2026-2027 Guide to Writing Contests for Kids (Ages 6-12)

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Last updated: 02/04/2026

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 (2026–2027 theme: “I Belong!”) in literature and other arts
Deadline (est.): Varies by state (typically Oct–Nov 2026)
Prizes: Local, state, and national recognition; national awards up to $800
Website: pta.org/home/programs/reflections

2. Amazing Women’s Edition Contest

Grades/Ages: K–8
Focus: Creating illustrated books about “Local Heroines”
Deadline (est.): January 9, 2026
Prizes: 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
Website: futurescholarfoundation.org/english

5. Write On! Ann Arbor District Library Short Story Contest

Grades/Ages: 3–5
Focus: Children’s fiction (any theme)
Deadline (est.): February 2026
Prizes: Online publication, recognition at a ceremony, bookstore gift cards ($25–$50)
Website: aadl.org/writeon

6. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Grades/Ages: 3–6
Focus: STEM-themed fiction about female characters solving real-world problems
Deadline (est.): February 2026
Prizes: $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 2026
Prizes: $300 (1st), $200 (2nd), $100 (3rd)
Website: thebettyaward.com

8. Write the World Monthly Contests (Junior Division)

Grades/Ages: 8–12 years
Focus: Rotating genres and themes (e.g., climate fiction, memoir, poetry)
Deadline (est.): Monthly (15th–20th)
Prizes: $100 (1st), $50 (2nd); publication; professional editing feedback
Website: writetheworld.org/competitions

9. Stone Soup Flash Contest

Grades/Ages: Up to 13 years
Focus: Monthly prompt-based microfiction (≤500 words)
Deadline (est.): Ongoing monthly
Prizes: Publication on Stone Soup’s website, certificate, digital badge
Website: stonesoup.com/contests

10. 53-Word Story Contest

Grades/Ages: All ages (classroom-friendly)
Focus: Prompt-based stories exactly 53 words
Deadline (est.): 15th of each month (ongoing)
Prizes: Publication in Prime Number Magazine and on Press 53’s website
Website: press53.com/53word-story-contest

Writing Contests for Kids List (Ages 6-12)

Contest Name	Focus / Theme	Age / Grade	Deadline (Est.)	Prizes / Recognition	Website
PBS KIDS Writers Contest	Illustrated Stories	Grades 1-5	Feb 2026	Prize package, online publication, featured in award show	Link
EngineerGirl Writing Contest	STEM-themed Fiction	Grades 3-6	Feb 2026	Cash prizes ($500 top), publication	Link
The Betty Award	Open Theme (Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry)	Ages 8-12	Oct 2025	Cash prizes ($100-$300)	Link
Write On! AADL Contest	Children’s Fiction	Grades 3-5	Feb 2026	Online publication, awards ceremony, gift cards	Link
Amazing Women’s Edition	Illustrated Biographies of Local Women	Grades K-8	Jan 9, 2026	$500 top prize; book distribution	Link
Future Scholars Foundation	Monthly Prompt-based Fiction (≤350 words)	Elem & MS	Monthly (28th)	Amazon gift cards ($20-$60), publication, feedback	Link
Stone Soup Flash Contest	Monthly Prompt-based Microfiction (≤500 words)	Up to Age 13	Monthly	Online publication, certificate, digital badge	Link
53-Word Story Contest	Prompt-based Stories (exactly 53 words)	All Ages	Monthly (15th)	Online publication, free book	Link
Nat. PTA Reflections	Annual Theme (e.g., “I Belong!”) Lit. & Arts	Pre-K – Gr. 12	Varies by State (Fall)	Scholarships (up to $800), medals, exhibition	Link
Write the World (Jr.)	Rotating Genres & Themes	Ages 8-12	Monthly (15th-20th)	Cash prizes ($50-$100), publication, professional feedback	Link

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:

Expand vocabulary and reading comprehension
Develop creative and academic writing skills
Build confidence through guided practice and feedback
Prepare for school assignments, contests, and future academic challenge

FAQs

Q1: How can I determine if a writing contest for kids is legitimate and worth the effort?

A: Always look for three things: reputable organizers (such as Scholastic, The New York Times, or established literary foundations), transparent rules, and a history of past winners. Be cautious of contests that require high entry fees but offer no feedback or recognition. Legitimate contests focus on celebrating young voices rather than making a profit.

Q2: How do these writing competitions benefit a student’s academic portfolio or college applications?

A: Prestigious writing awards serve as a powerful “seal of approval” for a student’s creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. Winning or even being a finalist in national competitions can significantly strengthen a student’s profile for private school admissions or university applications, demonstrating a commitment to excellence beyond the classroom

Q3: Is my child too young to start participating in writing contests?

A: Never! Many contests, such as the PBS KIDS Writers Contest or Stone Soup, are specifically designed for elementary school students (K-5). For younger children, the goal isn’t just winning—it’s about building confidence, finding their unique voice, and learning how to share their stories with a real-world audience.

Q4: What role should parents play in the writing process to ensure academic integrity?

A: Parents should act as mentors, not ghostwriters. You can help your child brainstorm ideas, discuss plot points, or provide a final proofreading check for typos. However, the core ideas, language, and structure must remain the child’s own work. Most major contests require a signed statement of originality to ensure the child is the true author.

Q5: What are the current policies regarding AI-assisted writing (like ChatGPT) in 2026-2027 contests?

A: As of 2026, almost all reputable writing contests have strict “No AI” policies. Many organizations now use advanced AI detection software. While using AI for general inspiration or research is sometimes debated, submitting AI-generated text as original work will result in disqualification. We encourage children to rely on their own imagination to ensure their unique “human” perspective shines through.

Q6: If my child submits a story, who owns the copyright to the work?

A: In most cases, the child retains the copyright to their work. However, by entering, you usually grant the contest organizer “non-exclusive rights” to publish or display the work in their magazines, websites, or promotional materials. Always read the “Terms and Conditions” carefully to see if you are allowed to submit the same piece to other publications later.

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Elaina Zetts | WuKong ELA Teacher

Elaina Zetts, a teacher from League City, Texas, majoring in Elementary Education, has a master’s degree in K-12 Literacy. Serves as an ELA teacher in a public school in Friendswood, Texas. Has taught ELA for 15 years and is good at teaching elementary aged students how to read, write and spell. Teh teaching profession is her heart and soul and wat brings her the most joy in life. She hopes dat her love for Literacy shines through and that children grow in their love for reading and writing while in her classes.