By: Brenna O
Michigan, Grade: 5

When Mama slid this journal into my pale hands, I knew we could have bought at least half a pound of food or more with the money they spent on it. My brother, Daniel, reached over my shoulder and opened the book.My 3 sisters, Mary, Katy, and Misha, crowded around. My other brother,James, was 1, too young to care. But I surely cared when my birthday present was in my hands.I watched as Daniel turned a beautiful, creamy sheet of paper. Mary and Misha ooohed and ahhhed. Katy was staring into space,probably imagining herself with this journal. Eventually, we came in the house. There was a pot of ink and a starling feather quill on the table. I just stared. Then I smiled.And I cried, honestly, I cried. And James cried because I cried. And we cried and cried until Papa asked me what I would do with this. I said...