This piece depends on its strong, admirable protagonist, Artie Folse, who refuses to say die. As other homes fester and are torn down around his, he gets to work and, a year after Hurricane Katrina, is close to returning his … Read more
As we read this series, we thought of Chip Scanlan’s discussion of using private records for insights into characters. This entire series is, in a sense, based on the private records of struggling kids. Through Snyder’s reporting on a … Read more
We love the humor in this piece, the light touch, the human, almost self-deprecating voice. It’s folksy and sophisticated at once—a lovely, complete little memoir. Read “A Life Without Left Turns,” by Michael Gartner … Read more
This tour de force pursues two basic lines of narrative: a more intimate story in an Illinois gas station, where its workers struggle and customers complain as gas prices climb. A larger narrative is international. Salopek managed to get access … Read more
Betsy Perez wants to go away to college. She overcomes obstacles and does. We admired this piece in part because it portrays character so effectively and efficiently. It’s also a neat example of showing, in few words, a sympathetic character … Read more
In her comments on this story on the Journal Star’s Web site, Lange-Kubick writes, "We hoped that one family’s journey might illuminate a larger truth: How difficult it is to gain legal status and how far love will travel to … Read more
This piece includes an excellent focus on one thoughtful, smart, sympathetic character. His character arc is strong. We liked the beginning of the piece: It establishes conflict right away, gets us involved in the character’s struggle. We thought the battle … Read more
We admired the lively writing in this piece and Lake’s smart take on its subject. More than just an entertaining story about a man with an unusual job, it’s got theme: Old Florida v. New Florida, and the ironies that … Read more
This is a piece with a somewhat boilerplate topic: a child in need of radical surgery and her mother’s emotional struggles. But we thought Theriault did well in reporting for the thoughts and feelings of the mother. The piece, Theriault … Read more
This short narrative tells a wonderful, heartwarming tale; it’s built on essential, particular details; it pursues themes—in this case, of generosity, goodwill and small-town charm. Add Barry’s genius for structuring his reader’s experience, his easy voice, and you’ve got an … Read more
