From adventurous tales of self-reliance and desperate escapes to deep connections with family, friends, and companions, the stories in this anthology display the talents of Lane County’s young writers and offer a rare glimpse into the depths of their hearts. Fiction Fantastic—a project of Wordcrafters’ Writers in the Schools youth programming—is one of the few opportunities for students in Lane County, Oregon, to showcase their writing, learn their craft, and engage with other writers.

This anthology is made possible through the support of grants and the generosity of donors like you. Please consider making a donation at wordcrafters.

org/donate. A heart-felt thank you to the generous supporters of Fiction Fantastic:Elizabeth George FoundationHarvest FoundationJames F.

and Marion L. Miller FoundationLuminare PressMillsDavis FoundationOregon Arts CommissionLearn more about the creative writing classes and events at Wordcrafters in Eugene at wordcrafters.

orgCongratulations to the young writers in this year's anthology:K-2 Spotlight“The Falcon’s Egg” by Roya Talebreza-May, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter SchoolElementary school category, grades 3-5“Stranded” by Kane Lowell, Creslane Elementary School “Secret Recipe” by Jocelyne Stevenson, Pleasant Hill Elementary School“The Strength of the Weak” by Sidney Johnson, Pleasant Hill Elementary School“Zonglou” by Leo Kuhl, Charlemagne French Immersion Elementary SchoolMiddle school category, grades 6-8“A Murder of Crows” by Keiko Sophie Weible, Spencer Butte Middle School“Let Go” by Nina Kuhl, Roosevelt Middle School“Shipwrecked in the Sky” by Hunter Lowell, Creswell Middle School“The Green Ember” by Kai Suzumura, Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter SchoolHigh school category, grades 9-12“Gold Dust Books” by L. Stepp, Creswell High School“Orbit” by JT Myers, Elmira High School“The Rose Theater” by Ishika Chakraborty, South Eugene High School“To the Ends of the Earth” by Brianna R.

Bird, Springfield High School“Whispers in the Woods” by Lauren Ellison, Marist High School. .