many high schools hoping to get into Whitney. I loved Whitney, it was beautiful and the people (students) there were so talented. I wanted to be a part of them. I didn’t get into Whitney but I got into Lane. My parents begged me to go to a charter school around my house. They said it’d be better for me. I told them I was going to Lane. I risked being wrong and then finding out I didn’t like Lane and wanting to transfer (which might have been difficult). I knew that could happen but that was not the case. I love Lane now and am proud to be an Indian. —Kimberly G.

Luca

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Samuel F.

Logan F. Owen L.

Annie G.

One day in Boston this summer I took surf camp for the 4th year! But this year was the most scary. I was with my instructor when a big wave hit me off the board, and my leash was still on me, tugging at my ankle and my hair in my face. It was scary.

I was yelling for help, then someone came and got me.

P.S. I couldn’t touch the ground.

—Emma C.

“I can win,” I thought. “I can help my team win.” I stood there in the woods, waiting with my partner. I was hot and sweaty. There were mosquitoes buzzing in my ear. I heard some rustling in the leaves, I looked around and I saw somebody in green clothing coming through the trees. I darted towards her. “She can’t capture our flag. I have to tag her,” I thought. “My team must win Capture the Flag.” I ran as fast as I could and reached out my hand. I got her.

About 30 minutes later, I hear cheering. It was my team. We won the game! —Hannah E. So far in my 14 years of life, nothing was more adventurous than my trip to where I saw the giant temple and the remains of ancient civilizations. It was so hot because all the sun around was baking the earth, making it extremely hot. I found the arena that the Mayans played their favorite sport, which involved hitting a rubber ball using your hips and chest to make it through a big donut-shaped rock on the side of both the walls on either side. Right at the end of the trip, there were these little shops, and I really wanted a souvenir to bring back with me. They had these little turtles which were made out of stone and other minerals. I looked past a couple shops looking for a specific color combination of black and aqua, until I finally came across it. However it was way more expensive than all the other turtles. But I was able to convince my dad to buy it. Then we hopped in the coach bus and headed back to the hotel. —Alan K.

Hi. My name is Karen. This is a story where I was being bullied and I was tired of it and I just wanted to become invisible, so this is what happened.

One day I was being bullied and I just wanted to become invisible so there was a shooting star and I wished to be invisible. I didn’t think it was going to happen but the next day I became invisible! I was so happy so one day I went to Popeye’s and I was taking the chicken and I was pranking my brothers. Then I decided to go to school to see what the bullies were up to, so when I saw them they were bullying other kids. I was pranking the bullies and one day I had enough and I turned back to human and I faced them. I told them “how do you like being bullied” and they realized how wrong they were doing and we became friends. The End! —Karen M.

I take a risk every day. I wake up in the morning and risk everything. My life is a risk.

My opinions and beliefs. My wisdom, memories, everything that is me, is a risk. Any second I can be gone, disappear, but knowing that I risked being me, speaking my mind at least changed something around me. I don’t think I’ll go unnoticed. I risk being judged, yelled at, and proven wrong. I’m a risk I’m willing to take. —Ivery M.

My greatest adventure so far was when I went to Deep River Water Park and there was a very big water slide there called The Dragon. I was very apprehensive about the slide.

I was nervous, because as I was on the stairs going up to the top I saw a bunch of people going back down because of its height. Another reaOnce, I went camping with my son why I was scared, because of friends, there was woods so we exhow long it took to get up the stairs. plored. We were having fun when It felt like a very long time. When I Tao A.R. I saw a wild turkey. We did not got to the top everyone had second move we just looked at it. One of thoughts so I got in front of them my friends sneezed and made the and they started clapping, because turkey go. We saw five little frogs I was way younger than them but we caught them. But I was a little As I walk forward, scared to jump off, I see adventure appear beside they were too scared to go down the scared. I tried to grab one and I did. me. He’s urging me to go on and jump. So I jump. As I fall through slide. So I finally went down the slide.

It was crawling on my hand. I saw a the air, I don’t know what to do! Will I fall? Or safely land? Fear overAs I went down the slide it felt like red eye frog but I did not grab it. We whelms me, takes me over, but then, adventure is beside me once my heart was beating 1,000 times saw three chipmunks. So then we more. I suddenly feel hope, a streak of hope, growing larger and per second and when it was over my went back to the campsite. When larger. Adventure disappears from my side, but I know what to do! This summer, I went camping on the Wis- back was stinging from the slide but we got there we saw a raccoon. That So I press the button on my backpack, and a parachute appears, consin River. We canoed down the river, it was fun so I went again. —Pierre floating above my head. I steer towards the ground and safely land. then slept in a tent on the beaches. One was a great adventure. ­—Luis M. A warm feeling of relief spreads from my head to the tips of my toes. day, the winds were getting strong and the One time me and my family went to When I went to West Virginia, on I have survived the amazing flight, and with a happy feeling, I walk boat was rocking. All of a sudden, wooosh, California. There was a big mountain the way back we went past Indiana towards the other people who went before me with adventure, this my dad yells, splashes the water and bam. my dad wanted to climb it was called and there was a tornado. I saw it like My dad lost his glasses. We find a spot and the Camelback Mountain. I really time, on the inside. —Isabel S. one mile away from me. Then when pitch camp because of the accident. That’s thought it would be fun. I also had I passed by Ohio I was driving and a fright in me. The next day we woke a big adventure. —Ivy T. there was a storm. Then there was For my parents to come to Chicago they up in the morning very early getting lightning one foot away from me. went on a dangerous journey. It took them a ready to go. On the car ride to the Mateo K. Then my dad got us lost and it was month to come here. They ate one day and mountain I got even more scared bumpy and the whole family got This is my adventure going to L.A. It was just drank water the other day. First, they went because I saw how big it was. My nauseous and my family had to eat me. But I was staying with family. I was in on a bus to get out of Guatemala. Then they sister saw that I was scared and said, mint. Then we got home safely.

California for 3 weeks without my parents. went on a train, but not inside—in between “Do you want to walk up with me?” I —Luke T. —Francesca K. two connecting train cars. After that they said, “Yes please.” I got a little happy ne day I was in Guatemala for the first time and I went to the top of a mountain in a truck. It was crossed a river. Finally, they walked through again. Finally we got to the top and scary going up and down the mountain because there were no barriers on the edges so I could fall the desert to Houston, Texas. Someone took I felt so proud of myself. That was off. Once I got to the top of the mountain I looked around and saw crops, other mountains, and many them to Chicago. That was their dangerous the first time I went rock climbing.

—Quinn S. houses way below me. At the top there were crops, insects, and a little hut with a couch. —Andrew S. adventure. —Kimberli M.

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Jake R.

Evan A.

Henry K.

Hazel R.

Mika D.

Our adventures are who we are I took a risk by going on a water Who we wish to be slide in Wilderness. Even if I was If we strive for the sky or if we strive for the stars terrified. It was awesome. —Jocelyn V. Our adventures are our imaginations—whether we be he or she To see the world In five years I see myself grown Become so small But hopefully not alone And all my troubles With thick skin and strong bones not so tall Not to be famous but to be known Teagan C.R. Up in Space Our maps show where X marks the spot I’m all alone To lead us to the treasure Begin to think For what we deserve, we would’ve fought On my own But the pleasure will not come from the treasure No stressors We should not measure our pleasure based on the fare depressors, But the journey that you had to get there or assignments due —Ella B. —Messiah E. I’m Flying, I’m Flying!

Can they see me now?

At Great America I wanted to try a new ride. When I got strapped Karolina D. Victoria B. I’ve surpassed their expectations on before the ride I was nervous. The ride was the Superman Ultimate Flight. When the ride started I got really nervous. On the I’m not standing with the crowd ride you lay down so I could look down and see how high I was.

Too bad I’ll never make it up Then we dropped, and I liked the ride. —Grady D. Too bad my feet are grounded ne night we went out on a rowboat It all started with a video. My new It’s a shame there’s no oxygen in the cold Belize air with a guide, neighbor moved next to my house. I in space flash lights that worked under water, our started singing and she heard me. The

My mom and dad took me and my brother to Great America.

We rode so many roller coasters. I took a risk by riding the American Eagle. It was very scary but it was very fun. I rode it twice. —Isabella S. Alyson A.

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—Emma

snorkel gear and of course towels. Soon about a few minutes in we stopped, the guide threw the anchor, we got our scuba gear on and jumped into the water and turned on the flash lights and snorkeled. We saw an octopus, a lobster, a few fish and coral. It was an adventure.

—Ainsley S.

ONE DAY as I was walking around the science museum I tripped on a bump and fell into a science lab. Then a needle fell and poked me in the arm. Ouch! Then I started to feel funny. Then all of a sudden POOF I had big muscles. I decided to have a big trip to Pluto! I pushed myself all the way past all the other planets and landed on Pluto. As I walked to the center of Pluto hammering the flag down, I suddenly saw two laser bullets pass by my side. Then I quickly turned around and shot the alien with my Earth machine gun in the head. As three brains spilled out, the alien came back to life. And then he said, “Hi Earthling.” Then I said, “What you want from me?” “Nothing,” said the alien. The alien asked, “Do you want to be friends?” “Sure,” I said. I asked, “What is your name?” The alien responded, “Robert.” “Well I’m Bryan.” So my friend and I created a new world on Pluto. The End —Bryan R. One place I would like to explore is the beach because I like to collect different kinds of sea shells. I also like to splash with the water. I also like to build sand castles. I like to just listen to the waves come back and forth. We also like to run through the waves. —Julissa B. Winter 2015/16

next day, she knocked on my door.

Then I opened the door. It was my next door neighbor. She told me that I have a wonderful voice. I told her thank you.

She offered me a trip to Hollywood. I said “Yes, yes thank you!” She said, “You are welcome.” When I got there her boss asked me to sing but my eyes were closed, and after that I started to sing.

She heard me and then she started video recording me. Three hours later they called my mommy and she said that my video went viral! And, when I heard that I jumped up and down, up and down.

And that is my story about going to Hollywood. The End! —Ramiah I wish I could go back Victoria to the circus.

LaNia S. I want to go in space and to the moon with Sponge Bob.

But can I really breathe down here?

—Lulu C.

Diego C.E.

An adventure is when you go and explore, do something new, do whatever is on your mind.

It’s simple. Do your own thing. Do whatever you want to do. Go camping. Take a walk. Play a sport. Try something new. It’s all at your finger tips.

One day I went to see my family in Guatemala. When we got there I looked at the volcano. It looked like it was gonna erupt. I ran fast as I can to Mom and Dad so we left then we went home. —Arianna S. My adventure was when I got lost on a hiking trail with my friend. The setting was at Sleeping Bear Dunes. I was with my camp in Cheboygan, Michigan. We were with our counselors, but then I had to go to the bathroom, but got lost with my friend. We were lost for a few hours, but finally we found our cabin! The good thing was I had a bottle of water with me. It was so scary! After, we hiked up to Lake Michigan and had a great time. When I got back to camp, I was so relieved because I could have been dead! At camp, the word got out and everyone was coming up to me and said, “Are you okay?” and “What was it like being lost?”

When I got back to my house, my mom didn’t believe me but finally I made her believe me. I called the camp director and she said that I did get lost and finally my mom believed me! It was an awesome experience and really fun! —Zach I.

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An adventure is camping, having fun, being with my friends and family. To me, everything is an adventure, from trying a new food to meeting a new friend. Even just playing with my cat is an adventure. You see, an adventure doesn’t have to be something big, it just has to make you feel good. Skipping through sunlight, dancing in the rain, or throwing snowballs, an adventure is weather. To hiking with friends and camping with family, an adventure is nature. Hugging a living creature, one who loves you, an adventure is emotions.

And I’d like to have an adventure with you.

Tas h

Sophia

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Tallula

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Gemarion B.

Delvin

Parker M .

Amarreon D.

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—Olivia B. on ay

6

. na W

Myles

One sunny day my class went to a field trip to the zoo. When we got there my friend Maribel was super excited to go and see the tigers. When she saw a tiger she started to run like a crazy maniac. I heard the tigers roaring as I came near them. I suddenly realized I could hear what they were thinking. The tigers were laughing at how crazy my friend looked. I told them she had always wanted to see the tigers and they were her favorite type of cat. —Marlene G. My adventure is going up a mile high and at the top is an old historical castle and it was in an island in Greece. We went up and we stopped at a bakery and got the most scrumptious pastry in all of Europe. It is a Greek apple tart. If you tried it you would be amazed. So we kept walking and we went to a store and got a cover up dress and then we were there we went up the stairs then we found a stairwell and I was so scared and I heard my sis at the top and I looked down and it was so dark and deep! But I had the nerve to go up.

I went up and I saw the view. This was a great adventure. —Cassie L.

“Which way do I slide?” I asked. “Go to the left,” Lucey said. I was breathing heavy from fear and weakness. I was almost at the top but I couldn’t find a ledge for my foot! I was so worried, I was asking Lucey so many questions. I could barely breathe because I was so scared! Then I got back on my feet and I found myself at the top! I was so happy I got up there. But now I had to repel. —Chloe B. I would like to go to the middle of the sea because I can see the wild things. I could ride a shark or a dolphin. I could discover new species. Maybe the biggest shark, the megalodon, still exists.

I will take a risk to die. I will probably be attacked randomly. I will enjoy going to the sea.

This was my dream to be at the ocean. This is my greatest dream. —Xavier E. I think my greatest adventure so far is when I went to Six Flags. I had my eyes closed on most of the rides but it was still very thrilling. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone big time, and I think it paid off.

Without this experience I probably would have been scared to try other adventurous things, so I’m very happy that I went on all those deadly roller coasters.

Not only did I gain very memorable moments but also I discovered this side of me I never knew I had.

It was a very special experience and it was great to share with friends. It was completely unforgettable and my greatest adventure yet! —Ethan S. Adventure is a big word with a whole lot of definitions. To me, it means going to a new city, or exploring nature. To any of you, it could be learning a new flip in gymnastics, or trying a new cake recipe or even reading a new book! Or maybe it means going to a museum or zoo and learning new things about history, technology or nature. It could also mean to just hang out with friends and family. Adventure is a big word. What does it mean to you? —Drew I.

Joanie

I was shocked I went to camp Sometimes my clothes got really damp We didn’t even have a map Oh, what an adventure it will be It was in the summer They didn’t give us cucumbers At camp nobody was dumber Oh, what an adventure it will be There were wasps everywhere I could not help but stare It really didn’t seem fair Oh, what an adventure it will be Every bug wanted to crawl on me It felt weird, don’t you see Nor did they have tea Oh, what an adventure it will be I felt like we were never going home I didn’t fail to bring my comb I wasn’t going home, NO Oh, what an adventure it will be At home I was happy Lots of surprises for me My family loves me I see Oh, what an adventure it will be —Faith M.

O

ne summer break me and my granny got on a plane and when we got off the plane it started to make noise and the plane was ready to go somewhere else. But it broke down. So a helicopter had to tow the plane and take it where it needs to go. So me and my grandmother One day me and my family went to drove in a taxi and we got to the hotel. We got there and it looked beautiful. It was big and our Seattle and went to a big mountain called Mountain Rainier. room was decorated with red wallpaper and it had hearts and flowers. It had two beds. It had It was awesome. —Ciara M. two bathrooms and five sinks. It had a big kitchen. It was a red painted room. It had an indoor One day I want to go to Deep River Wa- pool and jacuzzi. I got in the jacuzzi and relaxed. I went under the water and it was fun. Finally ter Park! Why? Because I want to get on we got in the taxi and we were on our way home. We had a great time. This is my adventure I all the rides! And it will be fun! —Pedro P. would like to explore. —Thomasina M. Once, I went on a bike ride with my dad near the lake. It was dark out. I brought my lamp, and my dad brought my sister’s lamp. We were going on the fast part of the bike trail. When we first entered, everything was fine. I was pedaling very fast and passed some people. Then, I almost lost control on my bike and ran into a pole. I fell off my bike into the grass. My dad stopped nearby and helped me back on my bike. I was okay, and I only got a scratch. We were going the right way until we reached a turn.

Then we went right instead of left. I wasn’t familiar with the path, but my dad seemed to get it a little. Finally, I saw a landmark near my house. There was a hill that followed a sharp turn. I lost control again and ended up in the grass, but I didn’t fall off my bike! My dad and I got home safely. —Alicia C. Once I woke up I was in Pokemon world and it was One time, I had to risk one of my friends to get another back. I just stopped talking to her and tried to get the other back by talking to her more. It ended not working so I amazing. I like it much and I met Pikachu. He was talk to my old friends now. —Serenity W. funny and cute. —Ahmed Winter 2015/16

Ivy R.

Malcolm G. Leo V. Jacob F.

Mackenzie S. What risk means to me is do something you never done. Also do something that you were terrified of. —Jade D.

I want to travel to New York for my birthday on New Year’s Eve to see the New Year’s Eve ball drop! My birthday is on New Year’s Day.

Konrad M.

Mia D. Micah V.W.

Charlie S.

I would want to go to the bottom of the ocean.

When I am down there I am going to find a lost treasure. So I can give the lost treasure to the people who have disease and cannot work. I will give the treasure to the poor. I will give the people who have trouble getting money, money so they can live a better life with food.

When I am underwater I am going to meet a mermaid that needs help with living. I will help the mermaid or merman out by giving them some food then they will live happily ever after.

—Precious

Ta lia R

An adventure is doing something new. If it isn’t new there is no adventure. Sometimes even the smallest thing new is an adventure.

Never be afraid to go out. Think larger than the country. —Alex F.

.

—Tyson T. Henry H.

My adventure begins at Key Lime Cove! And I went down the Toilet Flusher. It was so fun! And a little scary. But the Lazy River was amazing! After that I was lazy. My adventure was fun. —Moira W.

If I were to go on an adventure, I would be with my class in New York City to observe the possible combinations between Chicago and New York using a Venn Diagram and pack stuff from home and stay with a buddy at a hotel.

—Aiden S.

MY GREATEST ADVENTURE was when I went to the farm and fed a goat, pig, horses and they were babies and when I was in 2nd grade.

When I went on a risk is when I went to the beach and I saw fish I accidentally screamed and when my sister poured water on me and carried me and threw me in the water I thought I was going to drown. —Jaymaris C.

Isa

be

lle

H.

Lions, tigers and bears! A place I would love to visit is the Savanna in Africa. The main purpose of my trip would be to go on a wildlife safari to see the different types of animals that I have not seen before. This kind of adventure would be marvelous because I would get an up close view of animals such as warthogs, elephants, lions and grazing antelopes. I would take pictures of the animals, record them, and if I am feeling risky, I might even try to touch them. This adventure would be so perfect for me. I feel this way because I love animals and any opportunity I get to learn something new about them I take it. That is why a trip to explore the Savanna would be my dream adventure. —Shonte P.

Elliott K.

All the fun you have Discovering new things Voting on activities Exploring the outdoors Never giving up Traveling to new places Up in the wilderness Round the campfire Everyone has fun! —Maia H. I want to go on an adventure to Mars because I want to make new friends and I want to live there and then go back to Earth so I can have fresh air and go to the beach and so I can learn how to spell fast not in Mars. I can’t because they don’t know how to write and they also don’t know how to use a phone or how to use a television or to use a clock or an alarm and that is why I want to go to Mars for a few days and then back to Earth. —Melany

I imagine I want to go to Minnesota because I never went to Minnesota to be with my tia at Minnesota.

I want to go to Minnesota because I want to try the tacos in Minnesota. I want to go to Minnesota because I want to see all the toys. I want to go to Minnesota because I want to see the stores. I want to see Minnesota because I want to see all of the food. —Leo R. I had an adventure when I went camping in Florida’s Key West. (I used to live in Florida.) Me and my parents went to go shopping. When we came back there was a storm. We went inside the tent. I started to cry. Then we went outside to find a hotel. We came back, our tent broke, so we left. And that is my adventure. —Valeria P.

I love to climb, so when I got to New Mexico I When someone might have a loose tooth I would help them definitely if they’re had the chance. I got to climb mountains, trees climbing a mountain. Because if they lose it on the mountain you might not ever and VOLCANOES. I got to sit on the very edge find it and if you never find it you will not get anything. —Ben L. with Ina and Aunt and Uncle while eatone day that I will travel to Ghana, my home ing cucumbers and country, to help my people or become a very chocolate dipped pretsmart person in the world or become a doctor like my sister and I also zels. (I really did this!) want to explore the whole Amazon or discover new things. —Hillary A. —Bianca M.

I believe

Winter 2015/16

An adventure is doing something you have never done before, traveling to a new place, reading a new book, trying a new food, or even going up a grade. Part of an adventure is having fun even if there are bumps along the way. An adventure can be scary and trying new things is, but don’t let it get in the way of having a good time!

—Sadie H. An adventure can mean many things—going somewhere new, trying something fun, doing something scary, or even trying a new book!

Whatever it is to you, it’s always a very special thing. Adventures are fun and unique, which is only two out of a lot of factors for adventures.

They make you happy. Adventure is a beautiful thing.

—Kaya I.

e day climbI dream of on gh mountain ing a super hi new library. to find a brand s a stream Or I could cros new book. a just to find library is my To find a new highest goal!

—Camryn D.

7

Janelie

ia R. Jul

Kevin M.

Jax

Emily Alexander R. My greatest adventure is when I went to Florida. It is so much fun there. I wish I can go back there to see my grandma. She is really nice to me. I love her so much because she is nice to me and what happened in the picture is my grandma is taking me to the park in Florida.

Diareli

If I could go to an adventure I would go to the jungle because the jungle is full of nature. I love nature. I would take a risk fighting a tiger and I will stay with the baby tiger. I would teach the tiger how to fight.

I would teach the tiger how to care and he will grow big and strong. He will protect me when I need help.

He and I would be the bestest of friends we will have fun we will explore all the jungle. We would fight all evil that comes in our way we will become superheroes we will be so famous. Everyone will love us.

My greatest adventure so far is when I went to Africa, because I learned new things about the animals there. One thing that I learned about the animals there is that they blend in with the water to catch their pray and hide from their predators. Another thing I learned about the animals there is that they’re more free than animals in other places. The last thing that I learned about the animals in Africa is that a lot of the reptiles there are poisonous. —Beauty R. I plan to backpack through Europe. I want to backpack through Europe so I can learn new things, eat food, discover ruins, and meet new people. I really look forward to climbing the mountains. When I get to the top of the mountain I will see everything.

I also want to see all of the great ruins because they are very old and surprising that they are still here. I will have great stories to tell. —Michele S.

Kaden B.

I would explore space. In Pluto I would see how does Pluto look like if people live in Pluto. I would explore why it’s different than other planets. I want to see if it’s small black. I want to see the shape of the rocks. Then I’m going to explore black hole. —Eric

8

For my 10th birthday party, I got to go trapezing. I was really excited, but I was also really nervous at the same time! When we got there, they put me into a harness that was really loose.

I thought I was going to slip out while I was trapezing! As I started walking up the shaky ladder, I felt my body start to shake! As soon as I was holding on to the bar, I felt a big hard push on my back! I was trapezing! I was flying! —Elle M.

Charlie N.

A place I will want to explore will have to be L.A. because it does not snow there. Also it’s sunny and not cold. Also you could go to the pools every day. And you do not have to buy winter stuff. You could use the pools every day. And there are good jobs there. —Jackeline N.

an

I would want to go to the moon. I would go to the mood because I could see everything such as the stars and the earth. I would try to go to the space station to see how they would be up there for weeks. I’d like to explore something that no one else has such as Pluto. I feel like nothing is impossible, even though I might die I would risk it because it’s never been explored. Thank you for reading my letter. —David C.

My adventure is to catch a lion. I would use my invisibility power to hunt for it, so I can go to the savannah to catch it. Once I capture it I will learn how to speak lion style. Then I will interview my lion and ask for him to be my friend. I will also feed him with 50 pounds of meat. I will give my lion some of my invisibility power so nobody will hunt him. I will take him with me to Winter Wonder Fest so he can zipline with me. Then after a few years I will let him go with part of my invisibility so he could hunt meat. I will also send him meat every week. Then afterwards I will bring him back so we can play together. We can have more adventures together. The end. —Galilea G. J.B.

Eth

In ten years I would go to Six Flags with my sister and my mom because I never went to Six Flags before my mom said because she does not have money to get wristbands for my whole family to get in only for my sister and her, so we went somewhere else.

If I went on my adventure then I would be so happy that I want to go to another adventure. Did you know that I love to go to adventures. I go to a lot of adventures like the store and my dad’s work. Those are a lot of adventures I have.

I want to have lots and lots of adventures because you can have fun if you go on an adventure. If you do not have an adventure your life is going to be sad because you do not have happy in your life. If you have an adventure you are going to have a happy life like me.

Once when I went rock climbing with my dad, I got on the mountain and I thought I was going to fall but I made it out. The experience was fun because the Saturday before I went to play and practice to going rock climbing. Something I learned is when you’re scared you should still do it because you never know what good things would happen. —Ja’Quai L. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to the mountains. When I got there, I would jump off and fly to save the world. I would stop people from getting killed and help the homeless people get a house and money. I would be a superhero with a big mansion. I would live in a spaceship on top of my mountain. —Katrell P.

My greatest adventure is learning how to swim. First I didn’t know how to swim then when I took the lessons I knew how to swim. When we went swimming again I wasn’t afraid to get into the water. When I got in the water I wasn’t afraid to swim. And that’s my greatest adventure. —Lamya Risk is a good thing. When you take a risk, you take blame for what you did not do. Taking a risk is like you think about a story to say just to get your best friend or family member out of taking a risk is thoughtful. —Leilani M.

My greatest adventure is when I drove from North Carolina to Chicago. When I was little we moved to North Carolina. Finally this was our trip back home. The drive was really long...sometimes I think I had super speed.

If I had super speed I wouldn’t have to go through so many hours of boringness ever again. Some day I’d like to explore Mt. Everest. With my super speed I could get up and down the mountain like a flash. I wish I had super speed! —Julio T. Last year I went to Wisconsin and my family was with me. They were taking me on my first ski trip. We went to a place called Wilmot Mountain. While my parents went skiing, my brother and I were at ski school learning to ski. My brother was at the same level as me. There were levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, and then the rest of the levels were up on the really big mountain. My brother was in level 2 and I was with him.

Then I got moved up to level three. Every once in a while I would check on my brother to see if he got moved up too. But then I got moved up to level four and my brother was still stuck on level two. I still went to check on him until I couldn’t any more. I had gotten moved up to the big levels and my brother was alone.

Then ski school was out and my brother and I went to find our parents. My brother stayed with my mom on the easy levels while my dad took me on the chair lift to the big mountain. We all met at the bottom of the mountain.

It was time to go home. After that, I never regretted to go skiing again. —Nora B. Ja’nae V.

Kayla J.

I’m in a coffee machine.

—Malique Winter 2015/16

He was walking on the ground, he looked like a stuffed animal and he actually looked more like a red raccoon than a red panda. Hours before entering at the zoo with my mom, her friend and my friends were trying to see all of the animals.

“Wow!” I said. The zoo was big as three mansions! Watching, walking, and stopping. We were very tired that we walked like a turtle. We were starving so we went to a food court. It smelled delicious. After we finished eating we went outside and that’s when I saw an animal that I’ve never seen. It was a red panda. I told my Mom, “Look Mom.” “What?” said my mom. It was as quiet as a ninja. He was fluffy as a cotton ball. He looked like a plush. I took a picture of it. My Mom too. “Perfect,” I said.

When we were about to leave I told my mom is she could buy me a red panda stuffed animal, she said yes. That’s when it became my favorite animal. —Alexis C. If I could go on any adventure I would go to Rome, Italy. I like the Roman gods. Apollo is my favorite god, Roman and Greek.

Same name Roman and Greek. Romans have a god of everything.

—Alaina V.

Brady Kristel M. Chris P.

An adventure I went on is I went camping with my family and with my aunt, uncle and cousin. Then in the night we made fire and marshmallows, then we went in our tents and sleep.

Martin S. My greatest adventure so far is learning how to ride my bike. When I just learn how to ride a bike I kept falling but now I don’t fall. —Julia L. My adventure I plan on is to go to the forest and camp there and see bugs. My buddy who I would love to go on the adventure with me is Rashiya so we could explore things and try new stuff. I would love to build a campfire with her so we could roast marshmallows so we could watch the sun rise up. —Jamarion R. I wish to get a new long book and find a peaceful area to read. —John

Cristian

One day, I went to a pumpkin patch. They had a zip line. I was going on it but I was really scared. I had all of my gear on and was attached to the line. “Go whenever you’re ready,” said the worker. I looked down and jumped. It turned out it was really fun. I enjoyed it. —Jackson P.

My greatest adventure has been going to Lego Land. That has been my greatest adventure because we saw lego movies, we rode games, we played with a lot of legos and made cars to race each other. We also got a necklace full with papers so we could get stamps in the games. I went with my mom, dad, brother and cousin. She is a girl. I had a great adventure in Lego Land. ­—Yaritza R. Once upon a time there was a boy named Malachi. He went to a place called Gromson. It was a place that had lasers. He got shocked by the lasers. He left for a second, and when he came back the lasers were gone. He went to a mirror and robots came out. They started flying. The robots shot lasers out of their eyes. He did a back flip over the lasers. He flew to the side with the wall. Then he flew to the door as fast as he could. That was a great adventure! —Malachi C.

Adventure is a great and fun thing people experience in life. That’s time when you can go out and experience the world in a new vision—who knows maybe one day there will be that one adventure that you’ll never forget.

To me I would have to say when I started my year in I went on an airplane by myself.

In five years, I see myself with friends that better me and preschool and going to end it in eight grade. I got to None of my family members came. push me to my full potential. I see myself done with my first meet a bunch of cool and nice people. When I first It was very exciting. semester of college. I also see myself publishing the books came to this school I was scared I didn’t know anybody Texas to Chicago. here. As I went on the school years I have met a lot of and poems that I wrote as a teen. Finally, I will be able to vote.

I was scared at first, but it was fine.

In ten years, I see myself already graduated from college. cool people and they have been my friends ever since It was so fun, so I had some gum.

I will be a successful runway model. I will also have my own I’ve known them. Like my best friend Sydney; I have —Arwyn B. known her since preschool and now that we are both clothing line. I see myself doing well in everything I put my in eighth grade, now we get to graduate together. Also mind to. In ten years, I should be following the road to a sucMy greatest adventure was gocessful life. My life will be one big adventure! a this guy named Steven who came to this school in fifth ing with my dance teacher to —Christina H. ut grade is now my best friend. He’s funny and is just like dance concert. I learned abo I me. —Blake H. technique and how to focus. take to ld wor I am exploring in the park and when I get want to explore the dances. back from the park I think I should explore pictures and see different —Nathan J. J. a iarm in the mighty jungle. I think I should go —K back to school when I am done exploring.

Larry Marshaun I was at Hilton Head, South Carolina. All my The best adventure I have ever had was the day I adopted my dog —Kitana cousins, aunts, and uncles were there. We Spencer. It was so exciting. Not only for me but for the family.

Evelyn were all going to the ocean to go wave runWe were near the end of the school year. It was my birthday ning. We were having so much fun gliding the June 4th. It was a great thing to happen at a crazy time. waves with the wind in your face. Then we When I first found out I was stunned because I had thought it were going really fast then BOOM!!! We hit was just a visit. It was not. I was going to have Spencer as a family a wave really hard, and my tooth hit my lip member. really hard. It split my lip in half. My dad and I always knew he was a loyal dog. I was right. Now that I get to I went right to the hospital, and the doctor see him all the time I have gotten to meet the real Spencer. The said I needed stitches. The doctor gave me real Spencer is very very cute, and sweet. two shots on the gum, so when they gave me It wasn’t always that way. He had a very rough beginning. His the stitches I wouldn’t feel it. OUCH!!! Then first owners had been bad. the doctor sewed my lip together. When I got Now our family gives him as much love as we can. He loves it. home, my cousins gave me a card, a balloon, After having a rough start he bounced back with a new family. and a small LEGO. Then I was happy because We plan to keep doing the same for Spencer. We love our Spencer.

I knew my family was by my side. —Ava D. —Nathaniel L. Yesenia L. My greatest adventure so far was when I went to a volcano in Mexico. My whole family was there. It was during the summer. First we rode horses to get there!

I got to ride one with my little Cousin Celo! We rode through a big beautiful forest. Then we got to the volcano. I went to go sit with my Cousin Andy and I slipped! I was hanging on the edge of a rock! I was very scared! They were able to pull me back up. Then we walked to the volcano on what was left after the “incident” with the volcano. Then we got to the volcano, took a picture, and went home on the horses. That is my greatest adventure. What is yours?

Winter 2015/16

9

Genna S.

Dina P. My first time on the diving board it was so scary for me but I did it also it was fun because my mom and dad were behind the rope and I was so up high and the water was 15 feet deep it was so scary and I like diving and that is my adventure.

Gr ac

ie

C.

We weren’t sure whether we were supposed to be there. As we strode across the dirt path, my sister Kateri, my cousin Fiona, and I all kept wondering whether the path was off-limits for visitors at Blackberry Farm. We continued on anyway, as we searched for the paddle boats. As we continued on our way, Kateri noticed something. Or rather, she heard something. “Guys, the tractor’s coming,” she said with wide eyes.

And though it was going about 2 miles an hour, we ran. Ran (sort of) for our lives. And turns out we weren’t old enough for the paddle boats. But it didn’t matter, we had the greatest adventure of our lives. —Arya H.

Alina S.

Carly A.

There was a boat in the sky. No one knew how people got on it or if there were people on it.

Everyone wanted to go on it. One day they found out how. It was awesome.

I went to my cousin’s house in Dekalb.

My cousin had got sprayed by a skunk.

I learned not to mess with a skunk.

My super power would be the ability to freeze things. It would help because I would have froze the skunk. I will like to explore in the woods. I would eat smores, go hiking and meet bears.

—Jamyrah H.

10

An adventure to me is when I take risks and I try something fun and exotic. An adventure is trying a new food, going to someplace new, whatever makes me happy.

An adventure would be great, but I couldn’t go on one without my best friends. But an adventure doesn’t have to be something major. It could be meeting a new friend or starting 4th grade. An adventure could be anything, but always have fun on it.

When I think of adventure I think of fun.

To me adventure is trying something new. For example, when I try a new food or a new sport that’s an adventure. Or a new activity like when I tried baseball for the first time. I also think of adventure when I get something new. For example, when I go shopping with my grandma or my mom. When I go on an adventure it feels magical. Another time when I feel I’m on an adventure is when I learn something new all the time. To me anything can be an adventure. —Adelaide S. Hermilio N.

My imaginative adventure is going around all of the continents except for Antarctica because it’s cold really cold. The first continent I would go to is South America because there’s Argentina and other ones. Then I would go to Europe because there’s Italy which has the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then I would go to Australia because there’s different types of animals.

Then to Asia because it has Japan and there’s different types of food. Then I would go to Africa because there are a lot of savannahs and different types of animals like a hippo. That’s the adventure I would like to go on someday!

Davis S.

I would like to have an adventure in Puerto Rico. I would bring along my brother, my stepdad and my friend Aaliyah. I would like to bring them along because they all are very athletic like me and they all love to climb trees.

In Puerto Rico I would climb trees, swim, I would eat a lot of exotic fruit.

I would also go on treasure hunts with my family and friends. —Mya A.

I would like to explore out in the sea. Also I want to find new species of underwater creatures. I want to answer the questions that no one knows and explore plants and find fossils of extinct underwater creatures. I would like to do all of this in ten years. —Leila H.

My family and I went on an airboat in Florida. We were on an airboat tour with a bunch of other people. We had to wear headphones because the airboat was really loud. The airboat driver said that if an alligator got on to the boat we all need to jump off. No one knew whether he was kidding or serious. We saw a chameleon sitting on a branch. It looked really cool. Then, we saw an alligator sitting in the water. At first I thought it was a log. Last, we saw another three alligators. Luckily, they didn’t care about us. It was very exciting. When I went off I asked Mom and Dad “Let’s do that again!” Though, of course, we didn’t. —Noah O.

Alex Chyna N.

Jackson G.

Thibault Sophia

I went on an adventure to a pumpkin patch and to a corn maze with my mom, my brother, and my friends. First, we found stage #1. Then we found the bridge where we could see up high over the corn maze.

Then we found a map we went left and right this was tricky. When we finally got to the last stage, it was really hard, but I led us out as the leader of the group. After that adventure we were still traveling on the pumpkin patch to the Haunted House!!! It was terrifying. I went in with my friend Cece and my mom. I was in front of her holding on to her so was Cece. You could hear footsteps behind you. There were also scary faces, and you had to go through this wall to get out. After the haunted house we got hot dogs and caramel apples. Then I went to go ride horses, and the two horses I rode were named Blackie and Butch. I had so much fun at the pumpkin patch. —Claire L. One day I was walking and I saw a girl at the top of a building. I thought she needed help but I did not know. So I called her and I said, “Do you need help?” She said “yes” and I said “OK.” Then I decided to use my super power long hair to help her. I threw my hair all the way to the top of the building and she grabbed it. And she slid down. Because of my long super power hair she did not die and I was a super hero. —Michaela A.

Ruby W.

Always be positive and you may get there. Did you know that you can do anything? Vision yourself and you may be there. Enjoy what you get. Never give up. Try your best. Use your imagination. Remember you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Everything can be an adventure. —Angelina G. If I had super speed I would travel the world. I would look for people who need help. And if I had super speed I would go to Paris because my name is Paris, and if I had super speed I would look to see if animals are hurt to save them. —Paris H. One day I wanted to go on the Adventure moon. So I built a rocket ship I have been to New York. and got me a suit. I got in my To get there you have to take a plane. rocket and I was off...1...2...3 Fly high in the sky. blast off! I was in the air then Come on you and me. before I knew it I could see the I am flying, flying over the sea. stars and that‘s when I stepped New York, a place for you and me. Broadway, here I come. on the moon. —Laila R. —Alahna M. Winter 2015/16

Shaylan G. (Real, that’s right this actually happened) Owen P. The time I rode a hoverboard in Sister Bay, (Door County) Wisconsin. We were staying at the Yacht Club hotel. We were riding hoverboard/segways my sister’s friend brought on our six-family trip.

Believe it or not I didn’t fall off.

Mahelete

Kyle

Angelina F.

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Winter 2015/16

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My adventure is when I was up to bat. It was the bottom of the 6th and the final inning.

We were losing 2-1. There were 2 outs, and the bases were loaded. The pitch came in right at me! I was not afraid, and I let the ball hit me. It hurt a lot! But I still got on base and drove in a run. Then EJ hit a single, and we won 3-2. —Zachary S.

Nik o

Bora Bora is where I’d like to explore because it has a lot of pretty trees and the water is clean with a lot of dolphins and all sorts of animals. —Logan L. My greatest adventure so far is me going to Wisconsin and me going to Indiana. In Wisconsin I learned that they have plenty of cheese because of their dairy farms and in Indiana I learned that their beaches have very cold water but it was really clear though. If I had a super power it would be flying and it would help in my adventures because in Wisconsin I could fly and see all of Wisconsin and in Indiana I would do the same.

If there was a place I would like to go it would be Italy. —Lonnell B.

When I went to Springfield I went with my aunt and my grandma and my dad and my brother and my friend. —Araceli C.E.

This is my Jehovah. And my mommy and daddy and me. ...and my brother Michael. And here’s a beautiful rainbow...and some clouds...and some grass. We’re going to the museum, and we got our flashlights. We’re gonna look at the animals.

—Michelle O.

Over the summer, Lilya, Mei Li, and I were putting up our tents on the campsite on the fourth night. We were so nervous because there were strange things close to campsite #7. We were so scared because it was the first night our counselors slept in the counselor tent. In the night, we got scared and ran to our counselor telling her about an animal in our tent.

When they came, we saw it was a bat, and we were yelling. We tried to shoo it out. It got upset, and the bat flew on top of my head. We were so scared. We had to face our fears and use our pillow to shoo the bat out of our tent. So now we think it is funny.

From that day on, we aren’t so afraid of bats.

—Mika M. I would go to the galaxy to find aliens. My story began here. One day I went to the galaxy. I was in an invisible bubble. I was floating and then boom! I found aliens. I was so scared. I started beating them up. Then it was time for me to go to my spaceship to sleep. Then the following day I went back and they disappeared. I turned around so I can explore more. Then I bombed into them again. But instead I touched one of them. It was a girl. She could see me and we hid so no one can see us communicating. Then we said goodbye.

Then the next following day we were thinking of telling her clone the next day. Then the last day we told her clone about me they were amazed.

We spent time together. It was fun. Then I had to leave. We were sad but we still had each other.

I made a book about our journey. THE END! —Diana D.

I had an adventure that was cool, it all started in a pool, the pool shot me up so high, I screamed so loud into the sky, All of a sudden I started to fly!

Then I came to a stop, and started to drop!

I was dropping so fast, I thought these moments were my last, before I knew it I hit the ground, and then I heard a familiar sound, the sound was my clock, and I awoke in a shock, I was in such a shock I let out a scream, but for it was only a dream.

—Gracie W.

Risk is anything you do that’s new to you. You risk when trying new foods. Or when you try a new activity. I took a risk joining theatre – I love it now.

Risks can be good or bad. Everyone takes risks. —Rhiannon H.

When I am older, Many places I will go, Traveling near and far, Exploring high and low, I will help others, And discover new things, And when it’s all over I’ll go home, And memories I will bring.

—Tess S.

I hear a loud bang in the attic. I’m not sure if I should go

up there because who knows, there could be a vampire. I gathered my thoughts and got the ladder so I could go up to the attic. As I put the ladder up and climbed, the ladder started to shake. I climbed as fast as I could and got to the attic before the ladder came tumbling down. When I got up into the attic, I hear another loud bang and saw something shake. It is hiding under a blanket. Should I see what it is? Should I call for help? I can’t decide. I take four deep breaths: in and out, in and out, in and out, in and out. I calm myself down. I finally make my decision.

I am going to see what it is. I know it is a risk, but I’m willing to do it.

What if it is an animal that needs help? I love animals and will always help them, from a mouse to an armadillo. I go over to the shaking cloth and remove it. Under the cloth is a caged dog. The dog’s nose is dry and he looks as skinny as a string. I undo the fasten on the cage and carefully take the dog out. The dog is brown and it has a tan spot by its eye. He is still shivering as I take him out of the cage. He seems as if he feels safe in my arms when I pick him up. My body warmth helps him warm up. I call my grandma to put the ladder back up so we can get down.

After I got down and explained everything to my grandma, we gave the dog a bath and fed him. Me and my grandma decided to keep the dog until his owner came. We put up signs that have a picture of the dog on it and wait three months to see if its owner will come. After two years, the owner still never came.

This story shows kindness, braveness and friendship. The theme of this story is don’t ever let fear hold you back. —Kiara C. and Maysa B.

I was fifteen feet in the air. I did a double back flip. My blue socks were above me. My shorts were starting to inflate with so much air. When I got down my brother almost got hit by me. But I said,“ Get out of the way.” I bounced him up in the air. I caught him with all my strength where he wouldn’t hit his head on a blue hard thing. He said, “Thank you Bro.” I said, “You’re welcome.”

It was me, my brother, two cousins, aunty, uncle. Before I got there my heart fell out of my chest. So when I looked on the internet I saw part of a basketball, dodgeball, foam pit. I would love to live there because it is a large place. And everything I like to do. When I was a block away, I saw nothing but blue.

I saw a sign that said “The Greatest Trampoline Place Ever.” I thought to myself, “Is it going to be the best trampoline place ever?” When we got in I almost fell over how it is so big. We had to pay over $300 for the seven of us. We also had to watch a safety video with tips like don’t jump by little kids and much much more.

I was fifteen feet in the air. We were fifteen minutes in Sky High. We had to spend our time wisely. I had less time than everyone because I hurt my foot. I said, “Oh my God I better go trampoline!” Nothing stopped me. I still did crazy stuff.

So now we have to leave I’m sad. We were only there for seven hours. What a waste of money. We bought pizza to go. I got water because I don’t like a lot of sweets. I was almost going to cry if we don’t stay. So we left. I was sad. My heart fell out of my chest. —Jay P.

11

The greatest adventure I’ve ever been on Was when I was at camp

Rhone

Maeve G.

I went on a trip With my cabin It rained, it was so damp Brianna F.

If I could visit any place in the world, I would go to Mexico. When I get there, I would like to see all of the people and learn Spanish so I can talk to them. The first thing I want to do when I get there is visit the pyramids! Visiting Mexico will be fun. —Ari M.

I jump into my clothes and grab my things. I pull on my boots and head out the door.

As I cut through the grass, a bear approaches. I throw myself at the ground, as the bear passes on. I haul myself up a mountain, as the When you dream and close your eyes rocks crumble. As I reach the top, I look on to the and fly across the seas and skies world. The wonderful world and land upon another land and lay down on the warm soft sand of adventure. —Daniel G.

And then they will all jump off board and hand to you a golden sword and then you’ll fly away from there and feel the cool and freshest air But then everything turns black and you realize you’re back warm in your bed the adventure has come to an end.

—Chloe K.

Molly R.

Oscar N. One time I went on the most steepest fastest thrill ride in Disney World. It’s called Splash Mountain. It’s when you ride in a log that has water boosters that can make it go fast. It was my 6th thrill ride it was really scary!

We slept in tents Told stories and Had a wonderful time We ate hamburgers, Hotdogs and buns When it was time to dine — Joshua W.

The Dream

And when the pirates come to shore and say that they declare a war and then you’ll fight for days and days until they step out of your way

My adventure was dancing at school for the first time. I was only five years old. I was so scared. My sister said don’t worry.

Mom is here. I was happy after because everyone clapped and cheered. My mom cheered too. I was so happy that I danced in front of the whole school.

—Molly R.

Once there was a girl named Lisa. Lisa went to the beach.

She was digging through the sand when she found a secret door. She went inside it. She found a cake—a giant one. She began to eat.

She got trapped! There was a cake unicorn! She went on the unicorn. The unicorn bursted out of the cake.

Lisa woke up on her beach towel. Wow! That was an ADVENTURE!

Casey I would like to ride a motorcycle and take my friends to Disney Land. We would have an adventurous time.

—Kaleb S. I like the circus. I rode the elephant.

I would take my mommy again.

—Kendall S. go e jungle. I would I would explore th s. la ril go r fo g in ok lo on an adventure at My adventure would be to play basketball overseas. th r te Af g on trees.

I would travel the world and play on different teams.

Then I would swin the wild animals.

I would like to explore the world with my basketball!

I would run with —Nazir P. —LilQuincy H. n my adventure to the prairie, I saw a prairie dog, coyote, and some undiscovered animals. Mom said “Look at the coyotes!” Then Dad said, “and the prairie dogs!” Then Amelia said, “Don’t forget those animals!” We chased the animals to see what they were. They were new animals that had not been discovered yet. We named them the “J Crew” after our family. Then I said, “We saw a lot today and it’s getting dark so let’s go home.” And the family said, “Yeah. Ok.” On the way home we laughed and talked about the prairie and what a great time we had. —Gracia J.

A place I would really like to explore would have to be England. Any part of England! I choose to explore England because I always see pictures and hear such wonderful things. I want to Patrick K. be one of the tourists who have visited and have my own personal stories to add about my experiences there.

Last week I took a risk where I Max M. If I ever get the chance to visit Engwanted to be National Junior land, I would visit stores, museums Honor Society or stay with my and historical monuments. I would volleyball team. So I decided to be visit different restaurants to taste a with National Junior Honor Society. variety of foods especially those spe—Johnnye F. cific to England. I would also like to compare food that we eat here in the United States with how they prepare it in England.

I would bring friends to share in my adventure. We would visit several If I could go to space, what I would do is explore all the planets. I would see what I could places to learn about the history and do like play with the rocks. I would be also flying around with my brothers. I would check if significance of different monuments, there are people living there. Then after, I would want to go home then eat lunch. —Alex G. churches and other places. We would take pictures, selfies and videos to capture our memories of our adventure. —Nanyamka L.

12

Elanor

I would love to explore the jungle. I will be swinging on the trees with the monkeys. I would love to see all the animals. —Darnell L. It is a bright sunny beautiful day.

You can hear the mud squishing beneath my shoes.

The wind is blowing against my face.

You finally get down to the rushing current.

The river almost takes you away.

You’re holding on a tree like it’s your only possession.

You have never loved that tree ever in your life before.

The water settles and you are safe.

—Maya M. One adventure with risk I’ve had was when I was on a soccer team for the first time and the balls they had there were hard and little o’ me only liked soft balls. I was in a little trouble so after a few days I found that the team I played with had a soccer game. 2 hours later....so the game started I had passed and cleared the ball a couple of times until my teammate passed the ball to me. I was clear on goal at this moment I forgot how hard the ball was so without knowing I hit the ball so hard I thought I had broke my toe but the risk I took was great because I scored a goal for my team. —Jem S. Up and up and up I go, Up into the sky, Where I will go?

Nobody knows, Just up and up and up I will stay, Into the clouds and over the bay, I will play with the birds and hear them all tweet, Flying is such a wonderful treat, Looking around, Playing in the sun, It’s an adventure for everyone!

—Laina W. Winter 2015/16

I was hanging from the tree looking around and I saw a monkey eating a banana and a lion walking around through my binoculars. I was scared but this was a great adventure for me.

—Da’Nya S. My adventure begins with me working out at the park, Kenneth M. also I call it a gym. Then I Natalie B. did some science. I spilled some science ice on me.

Olivia G. Then I took a shower. The next morning I took a look at myself in the mirror. My body was full with ice. I got scared, turn on the water, wash my face, still ice. I got Isabella and I, Natalie, even more scared. I froze we went through the jungle I am going on a boat the water. Then I moved and set up our camp. to Hawaii. with a ship. The wind blew it down. The next morning My paragraph will be me on an adventure going toward a black hole.

I woke up in an island. Then I’m heading toward the black hole but thank God I have the power to I saw a volcano erupting. rewind time. So I use my power to go back so I don’t go into space.

Then I remembered my So I’m back at NASA headquarters, but the boss says that Jupiter exice powers. Then I stopped ploded. And over one thousand meteors are going to hit Earth. So I the volcano from erupting. go back in time where I’m still in my ship heading toward the black Then I saved the world! hole. But I see I’m with a partner going towards Neptune. The End! —Isaiah O. —Alex G. My adventure was when I went to ArMy Adventure on...MARS (If I could go there) gentina. I went to Argentina by going I was walking (actually, I was leaping) across the on a plane. It was about 90˚F every day dusty surface of Mars. I walked/leaped for a while, so I didn’t really like going outside, but jumping over small craters. I met a few martians my mom and dad made me go outside. I on the way, I leaped some more until—I walked didn’t talk to anyone because they were right on to the tippity edge of a HUGE, DEEP speaking a different language so when I crater. I leaped back in surprise. Then, I looked went to a pizza place I didn’t know what across the HUGE, DEEP crater and saw that my my dad was saying to the pizza guy. Afhome was across from it! I took a deep breath, ter two weeks we had to go home but I and leaped. I went high and far. I landed on the wanted to explore more so I was a little surface. I had made it! And that’s how I became sad. —Kai C. the first girl to leap across Mars. —Lucille F.P. I love to travel. I like to visit new places, see what they’re like, and learn more about those places.

Every place is different and unique in its own way. To me, traveling is an amazing, fun, and extraordinary thing. I have traveled since I was very little. I’d say the first time I went in a plane and traveled somewhere was when I was around one or two years old. Traveling has become a large hobby of mine, and it will always be something that I enjoy and like to do.

One of the greatest adventures with traveling that I’ve had was when I went to Paris, London, Geneva, and Zurich. No, not separately, it was all in one vacation/trip. I will always remember this trip because it was very amazing and extraordinary. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I enjoyed it a ton. I got to see and experience these new places and things such as their landmarks in person, from the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben, the people there, the “style” there, the “culture” there, and more.

What made this adventure even more awesome was that some of my family from Romania joined us during Paris and London. We got to spend time together and travel together which was really fun. Some of my cousins were also there which was also really great! In Geneva, it was my mom, my dad, and I. It was really nice and beautiful there too! And in Zurich, we stayed at a friend’s house. We had a lot of fun and it was a great experience.

One of the most awesome parts of this adventure was when we went to “The Making of Harry Potter Studios,” in England (London). It’s basically a very big place with a lot of the things that were used to make the Harry Potter films. They had real objects, areas, models, and drawings that were used in the making of the movies, and an awesome gift shop. I personally am a big fan of Harry Potter and the wizarding world, and this event was definitely an awesome highlight of my traveling adventure!

Overall, this was one of my greatest adventures. I will always remember this amazing and extraordinary trip. It was fun, exciting, awesome, a great “bonding” experience, valuable time with family, a great learning experience, and more. I plan on having more great adventures such as this one, and others, in the future. Thanks for reading! —Paul A.

One day I was putting on my Cin-

derella costume. My mom said “Come on Sweetie.” We were going to a haunted house. When we got there, we walked in and Frankenstein popped up. He chased us until we saw light. When we got out, we went on a roller coaster. I was so excited!

What a great adventure! —Melanie D.

When I was 10 years old I had a great, in my opinion, adventure. It was to a game 7 of college basketball finals game it was Stanford University vs. who I rooted for the Miami Hurricanes or the Miami U. I was also on the jumbo tron so I was on live television.

But after that great adventure the Miami Hurricanes lost. And why did the Miami U. lose? It was because of one free throw and a horrible foul call. —Julien S.

My greatest adventure was when I went to Six Flags Great America with my family! I went during the summer time. I will never forget, it was hot and sunny outside. It was my first time and the most fun that I ever had in a long time. They had high roller coasters and water slides that drop you down very fast without you knowing exactly when it was going to happen. However, there were many slides and roller coasters I wasn’t able to get on because I was too short, I still had fun!

When I went to Six Flags that morning, it was a 45 minute drive. I was really excited and couldn’t wait to get there. I fell asleep on the ride because I was tired from all the excitement the night before. My sister woke me up and said “we are here.” When I opened my eyes, all I could see were tall roller coasters all around me!

The lines were very long. Sometimes we had to wait 30 minutes or more. Me and my family had to wait for every ride we got on which only made me more nervous. Finally, we were ready to get on and begin screaming on all of the drops. The first ride I got on was the Eagle with a lethal high drop. I was so afraid and nervous I could barely stand. After the first drop, I had enough of Six Flags! I had to take a break after my first ride because it was too scary for me.

After that, I went to the food stand and got something to eat. I knew I had to take a few rides off to let my food digest. So instead we went to the water park. The water park was just as fun and exciting as the roller coaster. I stayed on the water slides and rode the lazy river for several hours.

Finally, we were on our way home. I was asleep before we pulled out of the parking lot. That day was one of my greatest adventures! —Justin V.

R I S K K T A Y X B O E D I Y

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