Bridge Builders

Two kids from rival neighborhoods are paired together for a school project to build a model bridge. They must overcome prejudice and learn to trust each other.

Mia Chen lived on the east side of Ridgemont, in a neighborhood called Hilltop. She loved building things — birdhouses, go-karts, even a treehouse she designed herself. 'If I can picture it, I can build it,' she always told herself. Her room was full of sketches, rulers, and glue sticks.

Today was the first day back at school after winter break, and Mia was excited. Her favorite class, Design Lab, was starting a big new project. 'Please be something huge,' she whispered as she packed her bag. 'Something real.'

'Mia, breakfast!' her mom called from downstairs.

'No time!' Mia shouted back. She grabbed her backpack and headed out the door into the cold morning air.