All children deserve to see themselves and their lives represented in books written by people like them. To help make that happen, last year, Free Spirit partnered with Strive Publishing to bring you the first African American Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest.
If you haven’t checked out our winners from the 2019 contest yet, you can do so here. We’re pleased to announce that our first-place winner, Mélina Mangal, will be published in spring 2021.
Now the contest is back for its second year, and the deadline has been extended. Entries will be accepted through August 31, 2020. Details on how to enter can be found at freespirit.com/contest.
The African American Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest is open authors who are:
- of African American heritage
- Minnesota residents
- at least 18 years of age
Eligible entries include original fiction or nonfiction board books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words) and picture books for ages 4–8 (300–800 words) featuring contemporary African American characters and culture and focusing on one or more of the following topics:
- character development
- self-esteem
- diversity
- getting along with others
- engaging with family and community
- other topics related to positive childhood development
And don’t forget! There are awards and cash prizes.
We will be awarding first-, second-, and third-place prizes.
First Place:
- $1,000 cash prize
- a T-shirt from Strive
- a tote bag from Free Spirit
- a meeting with Mary Taris, founder of Strive, and a Free Spirit editor to discuss the winner’s project
- serious consideration for publication by Free Spirit, cobranded with Strive (publication is not guaranteed)
Second Place:
- $500 cash prize
- a T-shirt from Strive
- a tote bag from Free Spirit
Third Place:
- $250 cash prize
- a T-shirt from Strive
- a tote bag from Free Spirit
The new deadline for submitting entries is August 31, 2020. Guidelines, judging criteria, and submission information can be found at freespirit.com/contest.
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