Jaden Gragg is 14 years old. Her writing submissions received the highest marks from our team of young adults. The poise and focus displayed in her writing is simply suburb. Jaden has three poems and one prose poem published in this issue. Jaden was kind enough to let us have a glimpse into her world:

what inspires you?

I am inspired by all things around me. Sad events or ideas fuel my writing, as do people that I see. Songs, movies and things people say give me ideas on what to write about. Other times, poems just come to me.

what are your favorite books? favorite movie?

She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Animal Liberation by Peters Singer, 1984 & Animal Farm by George Orwell. My favorite movie is the musical “Rent.”

what are your hobbies? what do you do for fun?

Reading, writing (obviously), painting and drawing. I love animals and helping the earth. I like to cook, especially foods from India and the Middle East. I enjoy dancing, singing and having a good time with friends.