Alex Edelman

Pretty Penny is a story of self-identification and discovery of self-worth as told by a newly minted penny. In the process of comparing itself to other coins, in humorous rhyme, it explores the issues of its own value, purpose, and usefulness in society. As it overhears a conversation between a father and son, it gains knowledge and self-confidence about its role and the service that it would provide. The story should serve as a metaphor for our...

"Upward Bound is not a place anyone dreams of spending their days. The dreary adult daycare center for Los Angeles's disabled community is, for many of its clients and staff, a place of last resort. This includes Carlos, a young aide who lost his mother as a boy and now works there alongside his beloved sister Delia; Jorge, the gentle nonverbal giant whom Carlos seeks to befriend (and prevent from escaping); Tom, a beautiful young man with cerebral...