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Think Outside the Box
An annual publication of Back Court Foundation, Inc. gives Baltimore’s kids a voice for personal expression and a shot at success beyond the barriers of their imaginations. Written, designed and produced exclusively by Baltimore’s youth (under the direction of Back Court), the magazine is sold to the general public each year in May to help build the college scholarship fund.
This program is geared toward youth, grades 7-12, to enhance reading, creative writing, comprehension, graphic design and business skills. In tune with their thoughts and feelings, students write rap songs, poetry or personal essays on motivational topics, such as respect, teamwork, attitude and rules of life. Then, they submit their work to Back Court for consideration of publication in the annual Think Outside the Box magazine.
With the inaugural issue slated for publication in May 2007, the organization anticipates corporate sponsorship/advertising to help cover printing and other production costs. | |  | |
Bookmark Stories
Sunny Day, Starry Night
By Tracey Farrar
I’ll see you when the morning comes.
Night draws near, the stars are bright.
I go to sleep.
When I turn out the light,
The ghosts and monsters start to creep.
When mom comes in, there’s not a peep;
Only shadows from the streetlights glare.
When I turn on the light, there’s nothing there.
In the morning, the sun awakes me.
Then to school my mother takes me.
All through the day, there’s nothing said about the monsters in my bed.
I love the dark, I love the light,
sunny day, starry night.
The Contest
By Tracey Farrar
As Blake stood up to walk to the podium, her legs felt like jelly. Although she had practiced reading her poem everyday for about three weeks, she was still nervous. As she began to speak, her mouth was as dry as sand. Then she looked out into the audience and saw her mother, grandmother and her favorite teacher and dramatic reading coach, and she was confident again. Blake recited her poem the way she had practiced and then she took her seat. She didn’t have to wait long to hear the judges announce the winner. At first, Blake thought she was imagining that her name had been called. She was sure, when she heard her teacher scream with delight. Blake had never smiled so hard in her life.
Moving
By Tracey Farrar
Clarke decided she would never go outside again. How could her mother just take them away from their house and friends like that? It wasn’t fair. Clarke’s brother and sister loved their old house. As she sat on the window seat looking out at all the strange children running by, she thought about her best friend, Dana, who is now a billion miles away. “Clarke, someone wants to see you,” her mother called. She didn’t hear the doorbell. It’s probably my aunt who tries to hug me to death, Clarke thought. She got up and walked down the hall. Her eyes lit up when she saw Dana standing by the front door. Her mother had invited her over to cheer Clarke up!
Seeing Outside The Stained Glass Window
By Backcourt Foundation
All night, Brandon ran around the house reading his “Little Red Book.” Just before bedtime, he asked, “Mom, can I wear my favorite red sweater to school tomorrow?” “Of course,” she said. And, Brandon drifted happily off to sleep. When he awoke, he was still smiling. “You look like you had a good night’s sleep,” said Mom. “I dreamed that I was reading my book at school today,” Brandon said. Mom smiled too. Then, she told Brandon to look out the front window. It was snowing and school was closed. “Why don’t you put on your red boots and hat and help Dad shovel the walkway?” said Mom. “I rather just watch from here,” Brandon answered. So, there he sat, looking through the stained glass window, remembering the words of his teacher: “Don’t forget to bring your favorite book to school tomorrow for our Read to Achieve Fun Day.” Brandon’s mom knew how much he had been looking forward to this special day at school. And, she knew the forecast for snow that day, so she had called his school to ask for a picture of last year’s Read to Achieve Fun Day. The teacher was happy to help. “Would you like to have your Read to Achieve Fun Day at home today?” she asked. “Really?” asked Brandon. “Yes!” said Mom as she placed Brandon’s picture from last year’s Read to Achieve Fun Day on the window. Without another word, Brandon hopped up the stairs and quickly pulled his favorite red sweater over his head. Then he and his mom and dad read the “Little Red Book” together. The End.
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