2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist
Growing up, Kate Priddy was always a bit neurotic, experiencing momentary bouts of anxiety that exploded into full blown panic attacks after an ex-boyfriend kidnapped her and nearly ended her life. When Corbin Dell, a distant cousin in Boston, suggests the two temporarily swap apartments, Kate, an art student in London, agrees, hoping that time away in a new place will help her overcome the recent wreckage of her life.
Hogwarts alumni--come visit campus for an evening of crafts, games, and more!
For grades 10 and up.
She never knew her father. Mother said very little—only that he was from the city and left during her pregnancy. She had to meet him and had many questions. She ate a last forkful of pizza, rinsed her silverware and hailed a cab.
His last fare of the day was over, and he was tired. After dropping her off, her grabbed a knife and fork and dug into his pizza.
I last saw my father twenty-seven years ago; I was seventeen. I remember eating breakfast- Rice Krispies. He entered the kitchen and said, "Don't know why you bother going to school- you're just gonna get pregnant and drop out." Having endured a lifetime of abuse, I could no longer cry- I laughed, and thought: it would be my luck God, ever non-existent to my pleas, would perform another Immaculate Conception, proving him right.
I’ll get a really good wine for my big date tonight. It took me a few weeks to get up the nerve to ask her out. I see her almost every day at work; I never have any trouble talking with anyone but for some reason I get nervous when I am with her and never know what to say. I’ll use the wine as an ice breaker so hope she likes it.
He finally asked me out. I was thinking of asking him out but could never get up the nerve. I see him almost every day at work; I never have any trouble talking with anyone but for some reason I get nervous when I am with him and never know what to say. I wonder what drink I could order tonight that I could use as an ice breaker.
The diamond was gone. The blue diamond, which brought out the beautiful light in Helena's eyes. The perfect diamond that Maya had been saving for months for. Everything is ruined. This is a sign, thought Maya. It isn't meant to be. I should let her go.
Helena carefully wrapped the blue diamond she had been saving for for months. It is perfect. It reflects the light in Maya's beautiful blue eyes.
Money is tight, so I couldn't throw a party. I could only afford him a worn teddy bear from Goodwill for a gift. I burned the cake. I wish I could do better by him. He only turns five once.
(On the playground) "I had the best birthday ever! I got to spend the whole day with Mommy, I got the bear I've been wanting, and she made me my favorite chocolate cake!"
“This traffic stinks. I’ve been inching up for the last 45 minutes and will be really late for my interview. I don’t even have a number to call. I’m gonna be really late. There’s an opening – I could swerve around the two cars in front of me and move up a little. Here goes. Oh S - - t! TRUCK COMING RIGHT TOWARD…"