I’ve already posted my entry for Susanna Hill’s annual Halloweensie kid lit contest this year. But, I had so much fun writing stories of 100 words or less using the words goodies, glow-in-the-dark, and goosebumps that I thought I’d create a post for the runner ups that I wrote. I could have entered multiple times, but I decided to just pick my favorite–which you can read here.
Below are the 2 other stories I wrote using the contest guidelines. Both of these come in at exactly 100 words. I hope you enjoy them!
Truth or Scare
On Johnson’s Farm, Jack-O-Lanterns flickered, dimmed, and finally darkened.
Goody wrappers littered fields.
Dried leaves became tumbleweeds.
Inside the barn, Gary Goose, Sam Sheep and Penelope Pig huddled in an empty stall for their annual “Scaredown”—repeating gossip overheard from humans.
“Junior wants a glow-in-the-dark wool hoodie,” whispered Penelope.
Sam shuddered, imagining the buzzing sheers.
“Grandma wants a new down pillow,” she added.
Gary shivered, remembering those awful goosebumps after plucking.
“What’ve you two got?” asked Penelope.
Gary and Sam gulped, and exchanged glances.
“You win.”
They simply couldn’t tell her about the weekend’s breakfast menu…
Sausage biscuits with gravy.
The Best Costume Ever
“Is my costume ready?” Lilly called.
Her mom made the best costumes. Last year Lilly was a glow-in-the-dark robot from outer space. The year before she was a ghastly ghoul that gave everyone some serious goosebumps!
This year, Mom had a new baby—and a whole lot less time.
Lilly tried to understand. Mom was tired and busy. But sometimes Lilly missed having her to herself.
“Ready!” call Mom.
When they set out for trick-or-treating, Mom’s hands were free for taking pictures, and holding collected goodies.
Lilly’s costume was the best ever.
A kangaroo…with her baby brother in her pouch.
And that’s a wrap for Halloweensie 2021! Thanks for stopping by and reading.
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
February 2021, Quill Tree Books
Red, White, and Whole is a beautifully written and descriptive novel told completely in verse. The rich details about the 1980's pop music, fashion and styles will introduce young readers to a decade long before they were born, and fill older readers (like me!) with nostalgia for our teen years.
Just as she did with Midsummer's Mayhem, author Rajani LaRocca brings food to life in ways that engage the senses and makes your mouth water. I'm definitely craving curry, samosas, and paneer as I'm writing this review!
More than anything, however, this book is about family. Main character Reha loves her family, and they love her. Her parents, like many who relocate to another country, surround themselves with a support network of other people who share their culture and traditions. In addition to this, she has extended family in India. Reha will need the support of all of these people when her mother is diagnosed with Leukemia.
But, Reha also has her school friends and she wants to fit in with them. What 13 y.o. doesn't? But since her mom makes her clothes and her family comes from another country, the reader easily sees how Reha feels as if she sticks out.
I found myself identifying with Reha's struggle to fit in between two worlds--America and India. She doesn't feel as if she truly belongs in either one for much of the novel. The beautiful truth about this story is how universally relatable Reha's journey is. We've all walked that tightrope of our own hopes and dreams vs. our parents' expectations for us. In Reha's case, this is compounded by the fact she's an only child and her parents have sacrificed so much to give her opportunities.
The novel's format suited this poignant story beautifully, as the author skillfully used verse to heighten the emotional impact of some of the most touching scenes. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to crying in a few places. You might want to grab a few tissues before you settle in to read.
This would be a great novel for 4th and 5th grade classrooms. Especially in rural areas like the town in which I currently live. Kids would enjoy the exposure to the different foods, celebrations and attire from Indian culture. I highly recommend this upcoming novel. 
