About the Young Writers Project
YWP, an independent nonprofit based in Burlington, Vermont, engages young people to write and use digital media to express themselves with clarity and power and to gain confidence and skills for the workplace and life. YWP publishes about 1,000 students’ work each year here, in newspapers across Vermont, on Vermont Public Radio and in YWP’s monthly digital magazine, The Voice. Since 2006, it has offered young people a place to write, explore and connect online at youngwritersproject.org, which has only one rule: Be respectful. For more information, please contact YWP executive director Geoffrey Gevalt at ggevalt@youngwritersproject.org.
Sophie Dauerman, who is entering eighth grade at Shelburne Community School, wrote this piece in response to a Young Writers Project prompt to list the things she likes — and dislikes. Surprisingly, broccoli is at the top of her list of likes!
My Favorite (and Least Favorite) Things
By Sophie Dauerman
[I] like steamed broccoli with garlic, and getting new shoes,
But hate fire alarms and popping balloons.
I like reading Harry Potter and visiting big amusement parks,
But hate really big cities, especially when they’re dark.
I like long fuzzy socks and dessert-scented candles,
But hate dried clay on my hands and sand in my sandals.
I like traveling abroad and shopping for clothes,
But hate losing a contact and getting water up my nose!
I like fresh pan-seared salmon and getting stuff done,
But hate being interrupted and getting burnt by the sun.
I like being with friends and making birthday wishes,
But hate cleaning up messes and doing the dishes.
I like spending time with my family and just being me,
But hate negativity and not being the best I can be.
