We Read: Youth Voices Writers' Contest

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We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest is Open!

We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest at Madison Public Library 2024The theme for the 2024 Youth Voices Writing Contest is “Celebrate Small Heroes”! Every act of heroism, bravery, or kindness - no matter how small - matters. We can't wait to hear your stories of everyday acts of heroism and the impact they can have. 

The theme was chosen by this year’s youth ambassador, Diya Dwahal, who had this to say about the theme:

“In this world filled with injustices and chaos we often feel helpless, but you don’t have to save the world to be a hero. Our kindness and connection is what makes us human and I’m looking forward to seeing the small humanities and hidden heroes that make our world a better place.”

- Diya Dwahal, 2024 We Read Youth Ambassador 

Diya was chosen as this year's Youth Ambassador after winning last year's We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest for her story, The War of A Million Years. Diya is a sophomore at Middleton High School where she plays golf and is involved in a lot of clubs. Outside of school, Diya runs a robotics team, likes going to the gym, hanging out with her family and friends and reading mysteries. 

Age Groups:

  • Ages 9 and under | 500 words or less
  • Ages 10-13 | 750 words or less
  • Ages 14-18 | 1,000 words or less

WE ARE ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS APRIL 1 - JUNE 30, 2024

The Prizes

Submissions for the contest are judged by a community panel of judges. Three talented writers will be recognized for their achievements by: 

  • Being recognized on the field at Forward Madison's game on August 29, 2024
  • Receiving a prize package of Forward Madison swag
  • Having their stories published in the We Read Youth Voices Anthology, which will be available in every Madison Public Library location and Madison Metropolitan School District library location across the city
  • Featuring them at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration.
  • Having their work be shared via social media, the Forward Madison FC and Madison Public Library newsletters, and other community channels. 

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER also receives a $500 cash prize, while the two runners-up receive $250, and the three age category winners receive $100 each courtesy of the Madison Public Library Foundation. These prizes serve as investments in youth - the winner and their families are left to determine the best way to spend or save the funds.

Submission Form
If it is helpful to include the email address of a parent or guardian to also be notified if your piece is selected, please add one here.
If it is helpful to include the email address of another trusted adult - sibling, teacher, coach, etc - to also be notified if your piece is selected, please add one here.
Files must be less than 40 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png txt pdf doc docx odt.
I certify that the attached work for the We Read youth Voices Contest is the student writer’s own original work and was written in the previous year.
(please type your signature)
​If your piece is selected to be published, you will be asked to submit an audio recording of your piece and photo of yourself by July 31st to include in the publication. 
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About the Writing Contest

We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest Anthology 2021Since 2021, Madison Public Library, Forward Madison, and the Wisconsin Book Festival have partnered to support literacy and encourage youth to use their voices through the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest. The competition is for aspiring writers in the Madison area aged 18 and under to submit a short story, poem, song, etc. on a preselected topic. Each year the contest is judged by a handful of judges from the community and submissions are published in an anthology.

Check out last year's We Read Youth Voices Anthology and learn about the special reception held during the Fall Celebration of the Wisconsin Book Festival.

We Read is funded by Madison Public Library Foundation, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Dick Goldberg & Lisa Munro, and Jane Doughty & David Wood.

    Sponsor(s)

    This program was made possible in part by generous support from: