By: Erika C
Canada, Grade: 6

It is very hard for Mother and Father to feed and clothe 12 children. I, as the second oldest, get fed very small amounts, and must ude my old clothing. Grandma Olivia said that I am less important than Drewan and Jorja. I do not care. Mother prefers me to Jorja. Even Micheal is like Jorja and he is the oldest! I get fed one half of a carrot and two meat slices a day. I still live, and chubby, plump Marianna Carrington is losing weight. One day all this will be over and I will live happily.

Sincerely,
Marianna Lilyton Carrington





Micheal died today of malnutrition. Grandma Olivia said that will happen to me. I don't beleive her. Mother says to ignore her; she gets grumpy when not well-fed. Jorja jumps around as a wild cat, I do not know where she gets the energy. I must survive through this horrible time.

Sincerely,
Marianna Lilyton Carrington





Oh! Six of my brothers and sisters have died already. Let me name them all: Micheal, Jorja, Drewan, Bellana, Mary and Carolineah. Grandma says I am just lucky. I know she secretly hates me! Do you not agree, dear diary? I am being fed more food for half of my brothers and sisters have died. I am the oldest now and am responsible for the whole family because Mother is sick, Father is out earning money and Grandma Olivia refuses to work. Janine helps me a bit, which is nice.

Sincerely,
Marianna Lilyton Carrington




Prologue:
Marianna and the rest of her family lived. Grandma Olivia died and so did Mother. Marianna lived happily after all that horrible time.