Option 2: Write a reimagining of a fairy tale, and set it in either Southern or Eastern Asia
In this option you will be rewriting a well-known fairy tale (like Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, etc.) using things you have learned in your Social Studies class: like geographic & cultural features
Your story should include at least 3 images
Link to the detailed guidelines for this option: Click Here
To see an example portfolio for this option, Click Here (Please remember that for this portfolio option you also have to submit your answers to the Cinderella questions to the dropbox too)
But, make it look like a 7th grader wrote it
Title: The Lotus Maiden
Once upon a time, in a small village on the outskirts of Southern Asia, there lived a young girl named Mei. Mei was known for her kind heart, unfaltering optimism, and her love for nature. She lived with her stepmother and stepsister, who treated her as their servant and made her work tirelessly.
One day, a royal proclamation arrived in the village announcing that the Emperor's son, Prince Li Wei, would be hosting a grand festival, and all the maidens of the land were invited to attend. The prince would choose his bride from among the maidens in attendance. Mei dreamed of attending the festival, but her stepmother and stepsister laughed and mocked her for daring to think she would have a chance.
Determined not to let their cruel words extinguish her hope, Mei set off secretly towards the festival. As she journeyed through the lush landscapes and picturesque mountains of Southern Asia, she encountered a wise old woman. The woman, sensing Mei's pure heart, gifted her with a magical lotus pod.
"This pod will bloom into a beautiful lotus flower," the old woman said. "Wear the lotus upon your breast, and its enchantments will guide you towards your destiny."
With gratitude in her heart, Mei continued her journey, the lotus pod glowing faintly in her hands. As she arrived at the festival, she noticed that all the maidens were adorned in extravagant gowns and jewelry, each hoping to capture the attention of Prince Li Wei.
Mei, wearing humble attire, felt a pang of doubt. But then, she remembered the old woman's words and gently placed the magical lotus flower upon her breast. To her amazement, the lotus blossomed into shimmering petals, transforming her attire into a magnificent gown, more enchanting than anyone could imagine.
As Mei made her way through the festival, her radiance caught the eye of Prince Li Wei. Drawn to her inner beauty and grace, he asked her to dance. They danced under the twinkling stars, their steps perfectly in sync, and their hearts intertwined.
Meanwhile, Mei's stepmother and stepsister noticed her beauty and popularity, and grew jealous. Desperate to secure the prince's attention for themselves, they devised a plan to sabotage Mei's chances. They secretly met with a wicked sorceress who promised to help them.
On the night of the grand ball, just as Mei and Prince Li Wei were about to confess their love for each other, the wicked sorceress appeared, her dark magic entwining the couple in an impenetrable mist. Mei's stepmother and stepsister emerged, revealing their true intentions.
The sorceress used her powers to transform Mei into a lotus flower, hoping to hide her away forever. However, the strength of Mei's love and her pure heart broke through the sorceress's spell, allowing her spirit to remain present within the flower.
Prince Li Wei, heartbroken and determined, sought the wise old woman who had gifted Mei the magical lotus pod. She revealed to him that true love can withstand any obstacle, and guided him towards the temple where the enchanted flower rested.
At the temple, Prince Li Wei found the beautiful lotus flower and vowed to protect Mei's spirit. He placed the flower in a sacred basin filled with pure water, and as he did, the lotus transformed back into Mei, more radiant than ever.
Their love triumphed over darkness, and together they returned to the village where Mei's stepmother and stepsister were banished for their wickedness. Mei and Prince Li Wei lived a joyful life, spreading love and compassion throughout their kingdom, forever grateful for the magic of the lotus.
Images:
1. Mei receiving the magical lotus pod from the wise old woman.
2. Mei in her transformed gown, dancing with Prince Li Wei at the grand festival, under the starlit sky.
3. Prince Li Wei placing the enchanted lotus flower in the sacred basin, as Mei regains her true form within.