Choose from over 40 real people and historical figures!
This year’s theme uses over 40 real people and historical figures from the Ordinary People Change the World Children’s Book Series as inspiration. From I am Simone Biles, I am Neal Armstrong, I am Anne Frank, to I Am Jackie Robinson, students have the chance to get inspired by visiting the website and scroll through each of the books to decide who to write about or illustrate.
Contest Information
Publishing is a powerful incentive for learning and is a unique way to validate that a child’s voice should be heard. Each year, young writers in the 3rd-12th grade all across the globe have the chance to be published authors. This first taste of success can last a lifetime! The iWRITE Non-Profit Organization offers students the opportunity to submit their writing and artwork to our annual publishing contest.
The Big Points to Remember!
- Historical Fiction and Non-fiction short stories, poetry, and art submissions are accepted from November 2025 through May 31, 2026.
- The finalists will be named in September 2026.
- Our winners will be announced on our website and published in the I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids 17th Volume Anthology.
- One hundred and fifty winners will be chosen and will receive one complimentary copy of the Anthology.
- Editor’s Choice Recipients will have the chance to read their work at iWRITE’s Annual Book Signing Celebration and receive additional media opportunities.
Enter Contest & Submission Rules!
Writers Submitting Stories Click Here!
- The required word count for stories written by students in 3rd grade is 700 to 2,500 words.
- The required word count for stories written by students in 4th – 12th grades is 1,000 to 2,500 words.
- Entries must be typed using only Times New Roman Font, 12-point size in black.
- Entries must include the name and story title at the top of the first page.
- Each contestant’s work will be judged based on how well the writer incorporated the literary theme into their work. Contestants may use any of the people from the Ordinary People Change the World books for their fictional (historical) or nonfiction story as inspiration.
- Each contestant’s work will be judged on grade-level appropriate content, grammar, and spelling.
- Stories may not contain offensive material or language. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its stories; therefore, students are encouraged to use good judgment when writing and developing stories.
- Note that iWRITE checks for plagiarism in order to respect copyright laws. Any entries not written solely by the student will be disqualified. This includes the use of AI.
- If your story is chosen for publication, you will receive a licensing agreement allowing iWRITE to publish your work; however, you will remain the owner of the copyright.
- Stories must be written in English with the option to enter the English as a second language category.
- Always edit/revise multiple drafts and have fun!
- iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
- Not following any of these rules may result in disqualification.
Writers Submitting Poetry Click Here!
- Poems must be between 8 and 24 lines.
- Poems must be typed in Times New Roman Font, 12-point size in black ink.
- The author’s name and poem title must be placed on the top of the first page.
- Poems must fit the literary theme. Contestants may use any of the people from the Ordinary People Change the World books for their fictional (historical) or nonfiction poem as inspiration.
- Each poem will be judged on creativity, artistic quality, and correct word usage.
- Poems may not contain offensive material or language. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its publications; therefore, students are encouraged to use good judgment when writing and developing their poems.
- Note that iWRITE checks for plagiarism in order to respect copyright laws. Any entries not written solely by the student will be disqualified. This includes the use or AI.
- If your poem is chosen for publication, you will receive a licensing agreement allowing iWRITE to publish your work; however, you will remain the owner of the copyright.
- Poems must be written in English with the option to enter the English as a second language category.
- Poets should edit/revise multiple drafts and have fun!
- iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
- Not following these rules may result in disqualification.
Artists Submitting Illustrations Click Here!
- Contestants may use any of the people from the Ordinary People Change the World books as inspiration for their artwork.
- Hand-drawn illustrations, paintings, or digital artwork may be submitted. (NO other types of artwork such as photographs, sculptures, or AI may be submitted for consideration.)
- Artwork may be submitted in either a portrait or landscape orientation.
- Artwork should be a minimum of 8-1/2×11 and a maximum of 24”x48” in size to ensure a high-resolution, print-quality scan is possible.
- Pictures of artwork that are submitted need to be a minimum of 300 dpi.
- The final book cover is 5.5″x8.5″ and is vertical (portrait orientation). Your total art size including background should be 6.5″x9.5″ with your main subject not covering more than 5″x8″ of the center of the illustration.
- A 1/8 of an inch will be cut off of each margin during printing. Don’t put anything important at or near the edges.
- KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL ARTWORK. Winning artists may be asked to submit their original artwork to be professionally scanned for print publication.
- Do not use words in your picture.
- Leave room for us to add a title.
- Clean it up. Erase any stray pencil marks thoroughly. If it’s a mark on the piece of paper, it will print.
- Use bold colors and be sure to darken the colors if using colored pencils. We want your artwork to look good in print.
- Get inspired by art online, at the library, or at home, but don’t copy!
- Artwork may not contain offensive material. iWRITE promotes positive values and lessons within its stories; therefore students are encouraged to use good judgment when developing illustrations.
- If your illustration is chosen for publication, you will receive a licensing agreement allowing iWRITE to publish your work; however, you will remain the owner.
- Any entries not created solely by the student will be disqualified.
- Get creative and have fun!
- iWRITE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, or religion in its programs and contests.
FAQ
- How can I become Editor’s Choice for my poem or short story?
- To be eligible for the award, the student must incorporate this year’s theme in their submission. The story and/or poem must meet the initial requirements and be able to deliver a meaningful message.
- May I enter more than one submission?
- Yes, you may enter multiple multiple entries in one category or in various categories. While we do allow this, we always suggest focusing on one really good entry.
- Do you have an example of the book cover measurements?
- Yes, please click on the button below.
- How will I know if my artwork, story, or poem was selected to be in the latest anthology?
- We will contact you via email directly if your submission wins. Winners will also be listed on the website each year in September.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS MAY 31, 2026
If you have any questions regarding the contest, please contact us at contest@iwrite.org
Inspiring a Generation to Believe They Can Change the World.
The Ordinary People Change the World series is one of the most successful children’s book series in the last decade, letting millions of kids unlock their own potential.
Watch the video to learn more about New York Times Bestselling Author and Illustrator Duo, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos.
All about iWRITE
Since 2009, iWRITE has published more than 2,800 student authors and illustrators in its anthology, I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids. Students from 11 different countries have participated, and there are 18,000 copies of our anthologies in print.
Check out all 16 anthologies and our “i” The Guy Writer’s Journal below.
Purchase all the Anthologies on Amazon!
Thank you to our sponsor, H-E-B for supporting our publishing contest program.
