"Are you writing in your diary?" they always ask, either scoffing or in honest curiousity. My answer has always been the same. "No." Writing diary entries feels weird for me, forced even. Yet this collection - even though it is no diary - resembles one in many ways. I found a way to express myself, my emotions and my creativity, and I'm finally willing to share.

»My treehouse is gone« ,the child says to its mother. »It isn't gone, it just looks different«, she replies. »But it is missing my cars and my dolls and my lollies, my red shoelaces, and my cassette recorder.« For the child, it all seemed to be gone. »Whenever you want to feel like you did when being in that treehouse again, you just need to close your eyes and climb up the old treehouse«. Diary of 2007 is a collection of poems that reflect upon the unique challenges of growing up in the halfway digital age, imposing a journey marked by great emotions, the transition from child to adult, self-discovery, and absolute uncertainty. Blending personal experiences of loss, love, disappointment and loneliness with a philosophical outlook that resonates with the struggles and dreams of Generation Z, Ally Lancaster grasps the core of teenage life and adolescence.

"Streets paved with gold, endless opportunities, freedom and stability"- Ever since her father has died and her brother has emigrated, America keeps calling for Orla. When a final stroke of misfortune hits her family, they agree to take on a treacherous journey from Ireland towards their new home to be: New York. But was it worth, taking the risk, and will the American Dream come true for them? This book was initially created for a school project, alongside a suitcase and several notes, postcards and pictures. However, as the story progressed, writing this diary became a much more personal and cherished experience for me, which I would like to share with the world.

Lives are turned upside down as Germany and North Korea negotiate an exchange for advantages in the third world war, but not many people care that they are endangering the lives of thousands of young girls, and especially Olivia's. Her life is at stake as she has been sold to a killer, but suddenly a bit of hope appears. Important records of the war are in her diary, which accompanies her throughout. Fear, tears and anger but also love and friendship, are united in this book. Will she get her personal happy ending?

Emma is a straight-A student at her prestigious boarding school. For years she's been trying to beat her rival Finn. With her scholarship on the line, she knows she has to excel at her English project, but having Finn as her partner turns out to be more complicated as she imagined, as her best friend Nathan acts jealous all of a sudden. Now, Emma must not only create the perfect project, she also needs to figure out her feeling for Nathan and Finn.

In a world where words are more than just fleeting whispers, tales we tell one another, or stories we observe in hope of having a fairytale-like life, this series of introspective and poignant stories explores the hidden emotions and inner struggles that many face but rarely express. Just Words is not merely about the words themselves but about the raw and unfiltered experiences. They represent experiences that bind us, haunt us, and sometimes set us free in various ways with a voice that is both haunting and reflective of our broken parts we may carry in our hearts. In our world, each of our stories and every word carries weight while resonating with echoes of our untold truths. Just words are never Just Words.

Step into a realm where the fantastical intertwines with the deeply emotional, the mysterious, and the subtly horrifying. Crafted during many a fascinating journey, these short stories serve as a tapestry of worlds that defy the mundane. From the whimsical to the grave, each narrative is not just an escape but a contemplation on life's complexities. Whether it's the ethereal landscapes, the enigmatic characters, or the intricate plots, every story aims to resonate beyond the final word. At least, that was the intent. Find out, if it worked!

In our society it is forbidden to "love". It was some kind of unnecessary feeling that humans felt towards someone they really "liked". They got into "relationships" and sometimes even "married" each other. Our schools teach us why "love" is unnecessary and doesn't contribute to a fulfilling life. We live to make a carrier. To be successful. And to do that, you should not rely on anyone, but focus on yourself to optimize your future. Now all of us have a meaning in life, a path we want to follow, not caring about these irrelevant emotions that keep us from growing, from becoming the best version of ourselves.

Wer erinnert sich an die Dinge, die zu unwichtig scheinen, um sich an sie zu erinnern? Jeder Mensch erlebt jeden einzelnen Tag unterschiedlich. Jede Stunde passieren wunderschöne, aber auch schreckliche Dinge für 8 Milliarden Individuen. Jede Minute werden wichtige, oder banale Entscheidungen getroffen. Manches scheint größer zu sein als es tatsächlich ist, oder umgekehrt. Sechs Schüler aus dem englischen IB Profil einer Hamburger Schule setzen sich in diesen Anthologien mit dem Thema: Die kleinen Dinge im Leben auf Deutsch und Englisch auseinander. Die Sammlung aus Kurzgeschichten und Gedichten regt dazu an, darüber nachzudenken, was wir vielleicht alles verpassen, wenn wir uns nicht auf eben diese kleinen Dinge fokussieren, die meist direkt vor uns liegen. Denn auch kleine Geschichten können eine große Wirkung haben.