As of June 20, summer is upon us! And what does that mean? The kiddos will be home! Parents may be wondering how to keep their little ones entertained yet challenged over break. Encourage them to submit to a writing contest or a children’s magazine! Writing competitions can help improve communication skills, promote positive self-esteem and expression, and nourish a lifelong passion for creating. Plus, kids can earn recognition for their hard work! Read on for a round-up of 15 writing contests and children’s magazines geared toward youth.
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Bazoof
Children ages 8-12 years can submit short stories, poems and articles covering a wide range of topics including interviews, science topics, crafts, jokes, animals and more! Submissions may be published in the Digi-Mag, Planet Glak online platform or the BAZOOF! Blog.
Chicago Young Writers Review
Kids in grades K-8 can get published in this online magazine. The CYWR welcomes short stories, poems, song lyrics, screenplays and book excerpts (up to two chapters). They also occasionally hold writing contests, open to kids all around the world.
Digital Dreamers Magazine
Driven by a mission to harness the power of youth expression and enhance creative voices, the Digital Dreamers Magazine accepts writing, art, poetry and photography submissions from writers ages 10-25 years periodically for their online publication.
Future Scholar Foundation Competition
Elementary through high school students can choose between the short story competition or reading competition. Submission deadlines occur monthly on the 28th of the month and young writers who submit before the 20th of the month can receive feedback on their work.
INKSpire
Youth ages 14-29 years can apply to be a blog writer, covering a wide variety of content, including blog articles, features, interviews and creative writing. INKSpire focuses on creative work, art, science, social issues and profiles of inspiring leaders.
Write On!/ It’s All Write
Sponsored annually by the Ann Arbor District Library, this annual writing contest give young writers in grades 3-12 a chance to express themselves, get published online and win prizes! Kids in grades 3-5 can submit short stories, poetry and flash fiction to the “Write On!” Contest while teens in grades 6-12 can submit to the It’s All Write contest. Submissions are typically due between January-March, and are open to Michigan residents only.
Stone Soup Magazine
This nonprofit literary magazine shines a spotlight on writers ages 13 years and under. Kids can submit writing and art to the print/online magazine, monthly flash contests or summer book contest. Browse the beautiful themed issues here.
Skipping Stones Magazine
This multicultural literary magazine hosts a number of contests and awards, including the Youth Honor Awards, Book Awards, Haiku and Tanka contest, Celebrate America Writing Contest and 2023 Women in S.T.E.M. Fields Writing Contest. Kids ages 7-17 years can submit writing or art on multicultural awareness or nature appreciation to the Youth Honor Awards.
KidSpirit
This online magazine highlights diversity and inclusivity in young world citizens. Youth ages 11-17 can submit poetry, artwork or nonfiction articles related to specific themes. Upcoming magazine topics include: The School Experience and Music and Art.
PeerBagh
This unique nonprofit organizes a storytelling festival, workshops and writing contests for youth ages 6-14. Their purpose is to uplift BIPOC voices and inspire young writers of diverse backgrounds. Kids can submit to one of three annual writing competitions.
Magic Dragon Magazine
Bright colors and patterns make this magazine’s cover page pop! Published by the Association for Encouragement of Children’s Creativity, Magic Dragon is designed for the youngest readers and writers. The online/print magazine invites children ages 12 years and under to submit stories, essays and art.
Rattle Magazine
Young poets often present the most raw, spontaneous and bold expressions. This is precisely what Rattle seeks to select and publish in its young poets anthology, open to writers age 15 years and under.
Write Michigan
Michigan writers can flex their creative muscles and submit to this annual short story contest presented by Kent District Library. Youth ages 11 years and under and teens ages 12-17 years can submit in their respective categories between September and November. Awards include cash prizes and publication in an anthology.
SeaGlass Lit
Founded in 2021, this online journal publishes creatives ages 13-30. The publication accepts short stories, flash fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, digital art and traditional art.
The Betty Award
Open to children ages 8- 12 years, this bi-annual competition seeks original fiction, non-fiction or poetry entries from budding writers. There is a spring and fall contest.
