George Latham IV
First place winner
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)7th annual book contest
Calling all young writers.
The 2026 Awesome Young Authors Awards Book Contest celebrates published young authors ages 5–20 in the United States and Canada. Submissions ran July 1–31. Winners will be announced November 1, 2026, on National Authors Day.
Winners announced November 1, 2026National Authors Day · Submissions ran July 1–31, 2026
Meet past winnersStory Spark
What will you dream up next?
Mix a character, a place, and a surprise. Then make the story your own.
Character
a shy dragon who collects forgotten words
Place
in a library that opens only at midnight
Twist
the ending has disappeared from every book
Write a story about a shy dragon who collects forgotten words in a library that opens only at midnight. The twist: the ending has disappeared from every book. What happens next?
2025 honorees
Congratulations to our winners.
Tahlia South
Second place winner
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)Sydney Elise Russell
Third place winner
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)Explore the bookshelf
Find your next young-author read.
Browse our honorees by year, then follow a book or author to learn more.
- George Latham IV
- Tahlia South
- Sydney Elise Russell
2025 · First place
George Latham IV
Discover books by George Latham IV
Explore this author Opens the author's book or shop page in a new tab.Why participate
More than an award. A launchpad.
Recognition & achievement
Celebrate the creativity, hard work, and dedication it takes to become a published author.
Community support
Meet young authors, parents, educators, and supporters who share a love of writing.
Validation & inspiration
Build confidence, strengthen writing skills, and feel encouraged to pursue even bigger goals.
Networking
Connect with authors, educators, publishing professionals, and potential mentors.
Exposure & promotion
Showcase published work to a wider audience and create opportunities for new readers.
Lifelong memories
Mark a major creative milestone with family, friends, and a joyful awards experience.
The awards experience
A red carpet moment for a remarkable achievement.
- Red carpet entrance and VIP celebration
- Personalized recognition and prize package
- Young author Q&A and book signing
- Connections with fellow creators and community leaders
- A participation prize for every contest participant
Hall of honorees
Young voices worth remembering.
Every year, these published authors bring imagination, courage, and their own point of view to the page. Explore the winners whose work continues to inspire our community.
2024 award winners
We celebrated three remarkable young authors and thanked every entrant for strengthening the literary community with their work.
Zandria Bastian
Award-winning Awesome Young Author
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)Rosemary Nwaosuagwu
Award-winning Awesome Young Author
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)Mary Ann Jensen
Award-winning Awesome Young Author
Shop the book (opens in a new tab)2023 award winners
Three published creators recognized for the stories, ideas, and joy they shared with readers.
2022 award winners
Every participant received a prize in recognition of their contribution to literature and our community.
The community behind the celebration
Honorees, mentors, and champions.
The awards grow because authors, judges, families, and organizers keep showing young people that their stories matter.
2019 honoree
Jordan Ford
Award winner and author of The Plane Who Couldn't Fly.
Community founder
Semone Love
Founder and executive director of Awesome Young Authors Awards & Community.
2022 contest judge
Laura Anne Bird
Author, book reviewer, blogger, and supporter of young literary voices.
Learn more (opens in a new tab)With gratitude
Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and community partners.
Their support helps young authors feel seen, celebrated, and equipped for the next chapter.
