The MOckingbird
Genevieve Stone, 2025
norfolk academy lower school
2019
What is the Mockingbird? The Mockingbird is the Lower School’s annual literary magazine for fiction and
nonfiction. The pieces in this publication, all of which were completed for classroom assignments, were selected through a collaborative evaluation process by teachers on each grade level. Every classroom is represented equally, and all teachers participated in the evaluation process. While students in the Lower School complete a wide array of writing assignments throughout the year, from book reports to science labs to research papers, The Mockingbird spotlights creative writing, and it showcases artwork produced by students for art class assignments.
Dedication The Mockingbird is dedicated to the memory of Robert S. Sergeant, who taught at Norfolk Academy from 1978 to 1999. Through his passionate belief in the power of language, he inspired many young writers to embark on imaginative journeys. He showed each student how to find a personal writing voice and let it soar; through his own example, he helped students unleash their creative energy. Mr. Sergeant explored the world through his own writing. He was intrigued by the mockingbirds that he noticed throughout the campus, particularly in the Hofheimer and Hopkins Gardens. In one of his written reflections, he astutely observed the mockingbird’s expressive nature: “The mockingbird is a bit mean-spirited— aggressive to other birds, but it does have artistic and creative genius. Maybe gruffness is just part of a creative genius. The mockingbird celebrates language and voices…” With this publication, we recall the compassionate voice of a master teacher, and we celebrate the emerging voices of our young writers.
Save the Sea By the sea stands she, finally feeling free. Freed by nature, the sea’s her savior, and in its favor, she asks all sailors to give back to the sea. And that lifesaver, a sea’s sailor has passed down her story, and it ended up by me. Though my story’s not exactly the same, the rest I will say in my name.
Addison Tajan, 4th Grade
Looking now, I ask myself how, What has happened to it now? Polluted, abused, and misunderstood, Our treatment was no good. We can change it now, if we start, if you devote your heart, and play a big part. We can do it, if we all commit. Sabrina Casagrande, 6th Grade
Lyric Carter, 4th Grade
During My Spring Break During the spring break I went swimming and I had to take two planes to get to Florida. I went to the beach for one day. I had lots of fun. While I was in Florida, I had sushi and I did hermit crab races with my friends. I also found many shells. I played on my iPad the whole time. Dylan Thomas, 6
th
Grade
I flew back home. My favorite thing to do was sleep!
A Visit
In the sky, but on the ground.
Hunter Simmons, 1st Grade
In the air, but not flying. Moving around, but still When I look up The sun is not north, or south, nor east Not even west Everything is sleeping, except me I am looking at the stars Slowly falling asleep Relaxed and calm. Mollie Decker, 5th Grade
Zachary Armentrout, 6th Grade
The Best Gift Ever The best gift I have received was my Silky and my family. My God gave it to me. It is special to me because my family is the best family in the world. My Silky is my “lovey�. I have had my Silky since I was a baby. That is why those things are the best gift I have ever received.
Ila Bailey, 1st Grade
Light Purple Light purple is the color of my bedroom. Light purple is beautiful. Light purple is a calming color. Light purple tastes like grapes picked fresh from a vine. Light purple smells like violets blooming. Light purple sounds like tree swallows chirping.
Love
Light purple feels like a comfortable blanket. Light purple looks like happiness.
Love is awesome because it
Light purple makes me relax.
brings people together. I love my
Light purple is awesome.
parents. I love my sister. I love my dog. The reason that I love
Teagan Oswald, 2nd Grade
them is because they are nice to me.
Crew Watkins, 1st Grade
Bedroom Feelings
My room is a place where I go when I want to be alone. One day I go to my room feeling
alone. The next I go feeling sad, happy, or naturally just tired. On my bed I have a special duvet cover from Africa that, whenever I feel sad or depressed, I will bury myself underneath, and instantly I will feel blissful again. On a stuffed “Stitch� that I own I have a wolf scarf that has the same effect on me. When I want to be alone, I go to my reading/writing chair, and when I begin to read or write I am immediately absorbed in a world of fantasy. Next to that I have an old jewelry box that belonged to my great-grandmother, so whenever I look at it I am reminded of the grandmother I never knew. This is what my room means to me.
Lily Mason-Breit, 4th Grade
Comeback My team was losing, but after weeks of practice we finally won. We believed. Losing is good because when you make a mistake, it doesn’t make you weak. We believed. When we lost, did we cry?
Gabriel Lin, 2nd Grade No! We believed. Did we practice? Yes! We believed. We practiced and improved with heart. On the bench, I cheer. On the court, I cheer. Lyla Walker, 2nd Grade
Most Valuable Player
Teamwork always matters. We believed.
Veer Desai, 3rd Grade
I feel proudest when I have learned a skill or achieved a goal, but my proudest moment was when I scored my first goal in soccer. It took place in Marine Park, Santa Monica, California, where I lived for three years. My team was called the “Arrows.” Our team color was purple. A.Y.S.O. was a popular league in California for children and teens. I improved a lot during my first season playing soccer. Scoring a goal is the ultimate sign of improvement. I was very proud and felt like a champion. It is a good feeling to help your team do well and maybe even win!
Audrey Gunn, 3rd Grade
For the Love of the Game The mound can be a lonely place, When leaves fall in autumn time. As fans’ hearts begin to race To see their teams in first place. For love of the game in its prime. The smells of gloves and cracks of bats As cheers fill lighted parks, Remind us all to tip our hats To players and their lucky bats. For love of the game at dark. No one knows the hands of fate Until the last inning ends. So much depends on who’s at the plate And if the baseball gods change fate. For love of the game we attend. Series end yet the games remain With high hopes for next season. Players change but the game’s the same As dreams of luck and fame remain. For love of the game with good reasons.
Aidan Marilley, 6th Grade
Clear and Free The melodic, steady beat The squeaks of the leather underneath me I slowly look down at her feet My mind is clear and free. A gust of wind in my face
Carson Gaddy, 5th Grade
The air is so misty I am keeping a careful, steady pace My mind is clear and free.
My Opposite Me His hair like sand,
A beautiful sight,
eyes are the sea,
My horse and me
has heart of a lion,
She is my day and night,
my opposite me.
My mind is clear and free. Goofier than a monkey, The sun starts to set
chiller than ice,
As I look out on the ring
flexible like putty,
She is more than just a pet,
my opposite me.
Together, we are free. Stronger than a shark,
Ayla Kell, 6th Grade
faster than a cheetah, braver than an eagle, my opposite me. Loyal as a dog, fiercer than a bear, Wyatt Salter, my opposite me.
David Salter, 6th Grade Caroline Willis, 5th Grade
Mesa The mesa plateau The colors are always there Blake Watkins, 5th Grade
I don’t want to leave
Horses
Asher Heath, 2nd Grade
A herd of horses Running free In the night On the trails Cause they are wild
Puppies
Sallie McCabe, 2nd Grade
Brown beautiful bodies Yowling and yapping Powerful paws Bodacious bonding breeds Fantastic fluffy fur Crazy canines Cute and cuddly critters Soothing softness Horrified of hugs Puppies are perfect.
Caroline Crouch, 5 Grade th
Lennon Levy, 2nd Grade
Nature Poems: DOVE
I.
White bird Fluttering, flying, floating Messenger of Noah Peace
Reese Andrews, 2nd Grade
Snow
CARDINALS
Lavishly, lovingly, loudly The cardinal and his wife
Cold, Fluffy Playing, Shoveling, Skiing Outside, Boards, Water, Ground Running, Building, Relaxing Crumbly, Warm Sand
II.
Sing to their children Feathered opera III.
CRICKET
Loud insect Chattering, chirping, chortling Miniscule singer of the world
Allie Tyszko, 4th Grade
Nature’s jukebox
William Chung, 4th Grade
Matthew Ripley, 2nd Grade
Campbell Peterson, 2nd Grade
The Seasons Feel the soil in your hands, wet and moist. Plant a seed in the ground and know, You’re helping Mother Earth by slowly giving back what was taken long ago. Feel the sunshine on your face. Feel the wind and the breeze. Walk in a field of cattail grass that grows up to your knees. As the leaves change for Fall, in colors red, golden, and brown, Think of how soon, snow will cover the ground. When Winter comes, and the ground is covered in white, Remember Spring will soon come, too, and the birds will take flight. They’ll fly across the sky in a form of a ‘V’. The bees will start to buzz, and the birds will begin to sing. Then Summer is in full bloom, and the sun is shining once more, And people like to wade into the waters off of the sandy golden shores.
Genevieve Stone, 6th Grade
Lacrosse Games… As we take the field, ready for the game Sticks in our hands, looking how far we came We get into positions, ready to score, We’ve worked so hard, but this isn’t practice anymore. The whistle blows, the draw is high No one is going to let this game end in a tie, We score the first goal, two minutes in The other team is scared. They don’t know where we’ve been. We always impress with our skill and agility, The crowd goes wild as we show off our abilities, The whistle blows and everyone stops, looking at the score Our team is so happy, unlike the others The season ended with medals, a trophy and no one could’ve asked for more. We have worked so hard to get to this point, I couldn’t have asked for a better team to have an outpoint, I love this game so much and wouldn’t have ended the season better in my dreams The other teams were great but we were amazing I couldn’t have asked for a better season. Lucy Wilson, 6th Grade My New Bike Luckily, I got a new bike. Unluckily, while I was riding it a dog started chasing me. Luckily, the dog ran away. Unluckily, the dog came back with a duck and they both chased me. Luckily, the dog and duck ran away. Unluckily, they came back with a goat; All three of them chased me. Luckily, they all ran away. Unluckily, they came back with an iguana, and all four of them chased me. Luckily, they all went back to the zoo. Phew! Jack Poteran, 1st Grade
First Time Falling
A proud moment to remember
was on a Sunday afternoon at Greenbrier Skating Center. My mom and I went there because I had a playdate with my friend and her mom. This was my first time roller skating. I was scared and nervous. Each time I put my foot forward, I fell down! I kept falling, but each time I would get back up! Finally, I was rolling all by myself. Falling Kailyn McNaughton, 4th Grade
so many times that day made me a great skater today! Auri Johnson, 3rd Grade
Spring Break My spring break was so much fun! I went to Washington D. C. and I got to see the Washington Memorial. I also went to a museum and saw Amelia Earhart’s exhibit. Amelia’s real plane was there! It was red and very shiny, but I thought the plane was very small. I also saw a short video of a cat pretending to be Amelia Earhart and the video was very funny. I loved the museum and my spring break! Kate Fine, 4th Grade Kate Fine,, 4th Grade
Anne Olsen, 1st Grade
An Excerpt from “Scarlett Overkill”
When Scarlett found herself in a
dark, creepy forest, her heart stopped. The sun was about to rise and the light was coming through the dark green leaves of the rough trees. Scarlett slept on the forest floor, covered in crunchy red and orange leaves. As she awoke,
Susanna Kraus, 2nd Grade
she thought, “I think this is a good time to unfold my plan.”
rd Malliga Pillai, 3 Grade
If I Were President
If I were the President, I would sleep in late. My chef would make French toast each morning. Then I would feed my dog. I would make a law that everyone has to be in
Dive
school. Then I would play my piano. I would always go to bed at 9:00pm
Dive into a wondrous place,
Where women can help you be free.
Emma Duke, 1st Grade
We will show you the way To conquer your dreams. Just remember to have faith and hope and You will make your dreams come true. Think of it as a wave, trying to knock you over. Push it away and keep moving forward. No matter what is in your way, Keep trying to achieve that special goal! Paige Randolph Crocker, 3rd Grade
Peyson Parker,2nd Grade
Women, the Key to History We blossom like flowers From a young helpless child, To an independent woman of history. If there’s something blocking the door to history We will storm through it. If there’s something waiting to be discovered We will find it. No matter what is in our way, It won’t stop us from getting to the History books Because we are strong, independent, and persistent women, Just like we are supposed to be. Mollie Armentrout, 3rd Grade
Persistent Practice Achieving a goal often takes practice. This past summer, I tried out for the lead role in the Y.P.T.P. play called The Hat. I was inspired to try out for Hedgie, the hedgehog, since I never held a lead role in a play. Tryouts involved performing many different animal sounds on stage. I was very excited on the third day to learn that I would be Hedgie. Practicing for the lead role involved dedication to learning many lines. After two weeks of practice, we performed twice. The highlight of being Hedgie was performing for the parents, and I even worked with good friends! Persistent practice can help you achieve any goal Lola Mae McKenzie, 3rd Grade
The Holocaust 1960 without the Holocaust We are the lawyers who brought peace and liberty to the U.S. We are the mothers who birthed a new more innovative generation. We are the doctors who cured cancer. We were the fragile and loved children who laughed and learned, We had done no wrong. We dreamed All these things could have happened if the Holocaust had been stopped. 1939 reality. I’ve just been shipped away from all of my beloved family to be left only with my mother. Motionless. Silent. Broken. I’m being shipped to a place that will determine my fate. Spine-chilling. Unknown. We arrive.
“You to the left, you to the right,” where should I go, should I put up a fight? My mother and I are shoved to the right. We are immediately told to strip off our clothes. An unknown man is shaving off my golden hair. Each stroke on my head stripping away yet another part of my humanity. Who are these people? I feel like a boat sailing in a storm. Not knowing what will happen next. Just following whatever wave comes my way. Am I just a caged animal? We were children We loved We laughed We dreamed, and now we have been murdered.
Jennah Francis, 6th Grade
Zombie Gasping for air in plain sight, Yet no one wants to help I sit there slowly dying, Yet no one hears my yelp My heart has been halted By the power of ignorance I take one last breath Then crumble into nothingness They take away my hair and clothes I am no longer unique I don’t know how they’d be so cruel For the victim was me I fade into all the others Just part of a bigger whole Like a mindless, gray zombie I’ve been stripped of my soul I can’t even cry a tear, For I’m a zombie, can’t you see? Part of the walking dead I lost my identity In the end I turn to ash I simply fade away So hear my call for mercy Those who haven’t yet turned gray
Adeline Pettit, 6th Grade
All Because I was Jewish I was an ordinary kid, I ran, I played, But I was treated differently, Because I was Jewish I wore a star on my coat, And was bullied by other kids, I felt scared and embarrassed, Because I was Jewish I was taken away from my home, my school, and my freedom, I was taken to a ghetto, far away from home, My father was taken away from my family and me, I felt like I had been shot in the heart, by a Nazi soldier We were herded into a cattle car, Without a seat, without a window, Three days without food and water, We arrived at a concentration camp I was separated from my brother and my aunt, My blonde hair was shaved off my head, I was given a gray rag to use as a dress, I was a young, anonymous camp inmate My freedom had run away from me, I didn’t know if it would come back, I was then a cowardly dog, Wanting a warm home to sleep in, All because I was Jewish Megan Evans, 6th Grade
Holocaust We are beaten boxers We are starved like slaves We are searched like criminals The screams reach further toward us We are good people We have done nothing wrong
Taken Away We were taken away. Forced to leave, not knowing When we would come back.
Nazi guards are here
They will show no mercy
We drown in the sounds of
They put us in cattle cars By the hundreds Please hear us
Long, cold nights.
Suffering and death.
Skeletal figures.
Silent as the grave. Standing So still. Too still.
We are good people And we have a
Future to live.
Been reprogrammed. The sun
James Savin, 6th Grade
Like robots, we have
Glares, but we work.
This place…it’s a
Raging storm. Fueled by the Horror and suffering. Oh, the Pain!...the sky…it’s Falling…fading…
We were taken away. Amanda Wong, 6th Grade
Alden Alden Funny, active, friendly, and happy Sibling of Aubrey and Brook Lover of football Who feels happy all the time
Kayden Stone, 5th Grade
Who gives happiness through art Who fears sleeping in old houses
Rohith
Who would like to see a volcano Who lives in Virginia Beach
Intellectual, benevolent
Morrall
Amusing, appealing, aiding A robust young boy
Alden Morrall, 2nd Grade
Companion Eli Baggett, 3rd Grade
Preston Preston Sibling of Noelle Lover of family Who feels happy about my parents Who gives love Who fears darkness Who would like to see China Who lives in Chesapeake Chaing
Preston Chaing, 2nd Grade
Sophia Yang, 5th Grade
Fiddle  Fiddle Noisy, loud Handing, playing, streaming Wood, keys, bow, body
Carnival
Holding, carving, strings Brown, beautiful Violin
Fun-filled, colorful Laughing, playing, riding A giant high tech playground
Arturo Granata-Bellacicco, 2nd Grade
Telegraph
Telegraph Long, electric Traveling, communicating, mailing
Project, message, invention, machine Sending, contracting, teleporting Faster, smart Device
Hunter Moye, 2nd Grade
Fair Andrew Salib, 3rd Grade
Horses Horses Fast, Stubborn Playing, Whinnying, Neighing Mammals, Stables, Animals, Pets Galloping, Defending, Winning Wild, Silly Pferd Peyson Parker, 2nd Grade
A Perfect Pet If I could have any pet in the world, I would want a pet horse. I would want a pet horse because I love riding horses and it is my favorite animal in the world! The horse’s name would be Rose because I would put a rose in her hair. I would get my dad to build the barn and I would sleep and live in the barn with Rose. I really really want a horse! Harper Davenport, 1st Grade
The Leopard Gecko Along the floor of your cage You silently slink You move so gracefully Like an ice-skater moving around a rink Emerson Kay, 5th Grade The curvature of your body, Your muscles pulled taut You gauge the distance of your leap As you are deep in thought You tense, then leap Away from your perch The cricket below you Had no time to lurch Jack Poynter, 6th Grade
I am the Tiger I am the Tiger, the Tiger is me. I roar through the jungle, and sleep in a tree. The jungle is dangerous. The jungle is bleak, but I keep my head up. I am not weak. I keep it up high, even with the chance I may die. The humans are hunting, and my heart wants to cry. You can take my home, you can rip it and tear it. Although I’m alone,
Grant Marilley, 5th Grade
you cannot have my spirit. Jude Vincent, 3rd Grade
Buddy Buddy Cheerful, happy Lovable, funny, sweet He’s a crazy dog Friendly
Sophia Griffey, 5th Grade
Liza Cutchins, 2nd Grade
Prideland Adventure Cruise ship sank Land was so barren It was miserably hot Lion found me Chased me for hours Then I got lonely
Lyla Ware, 5th Grade
I was shrinking Thin leafy vine Sand pulling me back in
A Perfect Pet
Vine snapping thread by thread Swing myself to land Red helicopter hovering above me Sparkling glass of water I am so brave Out ran a lion Marisa Chavez, 5th Grade
If I could have any pet in the world, I would choose an elephant for my pet. In the summer, she could spray water out of her trunk and we could play in it. I would name my elephant Rose, and I would take her to the beach in the summer. It would be so much fun to have a pet elephant!
Corinne Sokol,1st Grade
My Sketchbook My hand moves across the page, My heart is beating with rage, I express my happiness and sorrow, In something that can’t wait until tomorrow. My sketchbook calls my name, And after I’ve drawn the pages aren’t plain. I can express myself without sorrow, With something that can’t wait until tomorrow. Sometimes it’s a doodle or an ugly sketch, But I adore them all in every way, In my sketchbook every day. Though when the sketchbook is filled to the top I look through it and my happiness might just pop As I lay down my sketchbook and put it away Since then it hasn’t seen the light of day And now I express my happiness without sorrow In a new sketchbook I buy tomorrow. Olivia Reid, 6th Grade In My Room In my room I feel safe! It’s a place where I feel happy, mad, and sometimes sad. You can look down my hallway and see the bright aqua spilling out of my room, and it will make you blind for a couple of seconds. My room makes me feel secure and like I am the boss (I love kicking my sisters out!). My bed is so fluffy I feel like I am diving into a cloud! I’ve had my own room since I was born. Sometimes I will get in trouble so I go to my room. When I get home from swimming I usually go there, and I feel awesome. It brightens my day! Everyone in my house sometimes needs quiet. When that happens my room is the place to be. My room is a great place! Helen McCabe, 4th Grade
My Happy Place My room is my peaceful safe haven. I love to lounge and read on my giant, fluffy teddy bear, “Cupcake”, while listening to my favorite tunes. I also like to diffuse soothing and calming essential oils, especially “Stress Away” and “Sweet Smelling Lavender”! Whenever I feel the inspiration to write or draw, I have a
Cooper Cutchins, 6th Grade
giant chalkboard on my wall. Since I adore everything French, I have Paris themed bedding on my comfy queen bed. My walls are a baby blue with my favorite flower, vibrant yellow daffodils. I think they resemble Girl Power because sometimes in spring it can get frigid and snowy, but the daffodils will still stand strong. My dresser was my Teta’s (grandmother). It reminds me of the joyful times we had together. My room is my happy place and it always puts a
In My Room
My room is my safe place. It has
a beautiful comforter that is the color purple. Every time I’m sad, angry, or mad, I go to my room to cool down. My room is a peaceful place. It has all of my favorite objects in it. I go on wild, interesting, and
smile on my face!
amazing adventures in my room. I read,
write, and sleep there. I draw and show my
Isabel Sterzing, 4th Grade
true self. My room is magical, with space, the jungle, and the ocean in every direction. My favorite part about it is my hot pink bean bag chair. My room is mine and special. Aubrey McGrath, 4th Grade
Graham Gunn, 6th Grade
A Cold Winter Peppermint and lights Sledding and shoveling snow David Salter, 6
th
And icicles cold
Grade
Luke Hatch, 4th Grade
Winter Winter is so cold Let’s sit by the fireplace Let’s build a snowman River Dorroh, 4th Grade
Will Burnette, 6th Grade
Skiing Icy, Challenging Jumping, Snowboarding, Drinking Lucy Staub, 6th Grade It’s Snowing Having snowball wars Snow outside, building snowmen Holidays are here
Andrew Konikoff, 4th Grade
Ice, Cocoa, Warmers, Snow Snowing, Tubing, Riding Outstanding, Crowded Lift
Leighton Soderberg, 4th Grade
Winter Fun Baking the cookies Playing in the soft white snow Drinking hot cocoa Gray Bryant, 4th Grade Ruby Reis, 6th Grade
A Winter Day Snowflakes soft and crisp Sleigh bells ring in the distance Stockings hung up high Amarachi Nwadi, 2nd Grade Jessica Cheng, 6th Grade
Cold Unpleasant, Natural Chilling, Freezing, Depressing Chill, Numb, Heat, Hot Soothing, Enjoying, Radiating Enjoyable, Relaxing Warmth
Maya Riddick, 4th Grade Ann Randolph Staub, 6th Grade
A Proud Moment I was most proud of myself when I swam from the deep end to the shallow end of the pool. I thought I was going to sink, but I did not. I kept kicking my feet and moving my arms. It was exciting when I touched the wall! Jordan Biggs, 1st Grade
Cetacean Cute, curious Leaping, diving, exploring An underwater joy Dolphin Rohith Konduri, 3rd Grade River Dorrah, 4th Grade
Dolphins Pod of dolphins Jumping out of water In the morning sun On the ocean blue Waiting for their moms
Maggie Wood, 2nd Grade Sienna Watson, 4th Grade
Back to the Crate You run, play, jump, and bark, but when we come back to the house, you try and eat my cake. You go back to the crate. We take you to the beach. You swim, dig, and chase birds, but then you go and eat the fisherman’s bait, so we go home, and you go back to the crate. Now it’s night, and you’re tired
Elizabeth Grant, 4th Grade
and ready for bed, and you already ate, so you walk back to your crate.
Xander Willis, 6th Grade
Lea Poteran, 4th Grade
Vaughan Cutchins, 4th Grade
Food I’ll float awhile on hot fudge Climb an ice cream mountain With caramel trees and huts of chocolate straws And streams of Mountain Dew Under a sky of pumpkin pie A DIABETIC WONDERLAND!
Sabrina Casagrande, 6th Grade
Evan Jones, 4th Grade
Achieving Deliciousness
I always wanted to learn
to bake. My interest in baking was because I enjoyed being Simone Neid, 6th Grade
messy in the kitchen. The first time I ever baked was with my
Food
maternal grandparents. We baked at my grandparents’ house
I’d like to swim in nacho cheese,
in Norfolk on February 14, 2014,
Wear spaghetti in my hair
which was Valentine’s Day. I was
Float awhile on crackers
really proud of myself to make
And climb pistachio stairs,
delicious heart shaped cookies.
I’d like a slide of ice cream
The reason I still like to bake
With M & Ms and Skittles.
today is because I get to do it
A guacamole glacier
with my family, and we create
Pretzel trees, jell-o huts,
something delicious to eat and
And fondue streams.
share!
FOOD! Andrew Buchanan, 4th Grade
Caroline Burroughs, 3rd Grade
Fisherman Rough and tough fisherman Teti, he walked out to the end of the jetty. He brought a pole and a book, because he had a plan to catch a snook. He used a shoe, Austin Sorrel, 6th Grade
to trick a big blue. And hooked a sea trout, right in the snout.
A Penguin Tale
Now Josh had his wish,
I was sitting by the window and a penguin walked by. I think he was looking for his mate. He walked into a store that
to eat a big tasty fish. Josh Teti, 3rd Grade
sold jetpacks. When he came out he was wearing a jetpack. Then he turned it on and flew in the direction of Antarctica. I realized he was an Emperor Penguin. But then his battery ran out, so he bought another battery. It worked for a little, but then it overheated. So he went in an airplane instead. I wonder if he found his mate. Aransh Desai, 1st Grade Ellie Burnette, 6th Grade If I Had a Pet Spider If I had a pet spider I would give him fish. I would name him Fisher. If he ate all of my candy on Halloween I would put him in a timeout. I would never take him trick or treating again! Shane Weisburg, 1st Grade
The Cave
One time I was going on a hike up a mountain and some rocks cracked and I fell into a dark, scary cave. I saw cracks going through the ground. The air felt cool and clammy like wet blankets covering my whole body. Rocks were like knives sticking up from the ground. I saw nothing. I heard howls. I hoped I’d make it.
The howls suddenly intensified like rock music at an outdoor concert.
I turned and saw two eyes staring in my direction. The howling creature approached me and chased me through the cave. Wolves, in a cave! I thought crazily. It chased me between sharp rocks, down mini cliffs, and through arches. I eventually lost him and took a drink from my bottle. I gasped for breath. I needed oxygen! I felt air being pulled out of my lungs. Don’t waste breath, I said to myself. I ran around crazily until I saw a glimmer of light in the wall. It pierced through a tiny hole in the rocks. I jumped up and down ecstatically. Air! I may have found an exit. I looked around for the sharpest rock I could find. After scraping at the wall with the rock for what seemed like hours, I finally broke through into an exit. I escaped!
Taylor McDonald, 5th Grade
Island Adventure
I woke up Quiet and peaceful Winds blowing while Waves cool as ice Surround the island Ocean as blue as sky And coconut trees in the sky HOT sand Crowding around me Coming higher No more light No sun No sea I tugged a rope Then I was out
Julia Stewart, 4th Grade
Chloe King, 5th Grade
Hephaestus Hephaestus Peaceful, kind, calm Working, building, smithing Making weapons for the gods Vulcan Abbie Burnette, 2nd Grade Ella Stufflebeem, 5th Grade
Space Space A great, dark, vast abyss Waiting to be explored Millions of stars And planets Some found Some not
Eliana Jin, 5th Grade
Space A great emptiness But yet still full Full of everything we ever knew But everything we know Is not everything Space Sam Light, 5th Grade
Vera Hartz, 5th Grade
Tiny One day I woke up and I was tiny and I wanted to explore. First, I fell into a vent! I was in Minecraft. I turned into a spider. I built a ladder. I went to the surface. I went to school. I built gravity boots. I went on the ceiling. Next, I played on the ceiling. Then, I hid on Mrs. Evelyn’s head. Finally, the magic wore off and it was back to normal, yay!
Archer Heidt, 1st Grade
Ancient Egyptian God If I were an Ancient Egyptian God I would have the body of a human and the head of a dolphin. I could swim in the Nile River. I would protect all of the fish from dying. I would also spray people that get near me. I would love to be a God!
Isaac Zito 5th Grade ,
Blaze Martin, 1st Grade
If I Found an Ancient Egyptian Tomb If I discovered an Ancient Egyptian tomb I would open it, but the mummy wasn’t there. I was scared, I yelled for my team. No answer! Then something touched me. I turned and saw the mummy. I ran, but the mummy ran after me. I got out, but so did the mummy. The mummy didn’t like the sun so it went back in the pyramid.
Liam Sharek, 1st Grade
Grandpa Jimmy Even though you’re gone I know you’re still there. You are always on my mind. I know you still care. Even though I know
Poems
You might not care to share, I want it, so Do you still care?
A poem is words entwined with magic, mixed with a little pen and paper.
I know life is hard, But can you spare A special sign To show you still care. I know I never met you. Dad was five when you weren’t there, But I still have faith That you still care.
A form of art it is indeed, and has been tamed over centuries. More diverse than the flags of the world, more mysterious than spooky sounds in the attic, a poem is neither
Addie Peterson, 6th Grade
rhyme nor rhythm, but rather words entwined with magic. Ray Wang, 6th Grade
Our Passageway
Love
The salty winds blow in my face,
Love makes me happy because it re-
the sun is rising,
minds me of home. I like it because I love
and there is nothing i
my parents. Joy makes me happy mostly
In this scene you can replace.
with toys and candy. Love means happiness
I can hear the water splash the hull,
to me. Love reminds me of my friends. It
it mists my leg,
also reminds me of Valentine’s Day. I love
nothing dull.
drawing a lot. I am grateful that I can learn so much at a great school.
The vengeful ocean anticipates me.
Liam Carnes, 1st Grade
The boat is rocking, the sails whip, and we are no closer to docking. What a trip. The colorful spinnaker moves us along, the speed sets you free, though the trip will be long. The vengeful ocean anticipates me.
Why Read? Reading transforms you Changes you Renames how you think Let’s you explore into a beautiful world Where everything seems
I see land,
Perfect
in the distance far away,
And it is
this trip was not bland,
No problems
but it is a short stay.
No worries
Two days’ time we will be on our way, visiting the sea again, our passageway.
Natalie Martin, 6th Grade
Like a sunny day No rain No dark sky You want it to go on forever And it can If you let it… Emma Uncapher, 5th Grade
The Path With No Return We were once children with hope, wonder, and dreams All of us were filled with so much curiosity One by one we were taken away To a land where no one would ever want to stay Shoved in a box car, packed tight like sardines Everywhere I looked everyone was just so mean After 3 days and 3 nights I felt so dizzy The sun beat down and “Ah!” - a blinding light “To the right, to the left,” that’s all I heard Screams of terror, pain, and misery all coming from the left I walk to the right They throw me in a shower, so cold like ice Next my hair, oh my beautiful long hair, shaved because of lice I feel like crying, everything is so fast Here at this place, time seemed not to pass When working outside I look up to the clouds All so blue, they give me a look of despair Just remember what these people went through, all those who were just innocent Jews Taken away from what we called home Not knowing if they would ever .
Olivia Crocker, 6th Grade
Swamp People Speeding along, down the river At 14 MPH A pair of nostrils and beady eyes Up and out of the swamp From there we walked Walking along the battered tree line Start sinking down Not moving forward Quicksand Log, far into the mud, and pull! Body steadily came to view Night fell Sky as dark as a black stallion Mosquitoes were curious lions Poking and prodding their motionless prey Looking for life They found it in me In the night The buzz of insects dancing in the night sky Came a shake Earthquake Vibrating my soul like a child’s rattle Hit in the head, sprawled out on the mud Smothered in darkness still aroused by swamp water Stand up! Abandoned farmhouse residing along the horizon Broke into a run,then a sprint In the distance Mechanical, fluttering sound Silhouette of a helicopter Pilots came down to us We were going home! Vivi Deans, 5th Grade
My Treasure It all started when a ship full of gold sank during a bad storm. Since then, I had been determined to find it. One day I got my sailboat ready with all my supplies, food, tools, first aid kit, and much more. It was a Monday morning, and the sun was already rising when I got on my sailboat. I sailed far out to sea. It looked like the most beautiful day ever. I sailed so far, I couldn’t even see the edge of the land, unless I looked very closely. The treasure I had hoped to find was somewhere off the coast of an unknown island. It was somewhere dangerous that nobody even dared to go, except me. Despite people thinking it was dangerous, I wanted to be the first person in history to step foot on the dirt there. I was determined to explore the island, and find the lost treasure. On Tuesday evening, I had good weather. It was sunny, warm, and calm. I ate my dinner and adjusted my sails. While I was adjusting the sails, I accidently cut my finger. It was bleeding, so I rinsed my finger in the water and got a few bandages from my First Aid kit. After that, sharks started circling my boat. I realized they had followed the smell of my blood. Then, one of the sharks tried to attack me and I started shaking with fear. I felt a big scream of horror inside myself, but I tried to not make noise in case the shark heard me. They finally swam away as it started to get dark. As I laid down to sleep I could feel the warmth of the night sky cover me like a starry blanket.
When I woke the next morning, it wasn’t as bright as usual. The sky was gray and had thick, dark clouds. The clouds looked as thick as giant roasted marshmallows. The waves were getting rough and dark. A big gust of wind almost tipped my boat, so I hurried to fix the sails. I could feel a storm coming. A while after, the air got foggy, the waves twice as rough, and thunder and lightning started pounding the sky. Could this be a regular storm, or worse, a hurricane? Every big wave rocked the boat violently, and I started feeling seasick. I was exhausted from working on the boat. It was raining, cold, and foggy. This storm was worse than I had ever imagined. Suddenly, something hit me really hard on the head and I passed out. ~A long time later~ After the rough storm, I found myself washed up on an island. I didn’t know which island I was on, but there were no people there. Once I looked around, I saw that there were coral reefs surrounding the island. My sailboat had been destroyed, and my food and supplies were lost. I didn’t know if this was the island I was looking for, but all the sights were amazing. The coral reefs had so many types of fish and coral that it would be impossible to memorize each and every species. There were palm trees and fruit all over the island. I decided to make a hut. I enjoyed the island, studying the different fish and plants. I never discovered the gold treasure, but everything near me seemed even more valuable. I felt happier than I ever imagined I would be. I decided to live there, study, and protect wildlife for the rest of my life, and live in peace.
Sofia Griffey, 5th Grade
Trapped Voice, Free Voice I am very silent So don’t try to convince me that I am very loud. At the end of the year I am still very silent but I will not lie to myself by saying There still might be a voice inside of me that matters. Rest assured, I will remind myself I am a silent and quiet person. Nothing you say will make me believe I still deserve a voice. No matter what I am not good enough to have a voice I am in no position to believe that Loudness does exist within me. Because whenever I speak I always think Am I as quiet as people say? (Now read from the bottom up) Rhylee Thomas, 3rd Grade
Rhylee Thomas, 3rd Grade
Summer I can taste the fresh fruit, I can feel the burning sun. I can hear my mom’s podcast, I can see my dad flying by on the boat Cole Chavez, 3rd Grade Fynn Burgess,3rd Grade
Summer’s the Season Summer is when you Can go to the beach and have Some fun in the sand!
Mae Robertson, 2nd Grade
Alex Marino, 3rd Grade
Storm The biggest storm here Mother Nature is quite mad Lightning crashing hard Jack Baum,3rd Grade
Mitchell Wight, 2nd Grade
We of Many We lived the life of many, Normal, brother, mother, father, Everything fine, until now, Discrimination, hatred, destruction, death Loaded onto a winding train, Soldiers bark orders like mad dogs, The fears of humanity Unleashed Fear rose in camp at our arrival Left, right, left, right Stay to the right, Right, right Work, labor, shouts, death Every day a new nightmare in broad daylight, No one cares for us But ourselves Then we are free, We see Americans, British, French, Canadians, But the world lies unchanged for us, Everything reminds us of that place of lead hearts and crumbled souls Hear our cries, now, from the millions of dead Who lie buried for miles yonder, Or live in countries around the world, The moon, sun, and stars hear our screams everyday But each day, the sun rises Blazing the ground beneath us With a new day comes a new hope, For we of many
Alexander Dusa, 6th Grade
Grandpa’s Story Walking through cavern after cavern We were lost Frightened to say the least, Very worried that
Beacons of hope
Weren’t giving off any light Almost there I thought, Panicking all the while We were lost Then the incident happened Everything turned black
Goodbye
In pure pain Terror and madness Poked with a thousand needles
Escape Gave us new purpose. Davis McNulty, 5th Grade
Destruction and sadness No family no friends Will the horror ever end? Everyone dying Can’t keep from crying Dragged away like ragdolls From a tiny child’s hand Our freedoms ran away From everything we were banned I was a person Like any other one I was a wilting flower My life My love Was gone Goodbye pleasure Goodbye life When is the end of this pain and strife?
Katie Sigrist,6th Grade
Fantasy Land I have seen dungeons and dragons and little green goblins I have seen thunder and lightning and golden beasts fighting I have been to a new dimension Specifically dimension 32 I have been to the deep dark without ever hearing a bark I have climbed up mountain peaks I have been launched to outer space Where will you travel? All you need is a book Wyatt Lewis, 5th Grade Jacob Ramsey, 2nd Grade
If I Had a Pet Spider
If I had a pet spider, I would name her Blackey because she would be black and the size of a spider. She would be a tarantula. She has 8 legs and she really enjoys going to the spider park and playing with the other spiders. Sometimes she goes to her parents’ house to stay for the night. Her parents’ names are Missy and Johnathan. She lives in Chesapeake and her favorite animal is a tiger. Her last name is Rose and her middle name is Lucy. She was born in Pennsylvania and she has 6 big fangs.
Caroline Wetherington, 1st Grade
Wes Cartwright, 2nd Grade
Dragon Fast, scaly Flying, fire breathing, annihilating Monstrous attacking machine A magical lizard Sajan Kumar, 3rd Grade
Books are Magical Things Books can take you here and there, Leah Carn, 5th Grade
They can even take you to a dragon’s lair They’re like boats sailing to a bay, Taking you to lands far away.
Wild December
In them you can find armor made of gold, Even if you’re only six years old.
Wild December
Books are magical things, indeed,
Is a tiger running loose
They are like an imagination seed,
Like an army advancing
Anything you think is good,
Snow comes down in battalions
Books can let you meet Robin Hood! You can help three goats fight a troll, You can shrink and fall down a rabbit hole, Anywhere you want to go, Books can take you there, you know!
Loud and deep are the voices of trees December nights are dark early Owls and raccoons rustle about When night falls on the snow Wild December!
Aditya Thapa, 5th Grade
Will Poynter, 4th Grade
Books That Saved Me Running running across the landscape Come on! Come on! I must escape The horrid world of noises and lights The same exact place, there’s no delights What’s this you speak of’ paper and ink A land where all you do is think A place of wonders and awe and joy Where pirates are, all yelling “Ahoy” A little white rabbit with a fluffy gray tail A knight in shining armor swinging a heavy flail
Jill Stewart, 6th Grade The Love Inside Authors don’t just write They put love inside their words
This place is nothing but words on a page
Hope
Some about lions and others with a mage
Joy
Twenty four children, but only one victor
Kindness
How can we survive, it’s the middle of winter!
Illustrators don’t just draw
You can imagine all of these thoughts
They put love inside their artwork
If you just read and read a lot!
David Martin, 5th Grade
Questioning Odd Thoughts Weirdness Authors and Illustrators Come together With the outcome Of an amazing story Maybe true, maybe make-believe Some joyful, some unhappy Some spirit-lifting, some depressing The outcome Is called
Taylor Purcell, 6th Grade
A book KB Chambliss, 5th Grade
I Go Places When I Read I go places when I read, Into a book I go! I meet up with White Fang, And we hunt in the snow. Then I travel, Back to 1601, When Shakespeare lived, Ayla Kell, 6th Grade
And Hamlet had just begun. Then I run with Katniss, Into the woods we go,
Reading Reading can take you to ancient lands Where giants can hold you in their hands You could be a king Or some other wild thing People may live on the sun Oh! That would be fun! You may fly to the moon
We watch for other tributes, It’s the Hunger Games you know! Then I fly on my broom, Chasing the snitch through the air, And I open my hand, ‘Cause the snitch will soon be there! Then I fly back to bed, And as I get under the covers, I get excited for books, Knowing soon I’ll be reading others.
Or be washed away by a giant monsoon You could even be left alone at home
Ella Stufflebeem, 5th Grade
Or be friends with a garden gnome In order to have a good time There are not many things you need Just a book That you can read. Isaac Zito, 5th Grade
Carmella Tabin, 6th Grade
Winter Cold, Still Freezing, Teasing, Sneezing
Nature
Snow, Jacket, Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows Resting, Relaxing, Playing
Grass growing gracefully
Warm, Fiery
Wind whipping through the air
Home
Flies flying far
Ladybugs landing gently
Hayden Hoover, 4th Grade
Creatures crawling quietly Birds chirping on birch tree branches Bees buzzing all around Sky as blue as beaches on the Chesapeake Bay This is some beautiful nature God made for us. Maximus Griffey, 2nd Grade
Claudia Tillar, 6th Grade
Rainy Day Reading As I read on a rainy day, curled up with blankets I start to wander into a world like no other Hearing the soft pitter-patter of the rain, The crinkle of the page being turned, And the purr of my cat Hours go by without me knowing This book is like a magnet that won’t let me go And the next thing I know it’s night and the rain has stopped. Addie Peterson, 6th Grade Meredith Avery, 5th Grade
norfolk academy 1585 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23502 www.norfolkacademy.org
Printed on Recycled Paper using Soy-Based Inks.