The Bookworm is proud to present its 11th collection of outstanding short stories written by Vail Valley students. Inside these pages, you will find sinking ships, rare creatures, and tests of true friendship, that will make you wish the stories never end.

"It is pure communication and communion, to read someone else's work, and to write and share your own.""

-Kaela Rivera, author of the Cece Rios series

"I felt dizzy and confused, and the lights that swirled above me suddenly seemed too bright."

-Sadie Weissman, Willa's Woods

"The train was clanking towards us. The steam from the engine made a loud noise and vibrated in the air as it approached."

-Jake Martz, Dead West

"The buzzing of the forest was like a siren song, luring me deeper into its embrace, revealing to me the great wonders it held."

-Carys Highum, A God's Gift

"Blood pounded in his ears, a harmony to the rapid rain, and he wished his feet could go as fast."

-Shelby Spiegel, Crow Black

Ungoverned Children is the result of an annual children's writing contest hosted by the Bookworm of Edwards. Submissions were accepted in multiple grade categories and judged by writing authorities around the region.