Literacy & authorship
Writing, reading, publishing, mentorship, and recognition for emerging voices.
Celebrating young voices since 2019Awesome Young Authors' Awards & Community
Every story deserves a spotlight.
We celebrate today's published literary stars and give tomorrow's young authors the confidence, community, and opportunities to thrive.
2026 entries have closed. Winners announced November 1.
501(c)(3) nonprofitBased in WisconsinUnited States & Canada
✦Young voicesBig futures
Our reach
A story grows beyond the page.
AYAA's published impact figures reflect the young creators, readers, and communities reached through its awards and programs. Reported in July 2026.
Learn about our missionThe celebration
Published young authors are the main event.
Our annual awards event recognizes the creativity, hard work, and courage it takes for a young person to publish a book. Honorees receive a red carpet welcome, meaningful recognition, industry connections, and a room full of people cheering them on.
Learn about the awards experience →Young authors in the spotlight
The award belongs to their story.
Real moments from our young author community. Explore the faces and books behind the celebration.
Beyond the awards
A community where young ideas grow.
Through literacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, STEM/STEAM, and real-world experiences, young people gain the tools to shape their own futures.
Youth leadership
Service, confidence, wellness, and community-building experiences that create change.
STEM & entrepreneurship
Hands-on learning that turns imagination into real skills, ventures, and opportunities.
Community voices
A celebration families never forget.
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Your event was so much more than I expected, the best that I ever attended. I felt like I was in Hollywood.
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This event was created with so much love, passion and detail. Everything was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
2026 Book Contest
The 2026 stories are almost ready to shine.
Entries for the 2026 book contest closed July 31. Winners are scheduled to be announced November 1, 2026, on National Authors Day.
Follow the 2026 contest →