Each year, kids from all over the country submit imaginative and compelling original short stories to Scholastic Storyworks Magazine as part of the Kid Fiction Writing Contest. Each submission begins with one of three lines written by Storyworks editors for students to pick to kick off their story.
This year, Storyworks editors received more than 600 entries, from which they selected one grand prize winner, two finalists, and five runners-up. Keep reading to learn more about the winning story!
Jaron Labrier, 5th grade, Fairview Elementary School, Sherwood, OH: Grand-Prize Winner
Jaron’s story, titled “The Clifftons: The Journeys Begin”, starts with the line “Time traveling might sound like a strange job for a kid, but hey, it’s the family business.” Jaron researched historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein to craft his compelling story, which tackles topics such as time travel and family dynamics.
For his award-winning story, Jaron will receive a $50 gift card to the Scholastic Store Online, and have his story published at Storyworks Digital. In addition, his fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Zipfel, will receive a two-year class subscription to Scholastic Storyworks.
Read Jaron's amazing story here, and check out this Q&A with Jaron in which he discusses his writing process with the Storyworks team.
In the interview, Jaron shares: “I got interested in writing this year because my teacher brought up that it could be a good career choice for me. I actually think that’d be a good idea because I love writing – it’s one of my hobbies.”
Scholastic Storyworks also selected two finalists from among the 600+ total entries to this year's Kid Fiction Writing Contest. Each will receive a $20 gift card for the Scholastic Store Online. They are:
- Madeline L., Pittsford, NY, “A Rat-ical New Friendship”
- Tia M., Wayne, NJ, “A Tale of Evolution”
Congratulations to Jaron, Madeline, Tia, their teachers, and all of this year’s contest participants and runners-up!
Storyworks provides writing support materials and tool kits to motivate students to write narrative stories—and more. Check out the full slate of Storyworks contests currently accepting submissions here, and stay tuned for next year’s Kid Fiction Writing Contest prompts.
