Finding the Photo by Jonay Sutton
"Jonay's essay on photography illuminates the issues of an up-and-coming photographer in the age of the iPhone. This piece is a timely and insightful read into our generation and how we connect to the things around us!"
- Emily Netherland, Author of Getaway
Gingko Leaf Girls by Celia Gibbs
Ginko Leaf Girls is an incredible piece to read. If you want to read about two friends growing up and growing out together, with some fun adventures and pitfalls along the way, this is the piece for you.
- Kasey Price, Author of Needle and Thread
Counsel from a Barred Owl by Carrie-Anne Rogers
"This story was truly unique. With cross-overs between mother figures and childhood friends, the barred owl story is an easy one to love. Whether you love animals or unconventional connections, this story has something for everyone to love."
- Nicole Hicks, Author of Our Last Name is Football
Subject to the Wind by Peyton Whitaker
"Subject to the Wind provides a loving, compassionate daughter's perspective looking in on the struggles of her dedicated, routine-driven father who must grapple with inevitable changes as the winds shift around him."
- Olivia Wilson, Author of Black and Dreaded
Needle and Thread by Kasey Price
"As you get to know Kasey and Kristin, you'll realize that you can't help but love and root for both of them. You'll laugh, you'll cry. A layered story touching on everything from health issues to small businesses and the bond between sisters, this is a must-read."
- Celia Gibbs, Author of Gingko Leaf Girls
Badasses Don't Need Business School by Alice Holding
"Alice's story provides a enticing and thoughtful snapshot into the world of two young female entrepreneurs balancing their college coursework with their passion for making good food. After reading this story, you'll immediately want to go out and try these businesses yourself!"
- Marie Young, Author of It's in Our Nature
The Company by Gracie Davis
"'The Company' is a riveting recount of the drug smuggling operation in 1980s Florida. Gracie Davis writes with precision to detail, sure to transport the reader to the vast, empty sea, the humid climate of Florida, and the tense moments during the young couple's journey. "The Company" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure novel with a touch of danger and suspense."
- Diana Ortiz, Author of Crystal Healing of the Mind
What I've Come to Realize by Katlyn Woods
"What I've Come to Realize by Katlyn Woods is an inspiring read that will uplift you and help you to realize that there is good in the world throughout struggle. Reading this story reminded me of how much love can be shown through day everyday acts of kindness, such as packing a lunch or listening to someone's favorite song."
- Savannah Robinson, Author of Sex Education (Homeschool Edition)
Crystal Healing of the Mind by Diana Ortiz
"'Crystal Stories' beautifully encapsulates the ongoing debate over the legitimacy of the healing properties of crystals. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Diana Ortiz will draw you in with her multi-perspective approach to this age old question and introduce readers to first-hand experiences they may have never otherwise considered."
- Gracie Davis, Author of The Company
Scattered Snapshots by Susanne Thomas
"Susanne brilliantly captures the complexities of growing up with learning difficulty. After reading her story, one can't help but thoughtfully consider the importance that belief--not only in oneself but also in a high power--plays in their own lives."
- Marie Young, Author of It's in Our Nature
Sex Education (Homeschool Edition) by Savannah Robinson
"Sex Education (Homeschool Edition) is an inspiring piece of reflection on how homeschooling is flawed when it comes to Sex Education. Savannah captures the awkwardness and hard processes of unlearning standards taught by her mother– a process capable of causing a spiral. Truly a great read that will leave you reflecting on your own Sex Education history."
- Katlyn Woods, Author of What I've Come to Realize
It's in Our Nature by Marie Young
"Marie Young pulls at the heartstrings of readers, inviting them into her story with a vibrant twist. It’s a journey that asks hard questions and tries new things against the narrative's doubts. Told from an environmental science perspective, Marie will keep you reading for more, and every quirky turn will drive you to ponder what it means to value yourself and the internal and external environment."
- Susanne Thomas, Author of Scattered Snapshots
Getaway by Emily Netherland
"Introspective, enlightening, and thought-provoking. "Getaway" will take you beyond those blissful and serene Carribean vacations."
- Jonay Sutton, Author of Finding the Photo
Sandcastles at the End of the Rainbow by Peyton Wojcik
"Peyton Wojcik paints a portrait of a story in “Sandcastles at the End of the Rainbow.” There’s no one you know quite as well as her family, and her piece is charged with emotion–weaving together a dossier on the state of orphanages in Ukraine and a tribute to the life of a hero with the story of her family’s adoption with her little sister, Milana. Ethereal imagery and the passion behind her words make this story something that everyone should read."
- Le Bui, Author of Of Sickness and Strength
Black and Dreaded by Olivia W. Wilson
"Black and Dreaded is an uncomfortably raw portrayal of witnessing social injustices against the person you love."
- Peyton Whitaker, Author of Subject to the Wind
Our Last Name is Football by Nicole Hicks
"Nicole Hicks cleverly captures select moments of a truly American family in “The Football Family Identity.” Her piece is both witty and emotional, providing an undisclosed look into the pressures of high school football on an entire family, demonstrating the power of football to influence on and off the field. The chronological formatting of the story supports the linear progression of building stresses as football becomes an increasingly central aspect of the Hicks family, making for a must-read."
- Carrie-Anne Rogers, Author of Counsel from a Barred Owl
Of Sickness and Strength by Le Bui
"Here, Le Bui gives a unique and underrepresented perspective, sharing how his sister-turned-pharmacist soldiered through her residency during the pandemic, choosing compassion and commitment over fear. His depiction of his sister’s struggles in the medical field display not only her strength of character, but also his love for her, making her dedication all the more powerful."
- Peyton Wojcik, Author of Sandcastles at the End of the Rainbow
Slow it Down by Georgia Chapman
"Georgia Chapman writes with a fresh and captivating concreteness, crafting moments that feel both intimate and real. She paints a revelatory and thorough portrait of an artist whose work is already quite personal and introspective. Chapman keeps her own voice at the forefront, making "Slow It Down" not only a profile of a musician but a dialogue between two artists who share a deep friendship."
- Ryan Phillips, Author of Comparing Notes: A Field Survey with Bland Simpson
Comparing Notes: A Field Survey with Bland Simpson by Ryan Phillips
"'Comparing Notes: A Field Survey with Bland Simpson' sees Ryan Phillips masterfully engage Simpson in a picturesque dialogue spanning from Bob Dylan’s doorstep to the coast of North Carolina and back to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where Simpson continues to inspire young minds. Ryan, a young writer and musician himself, takes this opportunity to reflect on his own university career which he finds isn’t all that different from that of his mentor. The piece is hopeful and depicts a man in love with his numerous crafts and more than willing to share his abundant knowledge. Who knows, perhaps the next Bland Simpson is walking the halls of Greenlaw, writing stories and singing songs."
- Georgia Chapman, Author of Slow it Down
"10/10! Ryan brings Bland alive through the pages, and as the reader you feel as if you are sitting at the table between the two of them."
- Alice Holding, Author of Badasses Don't Need Business School