Young Authors Challenge winners announced

With over 2,400 entries, the winning stories shone from the bunch. Each story was carefully selected based on its plot development, positive message, and originality. 

Real life authors

The young story writers are now set to realise a dream that many adults have, but few attain - to become published authors. 

The supreme winner, Holy Cookie Jar by Juliet Curwood, Somerville Intermediate, was chosen as the cover story. 

Hers will be accompanied by nine other exciting tales:

• Roaring Lion, Michelle Kenyon, Oratia District School
• Speak Up - Soccer Star, Charlotte Muir, Patumahoe School
• William and His Notepad, Braeden Fisher, Birkdale Intermediate
• Careful What You Wish For!, Emily Gibb, Kohimarama School
• A Kindness Returned, Serisha Palmer, Elim Christian College
• A New Beginning, Aimee McConnell, Royal Oak Primary School
• All in a Day's Work for a Shark, Theo Robb-Markham, Te Atatu Intermediate
• Flight Lesson, Hayley Fergusson, Rosehill Intermediate School
• Adventure Kids, Charlotte Jones, homeschooled

Celebrating success

Since the Young Authors Challenge began in 2007, it has received over 10,000 entries, raised over $250,000 for the Starship Foundation, and seen over 166,000 books placed in the hands of young patients who stay overnight at Starship Children's Hospital and Whangarei Hospital Children's Ward. 

Managing Director Peter Thompson acknowledges that the ten year anniversary is a chance to look back and be proud of what has been accomplished.

"When we started the Young Authors Challenge, we did not dare to imagine it was going to be so successful. For me, the real joy is reading the many entries every year, and getting a unique glimpse into the imaginations of some very talented children."

For our young authors, the hard work is now done. It's now over to our illustrators to bring the stories to life and create a book that will raise even more money for a good cause.