The Wait is Over! Announcing Our 2024 Story of the Year Winners!

Hold onto your hats, story lovers! We are bursting with excitement to finally announce the winners of our 2024 Story of the Year contest. The sheer volume of talent and the boundless creativity pouring from over 1,000 entries left us spellbound and inspired.

A huge thank you to every single writer who dared to share their imaginative worlds with us, pouring their hearts and souls onto the page. And a profound appreciation to our incredible panel of judges, who undertook the herculean task of sifting through so many exceptional narratives to pinpoint the very best.

The moment you've been eagerly anticipating has arrived...

Captivating Characters Award 

Captivating Characters: This category celebrates unforgettable characters, seeking writers who create relatable, complex figures with rich personalities, compelling backstories, and dynamic arcs that drive the story.

The Captivating Characters Award goes to Melissa Rae for their story A Future Unwritten.

After finding a magic origami fortune teller that can actually tell the future, Sage gets the attention of the popular crowd and believes she is on her way to the future of her dreams. But she soon discovers that focusing on the future can lead to missing out on the present and the friends who like her for who she really is.

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For Teens by Teens Award

For Teens by Teens: Teen writers (18 and under) can unleash their creativity in this category, crafting stories in any genre that showcase their unique experiences and interests.

The For Teens by Teens Award goes to Pranjwal Singh for their story Dear Clive, My Shiny Paperclip.

Clive, a small paperclip, has spent years forgotten in a messy desk drawer, watching the busy world above. As pens write and keyboards click, Clive wonders about its purpose. Over time, the desk grows silent as creativity fades away. But when a new person finds Clive, will he find purpose once again?

Global Changemakers Award

Global Changemakers: In our nonfiction category, we seek writers who can capture the inspiring stories of global changemakers, from activists to innovators, and highlight their impact on the world.

The Global Changemakers Award goes to Kate Saxton for their story Cory Aquino and the People Power Revolution.

Cory Aquino’s husband, Ninoy, dreamed of leading the Philippines, but dictator Ferdinand Marcos crushed his hopes. After Ninoy’s assassination in 1983, Cory took up his fight, running for president in 1986. When Marcos rigged the election, the People Power Revolution ousted him, and Cory became the country’s first female president, restoring democracy.

Immersive Decodables Award

Immersive Decodables: We seek writers who can bring stories to life using simple, high-frequency, and phonics-based words, inviting readers of all levels to explore exciting new worlds.

The Immersive Decodables: Chapter Book Award goes to James Kingston for their story Caring.

Lil has always put her family first, caring for her mother, who is ill. As responsibilities pile up, she struggles with exhaustion and the weight of growing up too fast. But when an unexpected event shakes their world, Lil faces a turning point that changes everything. With new support and understanding, she begins to find balance—learning that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone.

Microfiction Award

Immersive Decodables (Microfiction): Challenge yourself to craft short, impactful stories in 250 words or less for our microfiction contest, the shortest form of storytelling!

The Immersive Decodables: Microfiction Award goes to Sharon Elwell for their story Our Family Life.

This collection of short, simple stories follows a family as they navigate everyday life with humor and heart. From choosing a pet to planning a vacation, dealing with lost cookbooks, and settling chore disputes, each story captures relatable moments filled with playful disagreements and clever solutions.

ReadWorks Story Reimagined Award

ReadWorks Story Reimagined: ReadWorks and Storyshares have teamed up to invite young authors to write a new ending for the 8th-grade cliffhanger series Hacked! and test their creativity with an alternate conclusion.

The ReadWorks Story Reimagined Award goes to Ella Pereira for their story The Maniac.

In this alternate ending, Fatima and Brianna set out on an urgent mission, but things take an unexpected turn when they find themselves in a tense and mysterious situation. As Fatima navigates through twists and turns, she must rely on her instincts to uncover the truth. Just when it seems like everything is spiraling out of control, a surprising revelation changes everything. What really happened, and will Fatima make it to the competition in time?

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In addition to our finalists, five stories received honorable mentions:

• Captivating Characters: The Clockmaker's Gift by Puja Sutha
• For Teens, by Teens: Step into the Spotlight by Riya Anumakondat
• Global Changemakers: The Girl Who Stood Up by Vittoria Araujo E Silva
• Immersive Decodables: How to Save the Planet by James Kingston
• ReadWorks Story Reimagined: Hacked: The Truth by Andres Nacho

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Eleven incredible stories, coming to readers everywhere! We're publishing these winners in digital and print formats, with release dates coming soon. We're so excited! Huge congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all the writers and our amazing sponsors/partners!

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We can't wait for next year!!

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Visit our contest page to learn more.

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