Things You Should Know

WILD, WONDERFUL AND STRANGE TALES FROM THE KIDS OF

THE WRITERS’ EXCHANGE

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 1 • FALL 2019

Copyright © 2019 The Writers’ Exchange This book is a collection of writing and art created by the kids of the Writers’ Exchange during our 2019 fall after-school programs at our home base and at Xpey’ Elementary.

The Writers’ Exchange gets inner-city kids excited about reading, writing and their own potential through mentoring and creative projects like this chapbook. All Writers’ Exchange programs are free for the children and families we serve, and we could not exist without the support of amazing donors, including Social Venture Partners Vancouver, Marily Mearns, the Waterbury Foundation, Bernard MacLeod, Linda Louis, the Grayross Foundation held at the Vancouver Foundation, the City of Vancouver, Sasamat Foundation, the Blue Planet Links Foundation, Nancy and Ted Maitland, Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, Jim Fletcher, Lindsay Mearns, John and Nina Cassils, the Edith Lando Charitable Foundation, Richard and Suzanne Cole, the Wolrige Foundation, Steve Munford, Morie Ford, Leslie Lenny, CLICK (Contributing to Lives of Inner City Kids Society), RBC Foundation, Scott Shaw, Little Mountain Holdings Co., Mount Pleasant War Memorial Community Cooperative Association, Symcor and Rain or Shine Ice Cream.

Writers’ Exchange 207–877 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6A 3Y1 vancouverWE.com 604-428-8228

We are honoured to be able to provide safe, fun and welcoming programs for kids and their families on the unceded and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and seÌíÌwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

As uninvited guests on this land we are grateful to be able to enjoy this beautiful place and we are committed to building relationships and learning about ongoing traditional ways of life from our Indigenous friends.

Design and layout: Claire Balderston, cbalderston.com Creative lead: Sarah Grasse Activity leaders: Caitlin, Christina, Ginetta, Jacqueline, Max, Selina and Shanti Support workers: André, Ashley, Ciara, Lloyd and Mitra

generously donated the printing of this chapbook

Imagine This

contents

Bad Days by Kimi 1 The Magical Hamster’s Friend by Asia

1

Area 10,000,000 by Joumana 2 Viyana the Fairy by Viyana 2 Ultimate Rainbow by Kiasa 3 Nothing Story by Riley 3 The Pets by Sara S. 3 Going to Gelato by Felek 4 The Baby by Sedra 4 The Invisible Hamster by Jasmine 5 Nothing on Nothing by Sherry 5 ABC Soup by Louisa 6 Cat’s Audition by Gia 6 My Story by S.A. 6 The Fish by Anson 6 Pikachu vs. Snorlax by Turner 7 The Ferry by R.A. 7 Ship by M.C. 7 Clever Characters Soccer by Ali 8 King by Avene 8 Ahmad, Eric, Jett, Ali, Omar by Ahmad

8

Billy Goes Trick or Treating by Lacey

9

Kate by Arwen 9 Ninetales’ Goal by I.P. 10 Three Ninjas by Mahmoud 10

The Bored Pokémon, Part 1 by Kevin W.

10

Jeff by Jeff 11 Superhero Powers by Sydney 11 Kacy, the Owl and the Monster by Neveah 12

Friends ♥ by Moon 12 A Kid Who Wanted to Drive a Tank by Alexander

13

Popee Meets Kiana and Vicky by Kiana

14

Charizard by Eric 14 Think Fast Three Duckies by Tiana 15 Soccer by Omar 15 Holes by Jett 15 Shark Attack by J.C. 16 The Lost Number by Quintus 16 The Golden Arm by Randi 16 Nothing, Nothing, Nothing by Oscar

17

The Silly Story by Carol 17 Bear Jumps by Sylvia 18 Ninja by Khalil 18 Princess Rosy’s Castle by Taima 19 Kimi by Biden 19 Ninja Kid by Cecil 19 Party for Butterflies by Sara A. 20 The Little Pig by Jessica 20 Quick Wits Kylee’s Secret Language by Kylee 21 The World’s Easiest Maze by W.T. 21 This Story Has Totally Nothing in It by Jordan

22

Turd by Jack F. 22 This Takes Forever to Read by Allen 22 Little Jeff by Gavin 23 Poop and Pee Pee by Alan 24 Star and Sunshine by Ana-Sophia 24 Hood Ornaments by Thor 25 Symbols by Aaron 25 My Jokes by Niobee 26 Smart and Scary The Haunted House by Meisa 27 The HECZ by Farley 28 The Mystery of the Missing Girl by Marlena 29 The Rookie by Sophia F. 29 Area 51 by Anthony 30 The Hope Diamond by Ahn Thu 31 What’s Good about Suicide Squad by Tyson

31

Jeff by Tommy 32 The Day a Man Tried to Escape Jail by Francis

32

Epic Ideas Crash No. 3 by Philip 33 Ears, Part 2 by Aisa 34 The Pokémon Meet the Earth, Part 2 by Chi Chi

35

How the Grinch Stole Easter by Kayla

36

Fortnite, Part 4 by Jack G. 37 BTS of BTS by Benny D. 38 Illuminati Series: The Real Ending by Tony

41

Light vs. Darkness, Part 3 by Kevin C.

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things you should know

Bad Days

By Kimi, age 8

Once upon a time, there was a guy named Peanut. He was 20 years old, but he was as small as a peanut. When Peanut was walking, he crashed into a guy named Jelly, who was made of jelly. So Peanut got stuck inside of him!

When Jelly was walking home, he didn’t even notice Peanut was inside him, so he walked home and went inside. He ate some pink food colouring, and Peanut turned pink. Then Jelly took a bath with more pink food colouring.

Jelly went to sleep, and Peanut dug his way out, and now there was a hole in Jelly’s chest. Peanut slept under Jelly’s bed. The next day, when Jelly woke up, he found out he had a hole in his chest! So he went to the table, got some medicine, and ate the whole jar. Then Peanut woke up and noticed Jelly on the table. He didn’t want to walk back home, so he jumped back into Jelly’s chest! Later, Jelly went out and passed Peanut’s house. Peanut jumped out of Jelly’s chest and went home.

The Magical Hamster’s Friend

By Asia, age 12

Once there were two friends, a cat and a hamster. The hamster’s name was “A Hamster with No Name” and the cat’s name was Sierra. They lived in Ottawa. One day they saw an ostrich, and the ostrich stuck its head into a bag that was on the side of a llama, then poked its head out of the bottom of the bag. The llama walked away with both of the friends. Then they walked beside a stump, and the ostrich hit its head on the stump.

1

things you should know

Area 10,000,000

By Joumana, age 10

One time my best friend and I were offered 10,000,000,000,000,000 dollars if we went to space: the Zylin Galaxy. When my bestie and I got there, it was 10,000,000 years later. It was 1 billion years later when we got back. We were unable to come back to earth. We are writing this on our ship. Send help please. S.O.S.

viyana the fairy

By Viyana, age 8

I love FAIRIES. They are good. I watched a movie. There were two fairies.

They were playing tag. “We are sisters,� they said.

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things you should know

Ultimate Rainbow

By Kiasa, age 8

The ultimate rainbow destroys the ultimate tornado. Then the ultimate tornado turns into snow. After a big fight, the ultimate rainbow wins!

Nothing Story

By Riley, age 7

This is nothing except a story. Once upon a time there was space and the sun and some cats and dogs in the air. That means it was raining dogs and cats. I protected myself with my umbrella.

the pets

By Sara S., age 8

There was a kitten named Bo Bo and a poodle named Poodle and a bunny named Cabe. They were fighting about who was cuter. Everyone got adopted by the same family. They were all the same level of cute.

3

things you should know

Going to Gelato

By Felek, age 8

I am so excited to go get gelato at Halloween. We get free ice cream. I am getting lemon Nerds or Nutella. I am so so so excited. I am going with my mom, Omar and Ali. We might go after school!

The Baby

By Sedra, age 8

There was a mom, and her name was Flower. Flower got a baby. The baby’s name was Pokemon. Pokemon was in his bed, and he fell off. He cried. Flower was downstairs in the kitchen, and she heard the noise. After she held the baby, she put him in his stroller, then she went to pick up Pony and Jessica. She picked them up and Jessica held her little brother. Jessica started running with the baby, and she fell. The baby got a little hurt. Flower came up to see what happened, and Pony tried to help her sister get up.

Flower called the dad to take the baby to the doctor. At the doctor, they took the baby to his own room so they could take care of him. They gave the baby a new body, and the baby was happy! After, when they got home, they ate food.

4

things you should know

The Invisible Hamster

By Jasmine, age 11

Once there was a hamster without a name. It didn’t have a name because it was magic, and it disappeared when anyone came near its cage. Sarah tried looking for the hamster. Then Sarah put some yummy treats in the cage and it reappeared.

Nothing on Nothing

By Sherry, age 7

A long time ago there were some dragons. They lived on the moon. There were 10 dragons on the moon. They ate a lot, then they became big. When they ate a lot they would fly, because they lived on the moon. Now they live in Canada.

5

things you should know

ABC Soup

By Louisa, age 6

L and I made alphabets in the kitchen. They didn’t want to get fired, so they put the ABCs in the soup and gave it to the dog so it could talk.

Cat’s Audition

By Gia, age 10

Sam tells Cat about the audition, then she applies to be in it. Cat almost quits and doesn’t audition, but Sam is a supportive friend, and encourages her.

Cat auditions and everyone is impressed and claps. She wins and thanks Sam for supporting her.

My Story

By S.A., age 7

A long time ago I was at Whistler. I went to the pool. I stayed for a month.

I was sleeping on the top of the bed. I liked it so much, and I had peanut butter and jam. The second day I had for yogurt for breakfast, and cookies, and on the third day I had pizza for lunch and I went to the park.

The Fish

By Anson, age 11 The fish wasn’t happy every day, because he did not get any food. He was hungry and tired, so he went to sleep. The next day, after he woke up, he thought he was going to be in danger in the next few hours. Suddenly, filled with newfound energy, he swam out for the last time. But it didn’t work, and he never came back to life! He began to float up to the surface.

6

things you should know

Pikachu vs. Snorlax

By Turner, age 10

Pikachu and Snorlax were battling. Pikachu used tail whip and Snorlax collapsed. Then Pikachu did a spark and Snorlax did a pulverizing pancake.

Pikachu did another spark and defeated Snorlax. Then Pikachu defeated Ninetales. Pikachu is better.

The Ferry

By R.A., age 11

OK, me and my sister were on the ferry, and the captain said on the speaker, “There are killer whales on the left side of the boat.� Everyone ran to the left, and me and my sister looked to the left and we saw killer whales breaching. When everyone was gone, my dad was sad because he was at the store and he missed it.

ship

By M.C., age 8

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things you should know

Soccer

By Ali, age 10

There was a kid called Zack. He got bullied by a kid called Charley. Zack kept on trying to get better at soccer. But everyone would make fun of him. But there were two other people, called Amira and Tanya. They were professional soccer players. They trained him, so Charley apologized, and they had a happy ending.

King

By Avene, age 10

Ahmad, Eric, Jett, Ali, Omar

By Ahmad, age 9

Omar was upset. He had no friends. But Jett came, and Eric, Ali, and Ahmad too. They said, “Do you want to be our friend?�

8

things you should know

Billy Goes Trick or Treating

By Lacey, age 9

He gets ready with Gimmy the dog, then he realizes the houses are too far away. He tries walking, but it fails. He thinks of things to do, and then he thinks to build a bike. Then he goes trick or treating.

Kate

By Arwen, age 11

Kate is 15 years old. She is from Cambridge Bay in Nunavut. She was born on June 16. Kate is artsy and kind. She is a tomboy and is scrappy. Her mom’s name is Lian and her dad’s name is Pierre. Kate has two BFFs, Leo and Kylie. Kate’s special talents are drawing, painting and singing.

9

things you should know

Ninetales’ Goal

By I.P., age 10

Ninetales is 19 years old and is from Tokyo. His birthday is in March.

Ninetales has a goal to be king of the world and to destroy Pikachu, and Ninetales is better.

Three Ninjas

By Mahmoud, age 6

Paxon the ninja and Payton the ninja and Brighton the ninja were all fighting bad guys at the park.

The Bored Pokémon, Part 1

By Kevin W., age 8

Once the Pokémon were so bored that they were fighting each other.

Then Arceus teleported all of the Pokémon to an island. The island was so hot that the Pokémon said to Arceus, “It’s too hot!” Arceus teleported all the Pokémon to the North Pole. Then Arceus teleported all the Pokémon to the earth.

10

things you should know

Jeff

By Jeff, age 11

Kevin, Jeff, Tommy and Daniel were best friends. They were superheroes.

They had the power to transform into Barney, and Jeff became Powerful Belly Man. They met a villain named Spongebob. He would eat crab.

Mr. Crab was lonely guy. Thank god or whatever your religion is, because Powerful Belly Man got the Infinity Gauntlet and snapped his fingers, but nothing happened. Spongebob actually had the Gauntlet, and he accidentally snapped himself away.

Superhero Powers

By Sydney, age 6

Once upon a time there were three Pikachus and they had a battle in the forest. Abingdon used his superpower branches, and the three Pikachus used their electricity powers in the battle. The three Pikachus won against Abingdon.

11

things you should know

Kacy, the Owl and the Monster

By Neveah, age 11

Kacy is defending her tree house from the monster, but her ninja moves aren’t enough. Then the owl swoops in and scares the monster away. The girl is so confused about what just happened. The owl introduces himself to the girl, saying, “Hi, my name is Sergeant Owl Serlot.” Kacy doesn’t believe that he was in the war, so they get in a time machine to go back to the war to prove he’s not lying. She finally believes him, and they defeat the monster.

Then they see that it’s not a monster—it deflates, and there is a little squirrel inside.

Friends ♥

By Moon, age 7

Chip felt lonely. He wanted to make some friends, so he went to the park.

He tried to make friends with a cute kitten, but the kitten ran away! Luckily, a squirrel wanted to be BFFs. And then he pooped.

12

things you should know

A Kid Who Wanted to Drive a Tank

By Alexander, age 9

Billy Bob Joe always wanted to drive a tank, but no one would let him!

Probably because he was only one year old. Jk! He’s 10 (owo). One day, he asked his mom, “Can I drive a tank?” “NO!” his mom yelled. “Why?” he asked. “Because you’re too young!” she said. He went to his room to come up with a plan. He was going to sneak out at midnight to go to the military and ask someone if he could drive a tank in the morning (TwT).

A few hours later...

Billy Bob Joe woke up and checked if it was midnight, but it was only five minutes before midnight (TwT). He was not happy that he had to wait five minutes. He waited, then snuck out the window. He ran across town to the military base. He waited all the way until morning. In the morning, he asked the leader to let him drive a tank. The leader asked, “Uhhhh....................”

One minute later... “....................uhhhh, so, um... What is your age?”

Billy Bob Joe said, “Twenty-one.” The leader told him to wait while he went to get a tank.

Brrrrp... brrrrp.... The tank drove all the way to Billy Bob Joe. He said “Cool!” and went inside the tank. The leader walked back to his tower. Billy Bob Joe drove the tank until he saw an even bigger tank!

One minute later...

An alarm went off! The alarm said: ENEMIES APPROACHING! Luckily for Billy Bob Joe, his mom had set her alarm to 12 p.m., so she could sleep in.

To be continued...

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things you should know

Popee Meets Kiana and Vicky

By Kiana, age 8

Popee: Hi boys and girls, my name is Popee and I met some new friends.

Kiana: Hi Popee, I saw you on stage!

Vicky: Me too!

Popee juggles apples Popee goes on stage again Popee juggles again Kiana: What is your favourite thing to do?

Popee: I like to go on stage and perform for the kids.

Vicky: What is your favourite thing to eat?

Popee: I like tomatoes and pop and popcorn and peanuts. Let’s play!

Kiana and Vicky and Popee play hide and seek Kiana and Vicky: Let’s have a waffle party!

They all have a waffle party together

Charizard

By Eric, age 9

Charizard is a bipedal draconic Pokémon. It is mostly orange, with a cream belly from its chest to the tip of its tail. It has a long neck, small blue eyes and two horn-like structures on the back of its rectangular head. You can see two fangs in the upper jaw when its mouth is closed. It has two large wings with blue-green undersides on its back, and something like a horn sticks out from each of its wings. You can see a single wing-finger through the centre of each wing. Charizard’s arms are short and skinny compared to its belly, and each limb has three white claws. It has stocky legs with cream-coloured soles on each of its feet. The tip of its long tail burns with a flame.

14

things you should know

three Duckies

By Tiana, age 6

The duckies got lost under a tree by the house in the dark because they couldn’t see. So their mama came to find them, and she took them back to the pond.

Soccer

By Omar, age 10 There is this kid named Zack. Zack got bullied for being bad at soccer. Then a kid named Ali came and helped him.

Holes

By Jett, age 9 Stanley went to Camp Greenlake and had to dig holes that were five metres deep. His family is not cursed anymore because he carried Zero up the mountain.

15

things you should know

Shark Attack

By J.C., age 9

A shark ate a man. The mess covered the whole pool. Boo. The shark pooped and the poo sank to the bottom of the pool.

The Lost Number

By Quintus, age 6

There was an old lady. She found a lost number and the number was so powerful. Then an old grandpa said, “That’s my number!”

The Golden Arm

By Randi, age 10

There once was a girl named Elizabeth and she was born with no arm. No one wanted to be friends with her. When she grew up, no one wanted to marry her. Until one day...

16

things you should know

Nothing, Nothing, Nothing

By Oscar, age 8

We were fighting at school. We fought against each other and I thought I would lose, but I won!

The Silly Story!

By Carol, age 7

Silly penguin and werewolf were being silly all day They took someone’s bag and said, “Your bag is gone.” Then their mom saw. She was so mad.

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things you should know

Bear Jumps

By Sylvia, age 8

One day a bear went to space. It jumped down and landed on a tree and fell asleep, and it was only a dream.

Ninja

By Khalil, age 6

K.

M.

Four ninjas were fighting. The bad guy hurt his neck and the ninjas started to fight him.

18

things you should know

Princess Rosy’s Castle

By Taima, age 7

There was a castle. They played Uno outside.

Kimi

By Biden, age 7 Kimi climbed to the top of the slide. He pushed himself down and fell off.

He cried. Someone saw him and called an ambulance for him. It was a happy ending.

Ninja Kid

By Cecil, age 7

Puddy is battling a weirdo. They are battling in the arena. The weirdo tried to win, but the ninja kid saved their lives.

19

things you should know

Party for Butterflies

By Sara A., age 7

The butterflies are having fun. They are in candy world with marshmallows.

They are eating pink and purple cupcakes and dancing.

The Little Pig

By Jessica, age 8

The ducks and the pig wanted to go to Playland. They went on the rides.

They had so much fun. They were together.

20

things you should know

Kylee’s Secret Language

By Kylee, age 8

There were two poos who were friends. A ginormous E ate one of the poo’s friends. The other poo captured the ginormous E and saved his friends life!

the world's easiest maze

By W.T., age 8

finish

sta r t

21

things you should know

This Story Has Totally Nothing in It

By Jordan, age 12

See I told you, there’s nothing here. Still here? OK, fine, here’s nothing for staying here. :P

Turd

By Jack F., age 9

This Takes Forever to Read

By Allen, age 11

I’m bored

book

This will take seven hours to read. Hi. The End

22

things you should know

little jeff

By Gavin, age 11

Big Bob (Billy Bob’s brother)

boom

Hi

Billy’s brother epically slaps Little Jeff

Jeff

Another day at school

Why you bully me?

Little Jeff

Little Jeff Why you bully me?

Big Bob Me brother gone

the end

23

things you should know

Poop and Pee Pee

By Alan, age 9

Poop and Pee Pee went to a toilet. They went in the toilet. Then someone was going to flush the toilet. They got out of the toilet. Then someone flushed the toilet.

Star and Sunshine

By Ana-Sophia, age 6

I went to Playland. I played tag with my mom.

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things you should know

Hood Ornaments

By Thor, age 13

Symbols

By Aaron, age 7

Once upon a time, there was an exclamation point, a question mark and a times symbol. They were in a spiral. They were scribbling everywhere! They escaped by scribbling everywhere!

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things you should know

My Jokes

By Niobee, age 11 Knock Knock Who’s there?

Interrupting starfish.

Interrupting starfish who? *Slap!* Knock Knock Who’s there?

Banana.

Banana who?

Knock Knock Who’s there?

Banana.

Banana who?

Knock Knock Who’s there?

Banana.

Banana who?

Knock Knock Who’s there?

Orange.

Orange who?

Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?!

Knock Knock Who’s there?

Interrupting cow.

Interrupting c – MOOOOOOO!

26

things you should know

The Haunted House

By Meisa, age 6

Once upon a time there was a ghost named Boo. Boo found a girl named Sydney. She hid in a house. Boo wanted to make the house haunted, so Boo went to the house and made it haunted. Sydney saw a ghost pass her and asked it to fight her. The ghost disappeared, and Sydney went back home.

27

things you should know

The HECZ

By Farley, age 10 The year is 2042 and a guy was doing testing to make a growth drink.

When he did the tests, he created a human-eating creature (HEC). The HEC bit him, and he became a HEC (basically, he’s a zombie—a HECZ). Then they ran out of the lab to go find humans!

Three months later, half of the town were HECZ and the humans that were alive had split into two parts: the ones that starve and the ones that hunt the zombies and go to the store to get food. Soon, the ones without food turned into HECZ, because the lab exploded and the drink got into the air. So now there were 20, but HECZ got into five of the humans’ base, because HECZ talk like humans, so HECZ are fast smart zombies.

I am glad I’m not there, but anyway, now there were 15 humans in this town and the town was on the news. Then the 15 humans went to the police department and got what they needed. A guy fought another guy, who turned into a HECZ. Then he fought him again, and at first he survived, but the HECZ chased the guy and bit him. Now there were two HECZ in the police department, and one guy fought one of the HECZ and defeated it.

But there was still one more, and it chased another guy and bit him, so now there were 12 humans.

Then they blew them up. So the 12 humans went outside and saw an army of HECZ. Five of them ran but got eaten by the fast and smart HECZ, while seven of them ran back inside and climbed to the top of the police department and got inside a helicopter and flew away. But they didn’t know a HECZ was in there, and it bit two people.

The guys in the helicopter didn’t notice until a HECZ tried biting the pilot.

The pilot grabbed a bird suit and so did another guy, then the helicopter crashed. There were only two humans left. Then a random guy got attacked by a HECZ and turned into one, so the pilot got a car and drove away from the town. He was the last human in that town (until he left).

The End of Part 1. Part 2 will come out in 2020.

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things you should know

The Mystery of the Missing Girl

By Marlena, age 8

A husband and wife went to the beach to relax. Then the ice cream truck came. The wife gave money to the husband so he could get chocolate and vanilla ice cream cones. When the husband got back, the wife was missing.

The husband called the detective dog, and the detective pulled the husband into the secret room. Then the dog sniffed and sniffed and found her shoes.

Then he followed the smell all the way to the water and found her swimming.

The Rookie, Part 1

By Sophia F., age 10

James Gerelon is a new cop in the GCPD. His partner Harvey says, “Who are you?” Jim says, “I’m your new partner, Jim.” Harvey says, “Let’s go catch some crooks.”

Meanwhile...

Fish Mooney is the queen of Gotham. She’s a bad person because she’s mean to her employees. She pokes them on their hands. She gives them evil looks. They are scared of her but have to stay working for her because she threatens to do bad things to their families.

29

things you should know

Area 51

By Anthony, age 10

Yeah

People are going to raid us

You think?

Ahh

Someone died

Let’s check...

What?

30

Run

What?

things you should know

The Hope Diamond

By Anh Thu, age 11

A long time ago in India there was a Buddha statue with a blue diamond on its forehead. But then it was stolen. Many people from France, the U.K. and America died from the curse of this diamond.

People say it destroyed 14 people. Now it’s still out in the world, so be cautious what gem you buy.

What’s Good about Suicide Squad

By Tyson, age 8

1. It’s a good show.

2. The sound effects are good.

3. It’s about bad guys.

4. It’s a little scary.

5. It’s super good.

31

things you should know

Jeff

By Tommy, age 10 My name is Jeff x 100000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000. Jeff Number 21 made a paper airplane. He was destroyed, and they all got sucked into a black hole! And the Jeff species was ended.

The End... ...of Jeff Number 21

The Day a Man Tried to Escape Jail

By Francis, age 9

Once upon a time there was a person stuck in jail. He was eager to escape, so he thought of a plan. Life was cruel. He had a rock bed with no pillow, a chair and desk, and a toilet. He had a phone, so he made a few phone calls. His jail cell was on an island.

So here was his plan. He was going to pretend to be working out in the outside gym. Then he was going to climb the barbed wire fence, and a speedboat would pick him up and take him away. Tomorrow he would do his escape plan, but he’ll have to get past the guards first.

He slept, but barely. The next day his plan started. He woke up in the morning and started walking down the hall. He secretly got past the guards and took a secret passage to the outdoor gym. Then he started working out.

Then, all of a sudden, he started climbing. He got over the fence and the speedboat came. They started going and the prisoner escaped.

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things you should know

Crash No. 3

By Philip, age 11

If you haven’t read the last two parts, then slap yourself down and read them!

Narrator: Little chased what seemed like Big (intense music please). His energy was dying out quick, though. He lost him (you can stop the music now). He just continued to search as it was the only thing to do. He was also hungry. All he had eaten was some trail mix he had in his pocket when he fell. He just noticed how many bones there were. REAL HUMAN BONES. L: What the heck has gotten into you, Big? B: Nothing much.

L: That was a rhetorical question! Wait… who said that?!

N: The figure had already vanished, though. Little just continued walking, but soon he came across a guy with what could be a weapon. The guy had a familiar face, though.

L: Big!!! What are you— B: RAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!

To be continued...

33

things you should know

Ears, Part 2

By Aisa, age 9

When Ears started to eat other food, he discovered meat. He fell in love with meat and loved all the good things about it. He loved sausages, lamb, ham, chicken, beef, squid, sushi and meatballs. He loved it sooooooooo much. He ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Once day he had become sooooooooo big that he couldn’t fit through the door. He knew he had to do it, but the only way was to eat less meat. “Oh nooooooooooo!” he yelled.

“Mooomeeee I need to have a dieeeeet nooooooooooooooow.”

His mom said, “You don’t need a diet,” but when the mom came in and saw Ears sooooooooo big she screamed “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!” She left the room in one second and ran to the living room and got the phone. She said “Please mix your food with a potion and deliver it to our address.”

When it came, she paid the delivery person $20 and said, “Thank you very much.” She fed Ears the potion and everything went back to normal.

To be continued...

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things you should know

The Pokémon Meet the Earth, Part 2

By Chi Chi, age 8

It happened on a boring day. The Pokémon were a little dumb and they wanted to have an adventure. So they walked and walked until they saw a portal. They touched it, and they went through the portal really fast. They landed on my foot, and it hurt! They were cute, but they looked sleepy, so my friends and I brought the Pokémon to our houses.

In the morning, the Pokémon were gone! So we searched and searched until we found a dead end, and we saw them trying to climb up it. So we carried the Pokémon home.

One year later...

The Pokémon got used to us, so we cared for them until there were only two left. It was Ditto and Mew, because ten years ago, Team Rocket cast a spell on all of the Pokémon and the Pokémon got sick, but Ditto and Mew noticed the spell and blocked it with Ditto’s shield. But then, Kenzie came. Kenzie found out that all of the Pokémon were gone, so she tried to help. But it didn’t work, so they searched and searched to find the wizard, and finally they went inside the cave and found the wizard! It was Tammy, so Tammy joined in and led us to a magical portal.

Five hours later we found the potion to heal anyone! “At last! We have found the magic potion!” I said. Three hours later, after we went through the magic portal, we poured the magic potion on the sick Pokémon and three days later they all woke up! So we had a happiest day ever! Well, it isn’t the end right now, because Lenny came by then. She had no friends, so we became her friend.

Then it became spooky, and part three is coming!

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things you should know

How the Grinch Stole Easter

By Kayla, age 10

Every Who down in Whoville loves Easter. But the Grinch, who lives north of Whoville, did not because when he was little he did not get any chocolate because there wasn’t any. So he said to his dog Max, “Tonight we will steal Easter.”

He put on a bunny costume and he got giant baskets for the chocolate.

When he got to Whoville he went to the first little house on the block. He looked around for eggs, but there weren’t any in sight. So he went inside and there were lots there. He stuffed them into the Easter baskets. Once he got all of them in that house he went to the next house and took the eggs from there.

But when he got to the last house he got caught by a girl—Cindy Lou Who had got out of bed for a cup of cold water. She said to the Grinch, “Why are you taking my Easter candy?” The Grinch replied, “You see, some of these chocolates are stale, so I am taking them to my Easter factory to make them fresh.”

So she went back to bed and the Grinch took everything home. He waited for the sound of the Whos crying, but there was no crying to be heard. Instead he heard joy. And he realized that Easter does not come from the store, perhaps it is something much more.

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things you should know

Fortnite, Part 4

By Jack G., age 11

Hello everyone, it is me, the creator of Fortnite the Story, a.k.a. Jack, and I’m back at ya with Part 4... dun dun duuuuuh.

But before I can tell you that story, I’m gonna give you a not-so-short recap. Hey, hold the applause. OK, where was I... oh yeah, the recap.

Where we last left Steeeeeve and the others, one of the guys had just put an epically awesome mansion on the moon, and had a cool rocket too take them there. Just when they left, Sophia came in, and apparently she’s a bad guy. And that’s the end of the recap. Back to the story...

“Whoah, is this the future. Man it’ll be a shame to destroy it with 10,000,000,000 black holes and 9,999,999,999,999 nukes, right, Farley?” said Sophia.

“Yeah, it sure will,” said Farley.

Back on the moon...

“Whoah, I love the mansion. Where did the money come from?” said Steeeeeve.

“Ummmmm, your bank account,” said one of the guys.

“What did you say!!!!!” said Steeeeeve.

“Nothing,” said one of the guys. “Anyway, let’s get some Space Subway.”

“Yeah, then let’s watch some Stranger Things,” said another one of the guys.

“OK,” said Steeeeeve, “who’s your favourite character?”

“Mine is Billy,” said one of the guys.

“Mine is Dustin,” said another guy.

“Mine is Lucas,” said another.

“Mine is the Demogorgon,” said Steeeeeve.

Bammm!

“What was that sound?” staid Steeeeeve.

“We don’t know,” said the other guys. “Whoah, are we in Hawkins?”

“Yeah, I think we are,” said Steeeeeve.

“Cool,” said all the others.

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things you should know

BTS of BTS Benny D., age 12

Note from the author: All typing mistakes are on purpose B: Are you cereal?

T: The End! THE END B: Stop spaming T: *pulls uno reverse card* T: No u B: NO U!!!

T: *pulls uno un-reverse card* T: ???

B: ???

T: Who you question marking?

B: You T: I am not a person T: I am a… person B: Bru T: h T: A-B-C-D-E-F-G, golly we drink too much – B: …

T: We are communicating in morse T: . . .

B: . . - . - - . . . . - . . - - . . – T: . - .

B: =) T: =====) B: ???

T: . - .

B: Stop it get – T: OOO T: Now lets communicate! With “English”…

T: Let me break the 4th wall.

T: W hy are we writing pretend stuff that never happened in our live, plus why are we writing on lined paper instead of white paper?

B: ` \ - ( . .) - / ` T: (Insert skills here) B: ?????

T: W T: H T: Y T: ?

B: Why? T: Why? B: Wh-No T: Why are we saying why?

B: I don’t know T: Why? B: STOP T: Sigh B: Ban T for 15 min S: Ban for 15 min B: :) T: What is a ban?

B: Cereal?

T: Server is banned for eternity S: ???

B: You don’t have control lol T: You only have wires on top of a garage B: NO YOU S: *drinks oil*

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things you should know

T: I swear server, I will use your oil to cook u alive!

S: *runs in panic* S: *Bans T for 30 min* B: Oot T: Hang on…Kill server B: You have no control T: Oh server…

T: Can I have a glass of water…

S: Su – NO T: Wait…This isn’t reality B: Or are you?

S: * really flees as fast as it can but it can’t* T: Creeper S: Aww Man B: O XD T: O B: :P T: Server T: DIEE! S: Band T for 30 min T: Ahh another day with... THIS SERVER THAT ANNOYS US!!!

B: S unban T and call 911 S: Ok T: S/delet P: HANDS UP YOUR UT: No you, because this isn’t reality! *T is in jail* T: /delete system 33 S: ERROR. YOU DUMB S: Calling area 51…

T: * T: /delete my computer S: OK!! >:)

*Thas no way to comniut now* B: The End T: No U B: H B: O B: W B: ?

B: !

B: ?

B: !

T: 3 T: 2 T: 1 S: The End *Bans T and B and S* Meanwhile in the band area T: O S: T has disconnected B: We – S: Timer ended we are now unbanned B: :) Meanwhile in the chat... *B and S has jointed* Meanwhile in Incognito Mode...

T: *type* T: *click* T: *activate* T: A new server that properly works!

S2: T has bin baned fro haking T: *Hack* T: A PROPER SERVER! S2: Hello.

S: Hi B: LOL

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things you should know

S2: Wanna D – S: Sure B: /Ban S2 and S for*** T: /Kill T :O: *T has died* T: hello Area 51 O: all of you are – The End. T: This story smells like onions :) The End! *T,B,S,S2, Area 51, Jeff and T’s mom has bin baned.* S: Any last words?

T: Cred – B: Wate B: ` \ - ( . .) - / ` T: Let the Credits Roll!

Area 51: bye S2: bye S: bye Not your mom: bye T: bye B: hiss C: *hiss* T: BOOM T: And that’s how this story ends!

T: Let the credits roll!

Area 51: by – WAIT! THEN END! (4 realz) B: Bye T: Bye Bye T: So along

40

things you should know

Illuminati Series: The Real Ending

By Tony, age 11

Notes from the author: All typing mistakes are on purpose T and B’s are used for N.As Mike and Jack: Oh No.

T: /Ban T N.A: oof

Meanwhile in a short time Narrator: Yay! Our heroes have made it, after years of cringe-writing and nonsense by Tony, we made it!

The End...

Meanwhile...

Tony: FREEEEAK B N.A:?

Tony: Aren’t you – B N.A:…don’t say it Tony: Benn?

B N.A: :( Tony: Y!!!

N.A: M C A Tony: U FORGOT Y!!!

B N.A: no T N.A:…

B N.A:…

T N.A: Wanna – B N.A: Strop using N.A Tony!!!!

T N.A: it’s not Tony…

Tony: /Ban Tony 2 T: STOP!

Meanwhile...

Ban Dimension: Population: 5 Tony: /kill all entities B:???

N.A:????

RS: oof oof more oofs oofoofoofoofoofoo – B:St – N.A:op Tony:/teleport T, Tony, B, RS earth Tony: *click* B: /teleport T, B Ban Dimension *click* Tony: its rewind time everbody WOOSH! Tony: hello?

N.A:???

N.A:??????????????????? *N.A. has left he server* Tony: YAY! *N.A., B, T has joined the server* T:?

N.A: XD

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things you should know

B:…

B: :) T: hello, Tony Tony: TBC. T:Uh Uh Uhh!!!

B: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony: :O N.A: N.A is not Available at this moment…

B: me too Tony: Wanna ruin this story?

T: YES! B: /Ban T: N + O + B + S. *B has left the sever* RS: NO! T: YAY! N.A. LOL!!!!!

Tony: So, what am I doing?

S: I don’t know N.A.: Meanwhie...

RS: easy!

RS: /permban S S2 / unbans Mike: TONY! Tony: *stutters* Jack Why did you called us cringe writin-g?

Tony: :P Mike: YOU ARE IN TROUBLE! Tony: *shows them pg.1 Mike: nooo…

Tony: now where was I? Area 51 Guards: OPEN U – S, S2, RS: / Ban Area 51 Guards.

?: Band Area 51 Guards 3 time Police: POPO OPEN UP: Tony: Here it comes again…

T: NOOOO!!!

S, S2, RS: /mute police RS: rekt over 9000 RS: /ban police Police: Nooo!

Tony: now where was I? PoPo: OPEN UP! S, S2,RS: / ban PoPo PoPo: NOOO!!!

Tony: now where was I? Police 2: OPEN UP N.A.: NO N.A: FBI OPEN UP FBI: OPEN UP! S, S2, RS: /ip ban policiguy01287 FBI: NOOOOO – Police 2: NOO OOO!!!

Tony: now where was I? Tony’s Mom: OPEN UP!!!

Tony: :P Meanwhile…

T: *thinks intensely* T: /temp ban Tony’s Mom 30 min Tony: Ice – Tony’s Mom: SCREAMM!!!

T: yey Tony: NOW WHERE WAS I? B: yee T: Creeper Tony: Aww Man…

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things you should know

N.A: let me microwave my lasagna Microwave: *sound of Hiroshima, 1945* Microwave: DING!!!

N.A:mmm B: yee T: :P Tony’s Its free real estate B: S – B: yee T: t N.A: yee Tony: /switch y2p B: /switch p2y B: yee N.A: yee T: yeet Tony: yeey T: yeet Tony: yeet T: yeet Tony: yeet S: Peet S2: S2eet B: / swich yeet 2 yee T:/switch B2 N.A’s Brother S: Error, B isn’t N.A’s Brother S: /Ban T for being T RS: /ban s for being soo annoying B: /unban S B: / ban RS B: yee N.A: yee

Tony: /ban ban for banning too much unbanned people S: NO! S: /Tony is banned for baning the word ban Meanwhile in Ban Dimension…

T: / perm ban S for being S Tony: /switch ban 2 rustymontyS2eat S: all switched words are reset T: /crash ban S S: I don’t feel so good….

B: /unban – S: S has bin unbaned RS: /execute S S: NOOO! RS: S has died in Hardcore More T: yee yeet THE END C44 REALZ) Credits T - Tony B - Benny Tony - Just Tony N.A - N.A This series is subject to “copy right” THE END!!!

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things you should know

Light vs. Darkness, Part 3

By Kevin C., age 11

A long time ago Light was doing his normal life. But then Shock returned.

They fought, and Shock lost with his armour. Darkness ran in to a portal. Will he return? Light practiced his fighting, and meanwhile Darkness was lost in a cave. He was walking when he saw a crystal. He ate it and he turned powerful! He felt so strong. He had the power to teleport. He teleported to the city and saw Light. Darkness said, “Haha, hi Light, I’ve returned.”

“Let’s fight,” Light said.

“Indeed,” Darkness said.

Light destroyed Darkness. “Noooonooo,” Darkness said. Light had won, but then something happened. Shock had come back from the dead. “Now my name is Zombie Shock... ha ha ha ha…”

“Ahhah ahh ahh,” said Light.

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autographs

Thank You to Our Mentors These 61 volunteer literacy mentors helped the kids read, learn and create during our fall 2019 after-school programs at the Writers’ Exchange home base, at Vancouver Technical Secondary School and at Xpey’ Elementary. We couldn’t do it without them!

Ajania, Allison, Alysa, Brenda, Britanny, Carla, Denise, Derek, Diana, Dominic, Ella, Florence, Genevieve, Helen, Irene, Jacqueline, Jamé, Jane, Kandice, Karen P., Karen W., Kevin, Kezia, Landon, Lindsay, Lizzie, Lydia, Lynne, Maren, Markenzie, Maryam, Matt, Megan, Melissa, Mohini, Nadia, Naomi, Natalie, Olivia, Peter, Rachel B., Rachel G., Rathaana, Ryan, Sabrina, Sarah S., Sarah W., Sarah Z., Saya, Scott, Sheena, Shelton, Siobhan, Stacey, Sydney, Tara, Tyler, Vicky, Winsome, Winston and Yuliya