The following is a list of writing contests for kids. We also maintain a list and resources for writing scholarships. You can find a list of upcoming writing-related contest and award deadlines for adults organized by date on the writing contests homepage.

This information is provided for parents of children looking for writing contests. You should be able to find more local writing contests for kids by checking with the library or with your child's teachers. Be sure to read any contest and/or submission guidelines carefully.

Cricket Magazine Contests
Cricket is a children's magazine. They run several fun writing contests for kids each year. The winners are published in the magazine.


Critical Junior Poet’s Award
The Critical Junior Poet’s Award was established to foster an interest in poetry in students between the ages of 13 and 18. The winner receives a $100 prize, $20 iTunes card and more.


EngineerGirl Writing Contest
This annual contest is sponsored by the EngineerGirl website. Contest details are posted each Fall with a deadline date that falls early the following year.


IEW Writing Contest
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) runs an annual contest for writers ages 8 to 18. The contest has three prizes levels with a first place prize of $100 for the student and a $100 IEW gift certificate for the parent or teacher.


It's All Write Teen Writing Contest
This writing contest for flash fiction and short stories is for students in grades 6 - 12. It has been run by the Ann Arbor District Library for over 25 years.


Jane Austen Society Essay Contest
The JASNA conducats an annual student essay contest to foster the study and appreciation of Jane Austen's work. It is open to high school, college and graduate school students.


NCTE Student Writing Awards
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) runs several awards and contests for children. They include the Achievement Awards in Writing and Promising Young Writers award.


NHPBS Kids Writers Contest
This writing contest is open to all kids in grades K-5. Children are asked to write and illustrate an original story. The word limit varies by grade level.


PBS SoCal Kids Writers Contest
This is an annual creative writing competition open to children in grades K-3. Winners are selected from each grade level and several categories.


Profile in Courage Essay Contest
This is an annual contest for student writers from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. It opens for submissions in early September.


Roald Dahl's Imaginormous Challenge
Roald Dahl's Imaginormous Challenge is looking for 100 word story ideas. It is open to children in the U.S. ages 5-12. The 2018 contest has a deadline of May 1, 2018.


Stone Soup
Stone Soup is not a contest but they do welcome submissions from children aged 13 or younger for possible publication in the magazine. They are looking for stories, poems and illustrations.


WQED Writers Contest
WQED runs an annual contest for young writers. The winning stories have been featured in books, podcasts and puppet productions.