Stanford Anthology for Youth: Volume 23

Hannah Rutherford *

Stories

Some people run on getting good grades. Some people run
on following their religion. Some people run on the simple belief that
they are doing good deeds. I run on stories.
I run on stories of undiscovered magic and lightning scars. I
run on stories of barbaric games and mockingjays. I run on stories of
first loves and tragic illnesses. I run on the simple essence of entering
a dimension that I never could have experienced using my imagi-
nation alone. I savor the idea of being in a different place, being in a
different time, being a different person.
When other kids played outside, basking in the light of the
sun, I was reading, basking in the knowledge of the book I was hold-
ing. When other kids stayed up all night, texting on their phones,
I was huddled under a blanket, reading by the light of a flashlight.
When other kids just saw letters on a page, I saw a world.
The library is like a second home to me. I spend hours in a
single aisle, turning the pages and simultaneously telling my mom,
“Just to the end of the chapter.” I run my hand over thousands of
books, each containing the dreams of a hopeful author. I emerge
with numerous novels clutched to my chest, my arms overflowing
with a dozen books.
I read anywhere. Curled up in a beanbag, sneaking my hand
into a bag of leftover Halloween candy. In the car, jolting each time it
goes over a speed bump and each time my mom scolds me for not

Hannah Rutherford is a 7th grader at Blach Elementary School. She enjoys 251
writing and reading, as well as track, soccer, and tennis.

* “The Island,” Saanika A (opposite page). Saanika is an 8th grader from Blach
Intermediate School. She loves to read, draw, and paint. She also likes to create

* digital art.

paying attention to the conversation. Every time I have even a minute
to spare, out comes a book, followed by even more scolding when my
mom realizes I have folded over the corners of the pages in a desperate
attempt to save my spot yet again.
“Scandalized” is the only word that comes to mind when some-
one tells me they don’t like to read. Because how could they not? How
could they not be ensnared by countless tales that leap out at me when
I flip past the cover to the first page? How could they not see that, in a
sense, these characters are real?
Because while reading, I have laughed, overcome with joy and
humor. I have cried, taken by sadness and emotion. I have rooted for
Harry, prayed for Katniss, wished for Augustus. I have laughed with
Percy, wondered with Meg, admired Auggie. I have cried with Starr,
marveled at Tris, questioned Cooper and Nate and Addy and Bron-
wyn. All of these characters have shaped my life, each holding their
own place in my heart.
Sometimes stories can help me understand myself. I can see
myself reflected in them, like a mirror that can see deeper than just my
skin, like a rippling pool of water that always shows the truth.
Sometimes stories can help me understand other people. I can
see them, have empathy for them, like a window with a view that never
ends, like a telescope that sees feelings instead of stars.
Sometimes stories can help me understand life. I can see
glimpses of it, like a crystal ball with ever-changing images, like a
kaleidoscope filled with all the experiences and challenges that every
living being faces.
They say money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy books, and
that’s a kind of joy. Because I believe. I believe that stories are magic.
I believe that stories are miracles. I believe that stories are more than
just letters on a page. I believe that stories can change the world. I be-
lieve in stories.
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Acknowledgements *

Stanford Anthology for Youth would like to thank the
following groups for their contributions and support:

Associated Students of Stanford University
Haas Center for Public Service

Stanford Student Activities and Leadership

We would also like to thank all of the participating
schools, teachers, and parents for nurturing the talent

of these young writers and artists.

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And of course, we would like to thank all of the
students who submitted to the anthology
this year, as well as every year.

Without you, there would be no anthology.

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