Each year, the changing of seasons brings a number of kidlit contests around. Once again, I had a lot of fun writing an entry for the Fall Writing Frenzy, an annual kidlit contest hosted by Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Sanchez. I chose picture #11 (below) for my prompt.
“Library Magic”
On a rainy Saturday, the sounds of childhood filled Northwood Institute from the cellar to the attics. No lessons, no chores, just hours for playing. . . or for bullying.
Knowing she was an easy target, Alice escaped into the library. Here, thick walls shut out shouting and laughter, while worn carpet softened footfalls.
Alice breathed in the scent of aging paper and glue, ran a finger along the spines of a row of leatherbound tomes, and chose a volume at random.
Then the door crashed open and a pack of laughing boys tumbled into the room. “I think she came in here.”
She panicked when she recognized Tom’s voice. Had they noticed her? No—rows of shelves hid her from view. She crouched behind a chair and held her breath. Maybe they wouldn’t see her…
Strangely, the book in Alice’s hand grew warmer. Something glinted from between the pages. When she cracked it open, golden light poured out, blanketing her with warmth.
Tom passed Alice’s chair, looking directly at her. But he only said, “There’s no one here.” And the boys left.
He didn’t see me! But how? Alice stared at the book in awe. Reading really was magic!
If you enjoyed that, you should check out the other entries!
