The Write Stuff
The New York Times Writing Contest
Do you know how to fix a brake light? What about how to memorize Shakespeare? How to keep a goldfish alive? Spot a shooting star? Write a friendly letter?
These are just a few of the many skills explained in Tip, the how-to column by Malia Wollan which ran weekly in The New York Times Magazine from 2015-2022.
Inspired by this column, which took on topics both serious and silly, we are challenging students to write their own “how-to” for (almost) any task.
As long as the topic is appropriate for a family newspaper, students can explain whatever they like, including tasks that Tip has already taken on. But, just as the column did, they must also find, interview and quote one expert on the subject.
Contest Dates: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 until Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
For more information, contest rules, etc., click here.
Author J.K. Rowlings is looking for you! She is writing a new book, and she would like you to help with the illustrations! She told the School Library Journal:
"The Ickabog is a story about truth and the abuse of power. To forestall one obvious question: the idea came to me well over a decade ago, so it isn’t intended to be read as a response to anything that’s happening in the world right now. The themes are timeless and could apply to any era or any country.
The Illustration Competition
Having decided to publish, I thought how wonderful it would be if children in lockdown, or otherwise needing distraction during the strange and difficult time we’re passing through, illustrated the story for me. There will be suggestions about the illustrations we might need for each chapter on The Ickabog website, but nobody should feel constrained by these ideas. I want to see imaginations run wild! Creativity, inventiveness and effort are the most important things: we aren’t necessarily looking for the most technical skill!
Stay tuned for more information!
Guys Read is a web-based literacy program for boys founded by author and First National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Jon Scieszka. Its mission is to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers.
Jason Reynolds is the award-winning author of many books, including All-American Boys, the Ghost Series, Look Both Ways: A Tale Told In Ten Blocks, Miles Morales: Spider-Man. He is the 2020-2021 Library Of Congress' National Ambassador For Young People's Literature.
Stone Soup is the print magazine written and illustrated by young writers and artists. It is the leading publisher of creative writing by children ages 8 to 13. Most of Stone Soup’s subscribers are in the U.S. and Canada, but they also have subscribers in other countries. Visit their website to download past subscriptions of the magazine. Share your creativity by making a submission today!
The Baby-Sitters Club. Drama. Ghosts. Guts. Sisters. If you have read those books, you know the author--Raina Telgemeier! Born in San Francisco, CA, suffering a terrible mouth injury which lead to being teased. She began withdrawing as a way to escape. Lucky for us, she turned a negative situation into something positive--Smile! Read Raina's books and let them lead you to smile!
Recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor, Renee Watson's poetry and fiction often center around black girls' experiences and how they deal with family, friendship and identity. In addition to writing, Watson teaches Creative Writing and Theater in public schools and community centers.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Bolt City Productions (featuring Amulet)
(Diary of a) Wimpy Kid (Book Series and More)
An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe (Jeff Kinney)