Entries are due Oct. 12, 2018

Our annual writing contest is currently underway, with entries due by Oct. 12, 2018.

Mark Crilley's book Akiko on the Planet Smoo highlights the theme of leadership or being in charge. We invite students to write a personal narrative, poem, or essay related to the theme. We also encourage students to write about personal stories and memories related to leadership or being in charge. If students do not want to write about a personal experience, they may write about someone they know, make up characters, etc.

Awards are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for each of the grades along with one grand prize winner. Students who win awards will be invited to read an excerpt from their entries at the Nov. 10 festival.

More contest details and submission cover sheets are available on the YAF website.

Everyone is invited to attend the Young Authors' Festival on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Mardigian Library.

Mark Crilley, Michigan author and illustrator of Akiko on the Planet Smoo, as well as other graphic novel series and how-to-draw books, is the guest speaker. The event also includes fun breakout sessions for children to develop their writing and reading skills, and for adults to learn tips for supporting their children's literacy development.

A selection of books by Mr. Crilley will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the event. You may also bring your own copies for signing.

Reading and writing are critical literacy skills for children to develop, especially in the elementary grades. Our annual Young Authors' Festival matches literacy experts and pre-service K-12 teachers with children and parents to practice fun and engaging strategies that build reading and writing skills.

Please take this opportunity to support children's literacy!