The Book of Extinct Creatures is a collection of mixed-media work for children. Through animals past and present, young readers will learn about important topics such as climate change and evolution.
‘The Book of Extinct Creatures,’ An Excerpt
Nature
Diet Woes: Will Polar Bears Make It?
No other animal seems more threatened by climate change than polar bears. Will these icons of the Arctic be able to adapt their diets to survive in their rapidly transforming environment?
Central Park
I wrote this poem about my favorite park. It’s a big milestone in my life because I went to this park as a child.
Beauty
This poem emphasizes the beauty of tomorrow’s uncertainty. Anything could happen tomorrow so we might as well just do whatever our hearts desire and enjoy the ride until it lasts!
Homeward Dream
In a dream, the main character explores the areas of his life that make him feel free, and he must reconcile the fragility of freedom.
Butterflies
If you ever feel too scared to grow and move on, just imagine the butterfly’s transformation process. From beginning to end.
Late Replacement
What if someone took your place? How would they take over your world? Those were the two questions I had when I started this piece, questions I tried to answer.
Sword-Lily
A college freshman arrives on campus with her loyal guide dog. Whispers from the trees lead her to question her purpose: will she be an advocate or a bystander?
Concepts
This piece is a series of vignettes that are able to either read as one or stand-alone. Each one carries an emotion that is specific to its content.
Night Swimming at Summer Camp in New Hampshire
he girls swim in the lake at summer camp. It is the only place around them that is cool.
Taraxacum: Case Study
A controlled experiment on the nature of memory, romance, and dandelions.
Vacant Heavy
A trip into a mind, swirling with the chaos of regret and distraction of calm.
journey while traveling
My piece “journey while traveling” was inspired by my high school experiences and transformation into a young adult. This poem starts with me as a young teen and progresses into my exploration of adulthood.
The Seasons of Love
Love has been written about in thousands of ways across the short 4.5 billion years the earth has spun around the moon. Read the perspective of this young, hopeful romantic, navigating nature and the seasons of love.
A Harvest of Memories
Hi, I’m Alyssa. I’m excited to be able to present my work to you! I love nature, and I hope this piece is able to transport you all to the countryside with me.