2025-2026 Guide to Writing Contests for Kids (Ages 6-12)

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Last updated: 09/17/2025

Children’s writing contests offer a wealth of benefits for your child that go far beyond the prizes for winning. These opportunities can instill a sense of joy in storytelling while teaching valuable lessons about thought process and creativity.

Why Writing Contests Are Great for Kids

Build Skills: Writing contests give children clear goals, which helps them grow their vocabulary and learn how to organize their ideas.
Real-World Rewards: Winners may see their work published, earn prizes, or gain recognition outside the classroom.
Boost Confidence: When kids see their writing valued, it sparks curiosity and strengthens their academic confidence.
Practice Healthy Competition: Entering contests helps children experience real-world challenges they’ll face in school and later in their careers.

Top Writing Contests for Kids (Ages 6–12)

Below is a hand-picked list of great writing contests for children. Be sure to visit each contest’s official website for the latest deadlines, themes, and prize details.

1. National PTA Reflections Awards

Grades/Ages: Pre-K–12 (separate divisions)
Focus: Annual theme-based works (2025–2026 theme: “I Belong!”) in literature and other arts
Deadline (est.): Varies by state (typically Oct–Nov 2025)
Prizes: Local, state, and national recognition; national awards up to $800 </li> <li data-start="485" data-end="582"> <strong data-start="487" data-end="499">Website:</strong> pta.org/home/programs/reflections </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="584" data-end="628">2. <strong data-start="591" data-end="626">Amazing Women's Edition Contest</strong></h3> <ul data-start="629" data-end="978"> <li data-start="629" data-end="653"> <strong data-start="631" data-end="647">Grades/Ages:</strong> K-8 </li> <li data-start="654" data-end="718"> <strong data-start="656" data-end="666">Focus:</strong> Creating illustrated books about ``Local Heroines'' </li> <li data-start="719" data-end="759"> <strong data-start="721" data-end="741">Deadline (est.):</strong> January 9, 2026 </li> <li data-start="760" data-end="845"> <strong data-start="762" data-end="773">Prizes:</strong> Top prize$ 500; winning books may be distributed to schools/libraries
Website: nationalyouthfoundation.org/amazing-womens-edition

3. PBS KIDS Writers Contest

Grades/Ages: 1–5
Focus: Original illustrated stories
Deadline (est.): February 2026
Prizes: Prize package, online/social-media publication, feature in an award show
Website: smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest

4. Future Scholars Foundation Monthly Contest

Grades/Ages: Elementary & Middle School
Focus: Prompt-based fiction (≤350 words)
Deadline (est.): 28th of each month
Prizes: $60,$ 40, $20 Amazon gift cards + publication; feedback for all participants </li> <li data-start="1633" data-end="1734"> <strong data-start="1635" data-end="1647">Website:</strong> futurescholarfoundation.org/english </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="1736" data-end="1805">5. <strong data-start="1743" data-end="1803">Write On! Ann Arbor District Library Short Story Contest</strong></h3> <ul data-start="1806" data-end="2069"> <li data-start="1806" data-end="1830"> <strong data-start="1808" data-end="1824">Grades/Ages:</strong> 3-5 </li> <li data-start="1831" data-end="1876"> <strong data-start="1833" data-end="1843">Focus:</strong> Children's fiction (any theme) </li> <li data-start="1877" data-end="1915"> <strong data-start="1879" data-end="1899">Deadline (est.):</strong> February 2026 </li> <li data-start="1916" data-end="2009"> <strong data-start="1918" data-end="1929">Prizes:</strong> Online publication, recognition at a ceremony, bookstore gift cards ($ 25– $50) </li> <li data-start="2010" data-end="2069"> <strong data-start="2012" data-end="2024">Website:</strong> aadl.org/writeon </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="2071" data-end="2112">6. <strong data-start="2078" data-end="2110">EngineerGirl Writing Contest</strong></h3> <ul data-start="2113" data-end="2464"> <li data-start="2113" data-end="2137"> <strong data-start="2115" data-end="2131">Grades/Ages:</strong> 3-6 </li> <li data-start="2138" data-end="2224"> <strong data-start="2140" data-end="2150">Focus:</strong> STEM-themed fiction about female characters solving real-world problems </li> <li data-start="2225" data-end="2263"> <strong data-start="2227" data-end="2247">Deadline (est.):</strong> February 2026 </li> <li data-start="2264" data-end="2328"> <strong data-start="2266" data-end="2277">Prizes:</strong>$ 500 (1st), $250 (2nd),$ 100 (3rd) + publication
Website: engineergirl.org/128750/EngineerGirl-Writing-Contest

7. The Betty Award

Grades/Ages: 8–12 years
Focus: Open theme (original fiction, nonfiction, or poetry)
Deadline (est.): October 2025
Prizes: $300 (1st),$ 200 (2nd), $100 (3rd) </li> <li data-start="2684" data-end="2750"> <strong data-start="2686" data-end="2698">Website:</strong> thebettyaward.com </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="2752" data-end="2815">8. <strong data-start="2759" data-end="2813">Write the World Monthly Contests (Junior Division)</strong></h3> <ul data-start="2816" data-end="3144"> <li data-start="2816" data-end="2847"> <strong data-start="2818" data-end="2834">Grades/Ages:</strong> 8-12 years </li> <li data-start="2848" data-end="2929"> <strong data-start="2850" data-end="2860">Focus:</strong> Rotating genres and themes (e.g., climate fiction, memoir, poetry) </li> <li data-start="2930" data-end="2974"> <strong data-start="2932" data-end="2952">Deadline (est.):</strong> Monthly (15th-20th) </li> <li data-start="2975" data-end="3056"> <strong data-start="2977" data-end="2988">Prizes:</strong>$ 100 (1st), $50 (2nd); publication; professional editing feedback </li> <li data-start="3057" data-end="3144"> <strong data-start="3059" data-end="3071">Website:</strong> writetheworld.org/competitions </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="3146" data-end="3183">9. <strong data-start="3153" data-end="3181">Stone Soup Flash Contest</strong></h3> <ul data-start="3184" data-end="3475"> <li data-start="3184" data-end="3219"> <strong data-start="3186" data-end="3202">Grades/Ages:</strong> Up to 13 years </li> <li data-start="3220" data-end="3281"> <strong data-start="3222" data-end="3232">Focus:</strong> Monthly prompt-based microfiction (\le500 words) </li> <li data-start="3282" data-end="3322"> <strong data-start="3284" data-end="3304">Deadline (est.):</strong> Ongoing monthly </li> <li data-start="3323" data-end="3402"> <strong data-start="3325" data-end="3336">Prizes:</strong> Publication on Stone Soup's website, certificate, digital badge </li> <li data-start="3403" data-end="3475"> <strong data-start="3405" data-end="3417">Website:</strong> stonesoup.com/contests </li> </ul> <h3 data-start="3477" data-end="3512">10. <strong data-start="3485" data-end="3510">53-Word Story Contest</strong></h3> <ul data-start="3513" data-end="3845"> <li data-start="3513" data-end="3563"> <strong data-start="3515" data-end="3531">Grades/Ages:</strong> All ages (classroom-friendly) </li> <li data-start="3564" data-end="3616"> <strong data-start="3566" data-end="3576">Focus:</strong> Prompt-based stories exactly 53 words </li> <li data-start="3617" data-end="3670"> <strong data-start="3619" data-end="3639">Deadline (est.):</strong> 15th of each month (ongoing) </li> <li data-start="3671" data-end="3749"> <strong data-start="3673" data-end="3684">Prizes:</strong> Publication in Prime Number Magazine and on Press 53's website </li> <li data-start="3750" data-end="3845"> <strong data-start="3752" data-end="3764">Website:</strong> press53.com/53word-story-contest </li> </ul> </div> <div> <div class="dad65929"> <div class="_4f9bf79 d7dc56a8 _43c05b5"> <div class="ds-message _63c77b1"> <div class="ds-markdown"> <h2>Writing Contests for Kids List (Ages 6-12)</h2> <div class="ds-scroll-area _1210dd7"> <table style="height: 636px;" width="614"> <thead> <tr> <th>Contest Name</th> <th>Focus / Theme</th> <th>Age / Grade</th> <th>Deadline (Est.)</th> <th>Prizes / Recognition</th> <th>Website</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td><strong>PBS KIDS Writers Contest</strong></td> <td>Illustrated Stories</td> <td>Grades 1-5</td> <td>Feb 2026</td> <td>Prize package, online publication, featured in award show</td> <td><a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>EngineerGirl Writing Contest</strong></td> <td>STEM-themed Fiction</td> <td>Grades 3-6</td> <td>Feb 2026</td> <td>Cash prizes ($ 500 top), publicationLinkThe Betty AwardOpen Theme (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry)Ages 8-12Oct 2025Cash prizes ( $100-$ 300)LinkWrite On! AADL ContestChildren’s FictionGrades 3-5Feb 2026Online publication, awards ceremony, gift cardsLinkAmazing Women’s EditionIllustrated Biographies of Local WomenGrades K-8Jan 9, 2026 $500 top prize; book distribution</td> <td><a href="https://www.nationalyouthfoundation.org/amazing-womens-edition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Future Scholars Foundation</strong></td> <td>Monthly Prompt-based Fiction (\le350 words)</td> <td>Elem & MS</td> <td>Monthly (28th)</td> <td>Amazon gift cards ($ 20- $60), publication, feedback</td> <td><a href="https://www.futurescholarfoundation.org/english" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Stone Soup Flash Contest</strong></td> <td>Monthly Prompt-based Microfiction (\le500 words)</td> <td>Up to Age 13</td> <td>Monthly</td> <td>Online publication, certificate, digital badge</td> <td><a href="https://stonesoup.com/contests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>53-Word Story Contest</strong></td> <td>Prompt-based Stories (exactly 53 words)</td> <td>All Ages</td> <td>Monthly (15th)</td> <td>Online publication, free book</td> <td><a href="https://www.press53.com/53word-story-contest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Nat. PTA Reflections</strong></td> <td>Annual Theme (e.g., "I Belong!") Lit. & Arts</td> <td>Pre-K - Gr. 12</td> <td>Varies by State (Fall)</td> <td>Scholarships (up to$ 800), medals, exhibitionLinkWrite the World (Jr.)Rotating Genres & ThemesAges 8-12Monthly (15th-20th)Cash prizes ( $50-$ 100), publication, professional feedbackLink

Important Note: All deadlines and details are subject to change.
Always verify all information directly on the official contest website before preparing an entry.

Which Contests Are Easier to Win?

Contests with smaller pools of participants or monthly entries usually offer higher chances of recognition.

Examples:

Future Scholars Foundation Monthly Contest – small monthly submissions; all participants get feedback.

Stone Soup Flash Contest – monthly microfiction; certificate and digital badge for selected stories.

53-Word Story Contest – very short, simple format; easier for younger or busy kids.

Local or state-level contests like National PTA Reflections Awards can also be less competitive than national contests, giving kids a better chance to win at the local or state level before advancing nationally.

Contests that match your child’s strengths: for instance, illustration, STEM, or creative fiction are often easier to succeed in because your child is naturally motivated and skilled in that area.

How to Improve Your Child’s Writing Skills

Writing is a skill that develops over time, and early guidance can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to help your child improve:

Read Regularly

Reading a variety of books exposes children to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. Encourage both fiction and non-fiction.

Encourage Daily Writing

Short, consistent writing exercises like journals, stories, or letters help children practice organizing ideas and expressing thoughts clearly.

Provide Prompts and Challenges

Writing prompts or contests give children structured goals and inspiration. Contests like PBS KIDS Writers Contest or EngineerGirl Writing Contest can make writing fun and rewarding.

Use Expert ELA Courses

For structured support, consider WuKong Education’s ELA courses. WuKong’s online English Reading & Writing program is designed for kids, helping them: