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Explore endless possibilities and create confident writers with this poetry contest.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEB 27
Introduce the wonders of poetry to students of all ages with Once Upon A Dream. The open theme means they can write about whatever inspires them.
Will they enter a world of imagination and write about the weird and wonderful things they see in their dreams? Perhaps they'll write about their future hopes and aspirations, either for themselves or for the world. They could even explore the darker side of dreams and venture into fear and nightmares.
Benefits of Entering
🌟Boost students' confidence in their writing skills
🌟Writing for a purpose inspires and engages students
🌟All students who enter will receive a bookmark
🌟Certificate of merit for students we'd love to publish
🌟Free copy of the book your students feature in
🌟Fantastic prizes to be won for schools and students
🌟Showcase your school's writing talent
This contest is open to all grades and ages, so you can get your whole school involved! Go to the download tab so you can print as many graphic organizers as you need. You can also view the Google Slides presentation here!
We can't wait to read your students' poems!
Extended
Closing Date: Friday Feb 27, 2026
We've worked with over 20,000 schools. Here's what some of them have to say...
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This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Thank you so much for another opportunity! The class really enjoyed this.
Justina Denapoli, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, NYSee more...
The students enjoyed the freedom of this project (Peculiar Pets). It got them excited to write.
Amanda Peterson, Christ The King School, NYSee more...
Peculiar Pets was a great activity!
Anne Piccoli, Immaculate Heart Of Mary School, NYSee more...
Thank you for the intriguing prompts and engaging activities! I look forward to these contests each year.
Mike Carter, Millis Middle/High School, MASee more...
My students absolutely loved the challenge of writing mini sagas!
Darla Bubar, Edward Town Middle School, NYSee more...
The story starters are so fun!
Nichole Charbonneau, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, MASee more...
My students look forward to this contest every year, and so do I!
Rachel Barnes, Monomay Regional High School, MASee more...
This was such a fun way to have my students engaged with their writing!
Christina Guertin, Midland Street School, NYSee more...
This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
Extended
Closing Date: Friday Feb 27, 2026
Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!
Use one Teacher Entry Form for each teacher who sends in entries
Poems can be on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed (on a computer or in the Online Writing Portal).
Poems must be your students' own original work.
Each student's name, age and school name should be included on their entry. (Entries can be submitted with first names only or initials if needed).
Poems can be written on any theme and in any poetic style.
No line limit.
US entrants only.
Copyright remains with the author.
Free to enter.
Open for 4-18 year-olds
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
For Schools
The Young Writers’ Award of Excellence is awarded to the school that submits the best set of entries for this contest.
PLUS every participating school receives a free copy of the book their students feature in.
(The more entries you send, the more free books you’ll receive: E.g. Send 1-30 entries & you'll receive 1 free copy, send 31-60 entries you'll receive 2 free copies, etc.)
For Students
Our favorite 3 writers will each win a fantastic creative writing goody bag!
PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students whose work we'd love to publish also receive a certificate.
(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received Jan-Feb 2026 and prizes will be awarded the following semester. Prize images for illustrative purposes.)
Enter Online
Email
Email your entries to [email protected]
and please ensure your students' names and ages are on their work, and that you include your name, school name and school address in your email. Thank you!
Please ensure your name, email and school name and address are included with your entries if you send entries digitally via a non-Young Writers service.
Send by Mail
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers Dream 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960
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