KIDS FIRST! Screenplay Titles

KIDS FIRST! has endorsed 238 total Screenplay titles

Below are up to 26 of them

KIDS FIRST! has linked to external websites through which you may order many of the KIDS FIRST! endorsed titles

This title is in the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival - it may not be a regular, endorsed title

DARBY PETTY AND THE LOST TREASURE - D.C. SAYRE
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - Held captive by an underground clan of ancient Celtic warriors, a sticky-fingered, young girl races against time, creatures, and crooks, to steal a priceless artifact from a museum and save the world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Darby, 12 years old and an orphan, lives with a somewhat superstitious Irish grandmother who owns an ancient Celtic harp. She wants to leave the coastal town to return to America and will steal jewelry to do this. Magic intercedes as Darby becomes involved with the hidden realm of Leprechauns and their magic ancient treasure sought after by sinister greedy antique dealers of the upper realm of the coastal town. Darby even plunks the Celtic harp, saving the Leprechaun world from the savage snake. Her cleverness stops the evil tortures imposed by the antique dealers. Ultimately Darby becomes a young girl secure in her own self, her strengths and the love of her grandmother. She also is accepted as family in the realm of the Leprechauns. The last scene sums up the resolution of all the conflicts within this colorful fantasy adventure story 'as in the last gleam of daylight, Darby, Roy, his children Beagan and Molly are seated appearing as silhouettes in a serene Irish horizon like gargoyles on a castle. We give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Darby, 12 years old and an orphan, lives with a somewhat superstitious Irish grandmother who owns an ancient Celtic harp. She wants to leave the coastal town to return to America and will steal jewelry to do this. Magic intercedes as Darby becomes involved with the hidden realm of Leprechauns and their magic ancient treasure sought after by sinister greedy antique dealers of the upper realm of the coastal town. Darby even plunks the Celtic harp, saving the Leprechaun world from the savage snake. Her cleverness stops the evil tortures imposed by the antique dealers. Ultimately Darby becomes a young girl secure in her own self, her strengths and the love of her grandmother. She also is accepted as family in the realm of the Leprechauns. The last scene sums up the resolution of all the conflicts within this colorful fantasy adventure story 'as in the last gleam of daylight, Darby, Roy, his children Beagan and Molly are seated appearing as silhouettes in a serene Irish horizon like gargoyles on a castle. We give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

REBORN - NICK TONEY
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - When a courageous young orphan is reincarnated as a sea turtle, he and his newfound friends must save an aquatic city and triumph over its stubborn dictator while simultaneously overcoming the strenuous, dire obstacles presented by the ocean's excessive pollution.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - With ingenuity in action and clever dialogue Reborn follows three sea turtles as they realize they have been reborn from a previous human life. Under the direction of a concerned octopus they form a team determined to remove a dying aquatic colony away from the pollution and dictatorship of its ruling Vampire Squid into a fresh new aquatic fish colony, free of corruption. Reborn addresses the crisis of ocean pollution and, as an animated feature film, it could drive home the idea that necessary solutions can be found in teamwork, family awareness and action. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars, accept it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - With ingenuity in action and clever dialogue Reborn follows three sea turtles as they realize they have been reborn from a previous human life. Under the direction of a concerned octopus they form a team determined to remove a dying aquatic colony away from the pollution and dictatorship of its ruling Vampire Squid into a fresh new aquatic fish colony, free of corruption. Reborn addresses the crisis of ocean pollution and, as an animated feature film, it could drive home the idea that necessary solutions can be found in teamwork, family awareness and action. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars, accept it for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival and recommend it for ages 8 to18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

STUMPERLAND - ROBERT LUGTO
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGE 8-12
Description - Stumperland's very own Woodward Stumpingham enlists the help of two orphan boys, two chimpanzee brothers, and two duly trucks to become part of his Positive Force Team in order to fight humanity's doom and downfall - the Negators.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The story of Stumperland has potential and could be really outstanding if a few things get worked out. The characters, even though they may be animated, need to feel real - with emotions and insecurities. Mitch and Mikey seem a little too well-adjusted for kids who have lost their parents. Mitch may be a jock/hero at school, but - he's a guy who talks to trees - that's got to make him somewhat of a weird element in his social group.

The threat to the forest needs to set a tension that motivates the characters. It makes Woodward anxious to get humans on board and it probably makes Mitch angry. These are the energies that create action. Don't hold back on the emotion. It's vital for engaging your audience. Push the drama.

Hold back on the number of characters. Think about what the camera sees. You don't want lines of characters standing around on set - and the producer won't want to pay for them. If this is a pilot, think about the next couple of episodes and the challenges Mitch, Mikey and the team will face. That will help you focus more on setting them on the right path in this script.

Embrace the fantasy. Bring in the magic. Whether this is going to be a live action / animated hybrid (think Alice in Wonderland) or fully animated, you need to think about the world you're creating and make it clear and believable to your audience -- and to the director/producer - by writing it in the story. You want your narrative to briefly, but beautifully, set the scene and the actor's dialog to reveal the conflict. Don't over-write. Learn to choose your words. Break up long dialog with bits of action. And speak your dialog out loud as you write it. You'll be surprised at what comes out. Aaron Sorkin once told a story about how he was writing an argument out loud and broke his nose on a mirror as he was yelling into it.

Also - pilots generally end with cliff hangers. A band on the beach, while fun, isn't a cliff hanger - unless there's a bomb in the bass drum. If this is actually an animated feature, then you have to fill up another seventy-five pages or so.

I give Stumperland 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #10.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The story of Stumperland has potential and could be really outstanding if a few things get worked out. The characters, even though they may be animated, need to feel real - with emotions and insecurities. Mitch and Mikey seem a little too well-adjusted for kids who have lost their parents. Mitch may be a jock/hero at school, but - he's a guy who talks to trees - that's got to make him somewhat of a weird element in his social group.

I give Stumperland 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #10.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THADDEUS THACKERAY - ADAM MCDANIEL
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-12
Description - Award-winning buddy comedy set in 1943, where 14 year-old Judson Conover dreams of sharing adventures with his favorite cartoon movie hero, Dublin McGinn. But when he mysteriously switches bodies with McGinn's comic sidekick, diminutive English teenage genius Thaddeus Thackeray, Judson realizes that surviving animated serials is MUCH harder than it looks. Meanwhile, Thackeray - lost within an all-too-real world at war - must figure out how to set things right. And the only one who can possibly help him is Judson's best friend, Kenny, who isn't quick to believe Thaddeus' rather fantastical story.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a story set in two different worlds: the fantasy world of a 1940s animated movie serial, and the real world (if you dare call any movie setting "real") of a small suburban American town during WWII. To quote from the author: Script is a story set in two different worlds: the fantasy world of a 1940s animated movie serial, and the real world (if you dare call any movie setting "real") of a small suburban American town during WWII. Worlds can blend and one is wise not to "underestimate the power of love that can transcend life and death."

In spite of occasional seemingly excessive descriptions by the writer presenting the characters and scenes to the extent of directing, the script unfolds cleverly.

Script has commercial potential. Author presents his choice for animation throughout for both the 'movie reel' and the 'real world' as 'souls are interchanged and they have to live in different bodies.' The script provides sets from 'stone carved ancient tombs and caves' to alleys to school settings to WWII scenes. It is a vivid script where two young men belonging to different worlds make the same wish at the same time.

Key characters have unique qualities and dialogue. Judson (real world) is 14, big ears, buck teeth and loves adventure. Kenny, his friend, is smart, bored by the movie thinking it 'going downhill', shy with girls. Hunter, their bully is mean. Thaddeus, 17, (of the movie screen world) is short, scrawny, English dialect, an adventurer with his father's diary, Dublin McGinn is his friend, muscular, Indian Jones 'without the brains' but who proves himself invaluable. Debaucherie is sinister who wants to steal the crown from Thaddeus. Tone of the script is light, although there are deathly excursions with cobras, dismembered limbs floating like vines in the air, molten lava, and stolen Cadillacs. Yet within these moments each triumph is significant. There are continuous dialogues back and forth - amusing easy and sincere camaraderie. Even the inability of Kenny to dance and communicate with a girl is helped by his new friend Thaddeus, 'be sensitive to women'. Multiple ages would enjoy the action and emotional confidence developed in the characters. Each of the two heroes experiences a reunion with the energy of a deceased brother and parent. Thaddeus realizes that he is 'terrified that he won't always be able to save his friend, Dublin' He switched places because he wanted to be anywhere else than to see that happen. Judson allowed mean Hunter to take the rabbit's foot to save his friend Kenny. Two worlds, four different young men, two soul exchanges. The journey back home.

Pacing has been explained above. At times pacing is confusing and takes a very short detour due to the parallel stories existing side by side. The humor, especially the more streetwise of Judson, is fun and adds vitality and a good banter to the more formal speech of Thaddeus. Ultimately the story remains intact and a compelling read.

I give this screenplay 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend for ages 8 to12, Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a story set in two different worlds: the fantasy world of a 1940s animated movie serial, and the real world (if you dare call any movie setting "real") of a small suburban American town during WWII. To quote from the author: Script is a story set in two different worlds: the fantasy world of a 1940s animated movie serial, and the real world (if you dare call any movie setting "real") of a small suburban American town during WWII. Worlds can blend and one is wise not to "underestimate the power of love that can transcend life and death."

In spite of occasional seemingly excessive descriptions by the writer presenting the characters and scenes to the extent of directing, the script unfolds cleverly.

I give this screenplay 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend for ages 8 to12, Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CALLIE POLLY-OLI COW - ROBERT LUGTO
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - This book is the first of a series for this author. These books referred to as ALPHABET SOUP ANIMAL SERIES are a compilation of tongue-twister stories about animals. The stories over dramatize the use of words that begin with one particular alphabet letter. Callie-Polly-Oli Cow is an example. The letter 'C' is dominant. The result is a unique tale about a cow. Look for more stories to follow! Then, add books to your collection. The final result will be your child's first set of encyclopedias with bright, dynamic and colorful pictures. Your child will be introduced to an advanced vocabulary; and as a toddler or elementary student; have great fun reading as a result of the tongue twisters!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Callie Cow, referred to as a 'dame', is lively. She is looking for a suitor and has particular tastes. Why she wants one is never made clear except she does. As a character she is strong and visual as is Captain Clam who wins her heart. A weakness is in the lack of character description such as with Captain Clam who becomes enamored of Cally Polly from a newspaper photograph. His physical appearance is not provided. The combination of narrator, character interaction with the audience, overuse of alliteration is confusing and weakens the slender storyline. We give this screenplay 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Callie Cow, referred to as a 'dame', is lively. She is looking for a suitor and has particular tastes. Why she wants one is never made clear except she does. As a character she is strong and visual as is Captain Clam who wins her heart. A weakness is in the lack of character description such as with Captain Clam who becomes enamored of Cally Polly from a newspaper photograph. His physical appearance is not provided. The combination of narrator, character interaction with the audience, overuse of alliteration is confusing and weakens the slender storyline. We give this screenplay 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

POOF! - WAYNE BALTZ
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGE 5-12
Description - POOF! is an imaginative, kids-scaled fantasy/adventure with splashes of comedy and drama throughout. Told from a kid's-eye-view, it takes place "in the neighborhood," and the only special effect is invisibility. This script is adapted from the 1st book of our published 3-title "Invisible Kid" book series (we own all rights) that we've been taking to elementary & middle schools for some years. Very popular with the 80,000 kids we've visited with! And at every appearance the most common, breathless question we hear is, "Are you going to make a movie of this?!" This live-action feature stands alone as a complete and satisfying story or, like our books, can be the 1st of a series of 3.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - There is so much to love about this script; it's worth letting it expand to its full potential. The presence of magic unleashes kids' ability to see beyond their world. It expands their perception of what's possible. For adults it does the same but it also carries the burden of hope, a hope beyond hope that transcends their life experience of constraint and limitation. A screenplay about magic needs to blow out those walls that keep us from believing. To do that, a writer can't let life limit him or her. This is drama. This is fantasy. A screenwriter has got to be unafraid of elevating the emotion that will capture the audience and make the story transcend the normal. This means the storyteller should almost have a presence. The narrator should find the situations Casey encounters just as amazing as she does. There should be more magic, more enthusiasm, in the narrative voice - not a wide-eyed magical tone but more anticipation. - a tone that sets up important scenes with greater tension.

And pictures. Tell us the story in pictures. Ramp the tension with settings that feel uneasy. Make the lurking SUV scarier - even appearing in the background in scenes where it currently isn't included. Give us Casey's face at the beginning, enraptured by her TV screen; the stuttering blue light flashing on her wide eyes - maybe with spooky music - as the shadowy figure comes up the stairs. Again, look at the pictures Spielberg uses to set a scene before we even know what it's going to be about.

Casey's arc. And at the end, Casey should finish her arc by being a changed person - someone different than the Casey who started. To a very great degree you have accomplished this. When Terence is in his shop, Casey does show us how magic has become a part of her understanding of life - that dreams do come true. It just needs to be a higher ending - more emotional. Of course, Terence, the Leprechaun has made everything work, but Casey and our understanding of how things work in life is altered - more inclusive of the possibility of magic. And we all need the possibility of magic in our lives.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars, recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - There is so much to love about this script; it's worth letting it expand to its full potential. The presence of magic unleashes kids' ability to see beyond their world. It expands their perception of what's possible. For adults it does the same but it also carries the burden of hope, a hope beyond hope that transcends their life experience of constraint and limitation. A screenplay about magic needs to blow out those walls that keep us from believing. To do that, a writer can't let life limit him or her. This is drama. This is fantasy. A screenwriter has got to be unafraid of elevating the emotion that will capture the audience and make the story transcend the normal. This means the storyteller should almost have a presence. The narrator should find the situations Casey encounters just as amazing as she does. There should be more magic, more enthusiasm, in the narrative voice - not a wide-eyed magical tone but more anticipation. - a tone that sets up important scenes with greater tension.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars, recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

BIKE, THE - TIMOTHY BENSON
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGE 5-12
Description - A ten-year-old boy's quest for his dream bike takes some interesting and unexpected turns.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A young African/American boy works odd jobs to buy a Rocket Bike for Christmas. Although faced daily with abuse from bullies that are intent on ruining his dreams, he is guided by the love of his mom and the wisdom of the toy shop owner to instead, secretly help the very family whose son was his main tormentor. The two young adversaries become free of the need to torment or the need to be defensive in fear and become allies who can work side by side.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A young African/American boy works odd jobs to buy a Rocket Bike for Christmas. Although faced daily with abuse from bullies that are intent on ruining his dreams, he is guided by the love of his mom and the wisdom of the toy shop owner to instead, secretly help the very family whose son was his main tormentor. The two young adversaries become free of the need to torment or the need to be defensive in fear and become allies who can work side by side.
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

LEGEND AND THE VITAMITES - LISA PHA G
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-14
Description - A gifted new student uses the power of animation to control his social anxiety and find a place to fit in among skater friends.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is a good first effort at trying to integrate healthy eating into everyday life, and the idea of using an animated / live action approach is a good one. But, it's not new and because of that it needs an approach that is completely compelling and eye-opening.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This is a good first effort at trying to integrate healthy eating into everyday life, and the idea of using an animated / live action approach is a good one. But, it's not new and because of that it needs an approach that is completely compelling and eye-opening.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

ALIEN TRAITOR - ANDREW CAHILL-LLOYD
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - Two aliens from the planet Aeon, Bjorn and Zorn, witness the destruction of Planet Earth in 2032. They set out to stop the coming disaster, with the assistance of a small band of misfits, as they piece things together, they discover a fellow Aeonite, Dorian is pushing back against their efforts, to enable religious zealots to maintain their control in a rather hypocritical manner. Bjorn and Zorn begin a chess match with Dorian for control of Earth's destiny. Will Bjorn and Zorn win or lose or will it end in a stalemate. Bjorn and Zorn and their human friends, meet many interesting characters along the way and they discover a lot about the Universe and themselves. The journey takes them to many locations, both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial, and seventy thousand light years from home. When Planet Earth disappears for the third time, it's time for destiny changing decisions.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Alien Traitor addresses the dilemma of one minority holding the rest of mankind hostage by avoiding the outside galaxy. Earth is worth saving. Traitors exist. Written in three acts, this story is about outer space, time travel, intergalactic control, spies, animal to human shape-shifters, robots that battle over planet Earth's control by multiple religious leaders seeking power and financial gain. The shape-shifters want to keep the Earth from a future explosion and self-destruction. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus Adults. Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Alien Traitor addresses the dilemma of one minority holding the rest of mankind hostage by avoiding the outside galaxy. Earth is worth saving. Traitors exist. Written in three acts, this story is about outer space, time travel, intergalactic control, spies, animal to human shape-shifters, robots that battle over planet Earth's control by multiple religious leaders seeking power and financial gain. The shape-shifters want to keep the Earth from a future explosion and self-destruction. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus Adults. Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CHILAQUILES - ROCKY NGUYEN
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-18
Description - Marie, a second-grader, asks her mom to buy her Lunchables just like the other kids at school. Mom decides to teach her a lesson.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This fits the criteria for KIDS FIRST! although, it should be noted that it is not a full screenplay. Strengths: Young people from different cultures in a school environment are the focal point. This 10 page vignette uses tamales and the more predictable packaged lunchables to make the point that something different is worth keeping and trying. Weaknesses: Dialogue is secondary to the extensive descriptions used for action scenes. Reviewed by Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This fits the criteria for KIDS FIRST! although, it should be noted that it is not a full screenplay. Strengths: Young people from different cultures in a school environment are the focal point. This 10 page vignette uses tamales and the more predictable packaged lunchables to make the point that something different is worth keeping and trying. Weaknesses: Dialogue is secondary to the extensive descriptions used for action scenes. Reviewed by Juror #11, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CONGRESS KID - WILLIAM HODGES
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 10-18
Description - After boldly qualifying and winning a special election with the help of a mentoring experienced politician, a bright ten-year-old independent congressman from Indiana has just thirty days to make his mark in Washington. Facing the scrutiny and ridicule of his House colleagues as well as heavy resistance from a plotting, power hungry K-Street lobbyist, the young boy must decide whether to continue escaping the turmoil of Capitol Hill in order to see the sights of the nation's capitol or to get down to business and pass meaningful, historic legislation. With the help of his campaign manage and the K-street lobbyist who has a change of heart, the boy passes legislation for his home town and returns to a hero's parade
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The script gives value to a young boy's wish to make things better for his mom and he also provides for the community. His goal is for advanced farming technology to be given to them. Perhaps an unlikely achievement for a ten-year-old, the story nonetheless allows for the possibility of such a thing happening. The young man uses his intelligence and alertness of what is around him, does not give up, listens to his good older friend as a guide, and stays with the truth of his goal. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The script gives value to a young boy's wish to make things better for his mom and he also provides for the community. His goal is for advanced farming technology to be given to them. Perhaps an unlikely achievement for a ten-year-old, the story nonetheless allows for the possibility of such a thing happening. The young man uses his intelligence and alertness of what is around him, does not give up, listens to his good older friend as a guide, and stays with the truth of his goal. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

PHATAMOS - PISARNO D'AMICO
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - A first responder, whose young son receives radiation, risks promotion by joining forces with an animated plushie to rescue forsaken stuffed animals.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Phantamos is the story of a magical stuffed toy that is thrown away and then rescued by two first responders - one of whom presents the toy to his young son who is undergoing chemotherapy. This rescued Two first responders (partners) have a side project of saving tossed out 'plushies,' better known as children's stuffed treasures. One partner, taking a newly rescued plushie to his son who suffers from cancer treatments, realizes all too soon that this strange looking child's toy is no ordinary stuffed animal, but one of magic that can talk, walk, read and tell stories.

Phantamos, magically animated at creation, uses his gift for the good in his friendship with the young Finn, as if this was meant to be.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus Adults. Reviewed by Juror #11
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Phantamos is the story of a magical stuffed toy that is thrown away and then rescued by two first responders - one of whom presents the toy to his young son who is undergoing chemotherapy. This rescued Two first responders (partners) have a side project of saving tossed out 'plushies,' better known as children's stuffed treasures. One partner, taking a newly rescued plushie to his son who suffers from cancer treatments, realizes all too soon that this strange looking child's toy is no ordinary stuffed animal, but one of magic that can talk, walk, read and tell stories.

Phantamos, magically animated at creation, uses his gift for the good in his friendship with the young Finn, as if this was meant to be.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus Adults. Reviewed by Juror #11
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

AUTISM THE HAPPY KINGDOM - YADIRA CALDERON
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Description - The Royal Family of Autism must decide to remain in their castle or show everyone there is no need to be afraid of being different.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This story, as the author states in voiceover, is dedicated to the magic of autism. The characters belong to kingdoms and are kings, queens, princes and princesses, yet the children are kept apart through the parental fear of differences. A party is planned, kingdoms accepted and the beauty of it, the sheer art of it, these reluctant families learn how much they are just like each other, only with different sets of problems. The resolution is real, not overworked or preachy, and is as simple as initiating programs to benefit the community or simply sitting on a bench together watching the sunset. I give this screenplay 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Linda C., KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This story, as the author states in voiceover, is dedicated to the magic of autism. The characters belong to kingdoms and are kings, queens, princes and princesses, yet the children are kept apart through the parental fear of differences. A party is planned, kingdoms accepted and the beauty of it, the sheer art of it, these reluctant families learn how much they are just like each other, only with different sets of problems. The resolution is real, not overworked or preachy, and is as simple as initiating programs to benefit the community or simply sitting on a bench together watching the sunset. I give this screenplay 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. Reviewed by Linda C., KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

MASTER AND THE ROSE, THE - JIM KUEHNIS
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - A low-caste Indian boy searches for joy by studying an ancient stone arch, which leads to encounters with a mysterious wizard. The arch's secrets are revealed by completing five challenges, but a narcissistic British soldier pursuing the wizard stands in the way.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The ending sums of the screenplay of a young boy, born into the untouchable caste of an old system declared unjust in 1948 yet still present today, searching to better himself, gain respect through increased wealth and step outside of his caste. He is guided by the great mystic and her rose if he chooses to listen. The screenplays purpose as author states is that life in it's brief course contains all the realities of our existence, but a day well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12-18., Reviewed by Juror #11
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The ending sums of the screenplay of a young boy, born into the untouchable caste of an old system declared unjust in 1948 yet still present today, searching to better himself, gain respect through increased wealth and step outside of his caste. He is guided by the great mystic and her rose if he chooses to listen. The screenplays purpose as author states is that life in it's brief course contains all the realities of our existence, but a day well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12-18., Reviewed by Juror #11
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

DON OF VIRGIL JR. HIGH, THE - DEON HAYMAN
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 12-18
Description - Based off the multi-award winning short film, and set in the early 1990's, during the golden era of Hip-Hop and Alternative Rock music: DONALD, a nerdy Junior high school kid, goes on a mission to gain popularity by any means necessary. He eventually succeeds and creates a band of geeks and outcasts, whom are forced to find ways to wittingly retaliate against their newfound rivals, the established popular kids.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Donald is a 12-year-old African-American junior high math team nerd sitting in the principal's office. His voiceover begins the story with the theme of power, bullying, hottie vs. plain. The film starts out in the cafeteria where the strata of jock and geek are clearly defined and the geeks are banned to sit on a pile of rocks at lunchtime. The screenplay takes this well-used theme of ridicule and creates interesting challenges with diverse characters providing a story with layered lessons from which adults could learn. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Donald is a 12-year-old African-American junior high math team nerd sitting in the principal's office. His voiceover begins the story with the theme of power, bullying, hottie vs. plain. The film starts out in the cafeteria where the strata of jock and geek are clearly defined and the geeks are banned to sit on a pile of rocks at lunchtime. The screenplay takes this well-used theme of ridicule and creates interesting challenges with diverse characters providing a story with layered lessons from which adults could learn. I give this screenplay 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

LONG WAY HOME, A - STEVEN BOGART
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGE 8-18
Description - An orphaned dragon raised by a duck must rediscover her true origins when a treacherous army threatens the only home she's ever known.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The idea of perceiving of oneself as an ugly duckling and then becoming a swan is not new, nor is the issue of domination of one culture over another. Set in a realm of magic and rare creatures along with the ordinary is a good approach to this age-old struggle.

A Long Walk Home addresses concerns for children (and adults) of fitting in, feeling left out and ugly, to understanding that one is often simply a fish out of water and is uniquely beautiful within. With the breaking and rejection of the manipulative Helmut, the characters obtain strength and identity. The story of a young dragon that is jettisoned as an egg into the unlikely hands of a compassionate woman who, living in a community of ducks, owls, guinea pigs, foxes and a French seagull, manages to raise her to "Be Brave" and overcome challenges in her journey to reunite with her birth family.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18., Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The idea of perceiving of oneself as an ugly duckling and then becoming a swan is not new, nor is the issue of domination of one culture over another. Set in a realm of magic and rare creatures along with the ordinary is a good approach to this age-old struggle.

I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18., Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CHRISTMAS TIME TRAVELERS, THE - TRAVIS PARK
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Description - The Christmas Time Travelers by L. M. Haynes is a very original and fascinating Christmas story - one which is definitely a unique twist on the First Christmas for kids growing up, especially if they are dog lovers!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A scientist, while showing his time machine to a young friend, is distracted by Christmas carolers and leaves his time machine unattended. His curious dogs enter and off they go 2000 years in time to discover a baby in a manger. They return with a bit of proof that the baby is Jesus. Will anyone believe it? Should the scientist tell the world? Only an Angel has the answer. Very interesting episodic story. I particularly like the involvement of an adult, such as the scientist, as a mentor who is patient, fun, educated, and has a sense of humor. I give Christmas Time Travelers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - A scientist, while showing his time machine to a young friend, is distracted by Christmas carolers and leaves his time machine unattended. His curious dogs enter and off they go 2000 years in time to discover a baby in a manger. They return with a bit of proof that the baby is Jesus. Will anyone believe it? Should the scientist tell the world? Only an Angel has the answer. Very interesting episodic story. I particularly like the involvement of an adult, such as the scientist, as a mentor who is patient, fun, educated, and has a sense of humor. I give Christmas Time Travelers 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

YOUNG LEONARDO - MARTA ANN JORGENSEN
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 8-18
Description - Eleven-year-old Leonardo da Vinci is the nerdy tech Dennis the Menace of the Renaissance. He lives in the sleepy hamlet of Vinci where he alternately amazes and terrorizes his family, father, Ser Piero and stepmother, Albiera. Most of his inventions are brilliant catastrophes but it's really not his fault. Every time he tries to be a normal boy who obeys the rules, his pet crow, Crow, whispers an incredibly great idea that's sure to work (this time). But no one believes that the crow keeps egging him on because Leonardo is the only one who hears him talking. Crow knows just how to tap into Leonardo's big dream of becoming the first human in history to fly. The boy is given an ultimatum...learn a trade!! So, his father sends him to Baker's Apprentice School in Florence. He's quickly thrown out for mischief. Starving and alone, Leo and Crow wander through Florence and find the Guiseppifruuti School of Art, where they meet the evil, flamboyant Guiseppifrutti (a 15th Century Salvador Dali type). Leo becomes a student. While there, he learns about the Master's plan to bomb Florence to destroy his rivals and also meets eleven-year-old, Lisa, a poor street girl who want to learn to paint. Leonardo and Lisa must save the day!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - As Leonardo catapults himself across the plaza to save his friend Mona Lisa and stop the bomb, a jealous master artisan made to ruin his competitor, the conflicts are all resolved. The script presents master artist, Leonardo da Vinci as an eleven-year-old whose belief in his art and invention arouses conflict at home with a restrictive step-mother. Although a loving father, Petro aligns with his wife which causes further conflict. The story takes form through new characters, actions, friendships and the reader experiences the mind of an historic master artist at a young age and how he became free to become the great master he was, with Mona Lisa at his side. It is an entertaining journey, even if fantasy, to see what Leonardo Da Vinci might have faced to become the great man he did.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - As Leonardo catapults himself across the plaza to save his friend Mona Lisa and stop the bomb, a jealous master artisan made to ruin his competitor, the conflicts are all resolved. The script presents master artist, Leonardo da Vinci as an eleven-year-old whose belief in his art and invention arouses conflict at home with a restrictive step-mother. Although a loving father, Petro aligns with his wife which causes further conflict. The story takes form through new characters, actions, friendships and the reader experiences the mind of an historic master artist at a young age and how he became free to become the great master he was, with Mona Lisa at his side. It is an entertaining journey, even if fantasy, to see what Leonardo Da Vinci might have faced to become the great man he did.
Juror Recommended Age: 8-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

TOY FACTORY - MICHAEL WHITTAKER
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Description - Children attending a new boarding school quickly realize that things are not as they seem. Ms. Kelly and her bumbling side kick are more like drill instructors than teachers, and just what are they hiding? Can the children outsmart their teachers? Can the children come together to work as a team? Most of all, can they discover the secret of the "Toy Factory"?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Families bring their nine-year-old daughters to a boarding school which is a front for something entirely different. It is a toy factory and assembly line inspired by two school leaders' sinister plan to kidnap Santa Claus. They want the only remaining toy outlet for Christmas and thus, money. The girls, through creative problem solving, manage to thwart the twisted plans of these two women once they come together as a team. The women ultimately go to jail and while the primary camp leader still hates everything including food and living things, her cohort decides she'd rather be kind than mean. The girls are reunited with their families. I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Families bring their nine-year-old daughters to a boarding school which is a front for something entirely different. It is a toy factory and assembly line inspired by two school leaders' sinister plan to kidnap Santa Claus. They want the only remaining toy outlet for Christmas and thus, money. The girls, through creative problem solving, manage to thwart the twisted plans of these two women once they come together as a team. The women ultimately go to jail and while the primary camp leader still hates everything including food and living things, her cohort decides she'd rather be kind than mean. The girls are reunited with their families. I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

MILEY CHASE THE SCIENCE ACE - LARRY LITTLE
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Description - Based on the musical - MILEY CHASE THE SCIENCE ACE. Miley Chase, a lonely, nerdy 10-year old science whiz, discovers the notes of her recently retired grandmother - a former mathematician and scientist - and builds a time machine. When Tyler -- her sports minded neighbor who thinks that science is dumb, accidentally activates the time machine -- they are catapulted back in time where they encounter future leaders as children and encourage them to follow their dreams and change the world.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The author takes the notion of time travel and puts it in the hands of a smart, scientific minded ten-year-old girl through an invention of a quirky grandmother. Fumbling with the machine, her shy school mate pushes the right button and they both time travel to ??? BC Alexandria, Egypt where they witness young Cleopatra racing her chariot, hounded by jealous brothers. The chariot crashes, Miley and Tyler befriend her, fix the chariot. Miley helps her with Cleo's low self-esteem, and together they form a friendship. The story ends with Miley and Tyler back in real time, in the gym with grandma, showing their gifts of an Egyptian scarab and a golden ring to grandma who is staying young on her treadmill. "It's about mind and body. You have to develop both." The audience can intuit future travels by all three in the future. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The author takes the notion of time travel and puts it in the hands of a smart, scientific minded ten-year-old girl through an invention of a quirky grandmother. Fumbling with the machine, her shy school mate pushes the right button and they both time travel to ??? BC Alexandria, Egypt where they witness young Cleopatra racing her chariot, hounded by jealous brothers. The chariot crashes, Miley and Tyler befriend her, fix the chariot. Miley helps her with Cleo's low self-esteem, and together they form a friendship. The story ends with Miley and Tyler back in real time, in the gym with grandma, showing their gifts of an Egyptian scarab and a golden ring to grandma who is staying young on her treadmill. "It's about mind and body. You have to develop both." The audience can intuit future travels by all three in the future. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 15, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CREEK DWELLER IN THE BAYOU, THE - MELISSA CAUDLE
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGE 5-12
Description - Seven cousins meet a magical creature in the Lousiana Bayou.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The script couches the lessons of listening to the rules, learning to play and watch out for one another, not judging a living being by its physical differences with colorful storytelling. Kindness towards one another is a sub-current of the script propels the adventure of children finding a magical creature who simply wants to play too and be kind. Surprise twist is that the grandmother knows this creek creature, which indeed, is another story she will share at another time. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The script couches the lessons of listening to the rules, learning to play and watch out for one another, not judging a living being by its physical differences with colorful storytelling. Kindness towards one another is a sub-current of the script propels the adventure of children finding a magical creature who simply wants to play too and be kind. Surprise twist is that the grandmother knows this creek creature, which indeed, is another story she will share at another time. I give this 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CATERPILLAR'S TALE, A - CARLOS PEREZ
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-10
Description - A young caterpillar, determined to learn why all his older friends go up the Great Tree and never come back down, takes off on a solo journey to climb the Great Tree and find out.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - For an animated short, this is worth pursuing. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. The characters are entertaining and diverse. Love exists. Caring exists. Challenge exits. It could be tighter, with less descriptive short story-type notations. The story of a cocoon to a butterfly has many usages. It shows the innocence of kids playing against the backdrop of a Giant Tree where older members go to what appears to be their final unexplained call or death. The truth behind this final unavoidable call is explored by the searcher of the group as he follows his friend up the tree. The author introduces elements of the natural food chain - the wasps, the spider, the praying mantis and the human being. Ultimately, nature cannot be stopped; cocoons give way to butterflies and, if you are lucky, as in this script, you will continue to experience love and fly away together as the two main characters that leave. Sadly or not, it is a concern not to be pursued and hence, the young caterpillars are no wiser than before and are by themselves. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - For an animated short, this is worth pursuing. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. The characters are entertaining and diverse. Love exists. Caring exists. Challenge exits. It could be tighter, with less descriptive short story-type notations. The story of a cocoon to a butterfly has many usages. It shows the innocence of kids playing against the backdrop of a Giant Tree where older members go to what appears to be their final unexplained call or death. The truth behind this final unavoidable call is explored by the searcher of the group as he follows his friend up the tree. The author introduces elements of the natural food chain - the wasps, the spider, the praying mantis and the human being. Ultimately, nature cannot be stopped; cocoons give way to butterflies and, if you are lucky, as in this script, you will continue to experience love and fly away together as the two main characters that leave. Sadly or not, it is a concern not to be pursued and hence, the young caterpillars are no wiser than before and are by themselves. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-10 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

SPENCER, 1928 - VERONICA TABARES
Series: SCREENPLAY
Description - It's 1928 and Edwin's birthday. He and his friends are camping out in the backyard to celebrate. This is new for Edwin, who has had trouble making friends at school. But Emma, Edwin's twin sister, isn't allowed to campout because she's a girl. She's told girls need to stay at home. When she complains to her brother he tells her it's "just how things are" and "boys do, girls watch." For revenge, Emma and her friends play an elaborate prank that makes the boys believe they are being haunted. It works and sends the tough boys running home, screaming. Only Edwin isn't running or screaming. He's missing.

Edwin has managed to dream himself to another world and a city made of circus tents. There he finds the inhabitants aren't human, but animal-like.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Myth has a tendency to embrace lessons and our understanding of the world. This script has a strong mythical element as travel to another universe suggests. The locations, designs, costumes, potential for visual storytelling in more than one media are enormous. The writer has taken a fantasy and blended it well with a seemingly simple family whose young son had disappeared. The family has secrets, which the young sister, his twin, intuitively knows and they, with determination, help her find her brother, sensing that he is in an unknown universe. They sense each other; she sees him on a dragon; he sees her searching. They connect emotionally. This connection becomes physical when she enters his universe, becoming very inventive in doing so. They work together; outsmarting the malicious circus Ringmaster of the new universe, finding the den for the sad stolen dragon, the home for a child and a little girl lost. Together the twins return home on the wings of a grateful master dragon. Upon their return and telling their story, the parents' secrets are revealed. The family becomes more unified in the truth about themselves and their acceptance and love for one another. The story is told boldly, with humor, color, surprise and multiple barriers to overcome - all in the service of traveling home. I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Myth has a tendency to embrace lessons and our understanding of the world. This script has a strong mythical element as travel to another universe suggests. The locations, designs, costumes, potential for visual storytelling in more than one media are enormous. The writer has taken a fantasy and blended it well with a seemingly simple family whose young son had disappeared. The family has secrets, which the young sister, his twin, intuitively knows and they, with determination, help her find her brother, sensing that he is in an unknown universe. They sense each other; she sees him on a dragon; he sees her searching. They connect emotionally. This connection becomes physical when she enters his universe, becoming very inventive in doing so. They work together; outsmarting the malicious circus Ringmaster of the new universe, finding the den for the sad stolen dragon, the home for a child and a little girl lost. Together the twins return home on the wings of a grateful master dragon. Upon their return and telling their story, the parents' secrets are revealed. The family becomes more unified in the truth about themselves and their acceptance and love for one another. The story is told boldly, with humor, color, surprise and multiple barriers to overcome - all in the service of traveling home. I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

PEARL OF WISDOM - MARLENE SHARP
Series: SCREENPLAY
Description - As the self-appointed head of her school's new 2-Steppers Comedy and Counseling Club, 12-year-old Pearl cuts a commanding presence. Under the noses of faculty, staff, parents, and cliques, Pearl assembles her angst-ridden peers into an unofficial group of humorists, who pan for proverbial comedy gold in the hills and valleys of middle school. The 2-Steppers use wit to anticipate and navigate (as in, handle/maneuver/finesse/weather the storm of) every manner of tween annoyance . . . from mundane homework assignments to epic family feuds. There are plenty of missteps, but no worries! These are elemental to the kids' work-in-progress, public comedy
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - There is a school, the Weeping Willow Middle School. Four kids that are not friends and actually have no friends, gather on broken down steps leading to nowhere. They are required by the school counselor to form a club, which they do, a rather unorthodox comedy club called the 2 Steppers Comedy. Pearl is selected to head this self-help group, a rather unorthodox group. The story is of the success, fears and problems of this group which creates its own language and acts out the kids' fantasies as they experience individual flashbacks, while attempting to create performances. I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - There is a school, the Weeping Willow Middle School. Four kids that are not friends and actually have no friends, gather on broken down steps leading to nowhere. They are required by the school counselor to form a club, which they do, a rather unorthodox comedy club called the 2 Steppers Comedy. Pearl is selected to head this self-help group, a rather unorthodox group. The story is of the success, fears and problems of this group which creates its own language and acts out the kids' fantasies as they experience individual flashbacks, while attempting to create performances. I give this script 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

JEREMY - JONATHAN TURNER SMITH
Series: SCREENPLAY, AGES 5-12
Description - Jeremy truly wants to do the right thing and stand up for what he believes in even if it means being tormented by the biggest bullies in school. But with the help of his new friend, Margaret, and her Native American Grandfather, he soon learns that bravery and courage can make a superhero out of anyone - even a third grader.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - For the record, it is difficult to give this screenplay a strict rating. I give the author credit for the characters and the initial concept. This script addresses how a young boy is introduced to bullying, Biblical readings in school and making friends. He finds support from his Bible reading and church active parents. With his new friend he learns about the Native American culture. Her grandfather gives Jeremy his animal name and tells of his personal acceptance of God as the one that allows his visions. Jeremy comes to terms with the bully and these lessons as the story progresses to the final scene. The grandfather is dying, yet expresses that he 'has overcome the world.' This screenplay seems written within its Biblical context, with the author's voice teaching children how best to cope with society in its last days. I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - For the record, it is difficult to give this screenplay a strict rating. I give the author credit for the characters and the initial concept. This script addresses how a young boy is introduced to bullying, Biblical readings in school and making friends. He finds support from his Bible reading and church active parents. With his new friend he learns about the Native American culture. Her grandfather gives Jeremy his animal name and tells of his personal acceptance of God as the one that allows his visions. Jeremy comes to terms with the bully and these lessons as the story progresses to the final scene. The grandfather is dying, yet expresses that he 'has overcome the world.' This screenplay seems written within its Biblical context, with the author's voice teaching children how best to cope with society in its last days. I give this 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #11.
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

CHRISTMAS KID, THE - CARMEN LINDSAY
Series: SCREENPLAY
Description - An orphaned boy wishing for family is visited by the real Saint Nicholas, who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas and help a depressed teacher learn to live again.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - An orphaned boy ends up in a group home, terribly missing his family he visited by the real Saint Nicholas who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas. In the process of doing so, he affects many people's lives including a depressed teacher and the caregiver at the group home.

Its greatest strengths are in the character development, particularly of the protagonist, Baker, but also of Sherry, the caretaker, Quin, her husband and the depressed teacher. Another strength is in the storyline and its uplifting ending. Its greatest weakness is that the scenes are oftentimes brief and choppy. Also, there is a lack of transition between some scenes which makes you wonder how "they got there."

There is definitely some commercial potential here. First, it has a Christmas theme, which is always popular. Second it has a Christian theme, which appeals to that niche market. Third, it addresses disenfranchised kids, struggling to survive in this world. To some degree it also addresses disenfranchised adults and their struggles. Last, it has an uplifting ending and a spirit of hope, which is paramount to what we look for at KIDS FIRST

The story concept is not entirely original, but it definitely has an original twist to it. Orphaned kids dealing with problems is a theme that goes back to decades, if not centuries, in storytelling. The success of the young boy as a YouTuber, is a contemporary twist. On one hand, the flashbacks to Baker with his parents provide a good backstory to what happened to his parents and how he was orphaned. However, the clarity of the plot falls short at other times. There are several times when the scene jumps from one to the next without a clear transition of what happened or why. An example is on page 56, when Baker suddenly moves into Val's apartment. We say him packing things up on the previous page/scene, but have no idea where he is going or with whom. That definitely needs some smoothing out. Another issue I have is "who got the money and why." All of a sudden Baker is an overnight success and the next thing we know Val is buying a house. Why did she get the money? There are strict laws about this in terms of child entertainers and I felt uncomfortable that Val suddenly can buy a house but we don't see Baker with money. Then, there's the issue of Baker's coughing while at Val's house and working in small, enclosed spaces with toxic chemicals. We never find out what caused Baker's coughing, but it's sort of implied that the chemicals might have caused that.

Structurally, it's pretty good, with the exception that there are too many very very short scenes and too many characters at the group home to keep track of. We are not really engaged in the group home boys, so following them is disadvantageous. It makes for a choppy flow in the story development. I think some of these could be eliminated without losing the gist of the story. The character description and development are definitely where this screenplays shines, particularly with Baker, the protagonist. His development is pretty believable as he slowly changes. Sherry, the caretaker at the group home is also well developed as is her husband Quin. Val and Hobbs are also pretty well defined and developed. The other boys from the group home are rather inconsequential, although how they came around to "rescue" him at the end was refreshing, especially since they had been so mean to him previously. It is very stereotypical that they only liked him once he became famous, so there is that to consider. I think most tweens and teens can easily relate to all of these characters.

The pace of the screenplay is pretty consistent and holds your interest. As stated before, my only issue is that it is sometimes very choppy and not all transitions are clear to the audience.

As far as accuracy, there may be some issues about things such as the social worker, Val, taking Baker in to life with her. I was more concerned about her benefitting financially from his success. Otherwise, it seems pretty on target.

Grammatically, there are a few errors, but for the most part it's entirely acceptable.

The only changes I would recommend are 1. Eliminate the choppiness and 2. Even out the transitions that are unclear.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - An orphaned boy ends up in a group home, terribly missing his family he visited by the real Saint Nicholas who inspires him to spread the true meaning of Christmas. In the process of doing so, he affects many people's lives including a depressed teacher and the caregiver at the group home.

The pace of the screenplay is pretty consistent and holds your interest. As stated before, my only issue is that it is sometimes very choppy and not all transitions are clear to the audience.

Grammatically, there are a few errors, but for the most part it's entirely acceptable.

The only changes I would recommend are 1. Eliminate the choppiness and 2. Even out the transitions that are unclear.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Juror #12, KIDS FIRST!
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18 Suggested Retail Price: $ Media:

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