AFM 2025 Young Writer’s Contest
SPONSORS
All 4th and 5th graders are welcome to enter their 75-300 word essays.
First place winners receive:
- Party for the winner and 9 friends at Dave & Busters
- Signed copies of Carmen Oliver’s most recently published books, Orchestra of Hope and The Twilight Library
- A personalized plaque presented at your school
- Winners’ essays will be published in Austin Family magazine in December 2025
First runners-up receive:
- A personalized plaque presented at your school
- Two signed copies of Carmen Oliver’s most recently published books, Orchestra of Hope and The Twilight Library
- Runners up essays will be published in Austin Family magazine in December 2025
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Contest Rules
• Essays must be 75 to 300 words
• Entries must be submitted no earlier than August 15 and no later than 5 p.m. on October 17, 2025
• Writers must be in the fourth or fifth grade
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Topic:
“What’s The Bravest Thing You Have Ever Done?”
JUDGE for this year’s contest is from the Austin SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) chapter, which is known for its vibrant, dedicated and welcoming community of children’s book writers and illustrators.
Carmen Oliver is the author of many award-winning picture books for children including the recent Building an Orchestra of Hope: How Favio Chavez Taught Children to Make Music From Trash and The Twilight Library. She’s also the founder of the Booking Biz, a boutique style agency that brings award-winning children’s authors and illustrators to schools, libraries, and special events. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking with family and their granddog, Goose on the many trails outside of Austin, TX.
To connect or learn more about Carmen and her books, visit www.carmenoliver.com or Facebook, or Instagram.
Submit your entry:
