2026 EJK Bookmaking Competition

About the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition

The Atlanta Public Schools Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition celebrates student creativity and storytelling by inviting young authors to write, illustrate, and publish their own books. Open to 3rd- 12th grade students, the competition encourages students to express their voices through handmade or digital books, fostering a love for reading, writing, and artistic expression.

The Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition is now entering its 39th year and has led to the creation of thousands of outstanding student-made picture books. The competition is named for Ezra Jack Keats, creator of over 20 children’s books, including the classic Caldecott-winning The Snowy Day.

Bookmaking Resources

Teacher & Student Handbook

Writing and Illustrating Tutorials

EJK Foundation Bookmaking Competition Website (New York Competition for information only)

Waverly Alcock

Drew Charter Senior Academy

Jaden Delvalle

Virginia Highland Elementary

Tyra Starr

Drew Charter Junior Academy

Participants:

All participating students will be recognized for their participation. District winners will be awarded with special recognition and prizes

When students write and illustrate their own picture books, fiction, or nonfiction, they engage in creative thinking, combine literacy with art skills to tell their own story, and experience the pride of having created a book. While there are no limits on what a student can write about, this year we hope teachers will encourage topics that might help their students process some of the events and effects of the last 18 months through the books they create for this competition.

This competition is open to all students in the Atlanta Public School System (including charter and partner schools) in three grade bands: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Celebrations include and recognition and awards.

Important Dates

March 20, 2026: Deadline for all entries to be delivered to Library Media Services (Instructional Services Center)
April 3, 2026: Announcement & Recognition of Winners