Proudly presented in collaboration with the Canadian Authors And Illustrators Against Book Bans

What happens when a story is silenced? Who gets to decide what we read? We invite writers ages 12–18 across Canada to share their voices in defense of intellectual freedom. Whether it’s fiction, poetry, or a personal essay, tell us why the freedom to read matters to you. 

Open to Ages 12 – 18 (Free to enter, one entry per person)

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm PST on February 28, 2026

Length: 500-1500 words max

WRITING PROMPTS

The Missing Chapter: Imagine a world where your favorite book has been banned. How does the world change? Write a story about a character searching for a “forbidden” story.

The Mirror & The Window: They say books are mirrors (to see ourselves) and windows (to see others). Write about a book that changed how you see the world or yourself. Why should everyone have the right to look through that window?

A Letter to the Censors: Write a poem or a persuasive essay to someone who wants to remove a book from a library. What are they missing? What are they afraid of?

The Librarian’s Secret: Write a piece of fiction about a “hidden library” in a future where intellectual freedom has been lost. What is the one book you would risk everything to save?

My Story, My Choice: Reflect on a time a book helped you through a difficult moment. Why is it vital that youth have the agency to choose their own reading journey?

HOW TO ENTER

  1. Check out Story Studio’s writing resources to help you create a story, from idea to finished product.

  2. Read the Writing Contest Submission Rules and Guidelines.

  3. Submit your story! 
Enter Now

January Creative Writing Contest for Kids

Your character wakes up on January 1st. When they look out their window, it is clear that they have GONE BACK IN TIME! Write a 500 word story about how your character handles their trip to the past. We’re looking for creative stories filled with vivid descriptions and exciting plot twists. We can’t wait to hear what adventures your characters get into!

How to Enter

  1. Our creative writing contest for kids is free to enter (one entry per person)

  2. Check out Story Studio’s free writing resources to help you create a story, from idea to finished product.

  3. Read the Writing Contest Submission Rules and Guidelines.

  4. Submit your story 
Enter Now

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Support Special Spaces for Young Writers

Story Studio is proud to offer one of the few monthly writing contests for youth in Canada that is completely free and celebrates their creativity by publishing anthologies of their work. By joining our community of young writers—and the parents, grandparents, and teachers who support them—you can help us continue to inspire and empower kids through storytelling. Be part of a movement that gives every child a chance to write, create, and shine.

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