Eligibility

Students in grades 4–8 enrolled in public, charter, private, or homeschool programs in Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Bernard Parish are eligible to submit one submission per student.

Writing Prompt

Theme: Where I Belong

Students may submit one of the following:

• A short story
• A personal narrative
• A fictional or imaginative piece

Writings may explore:

• A place where you feel most yourself
• A character searching for home
• A group that feels like family, even if they aren't related
• A moment when someone realizes they aren't alone

Submission Requirements

• Grades 4–5: 300–500 words
• Grades 6–8: 400–700 words
• Typed preferred
• Handwritten accepted if legible
• Submission must be in English
• Submission must reflect the student’s original ideas and language.
• Tools that assist with spelling, grammar, or transcription are permitted. Tools that generate or substantially rewrite content (including AI text-generation tools) are not permitted.
• Submission is collected digitally through the official submission form below and should be formatted as a word document or PDF

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026
Finalists Notified: Early March 2026

Recognition 

Judging Criteria
Entries are evaluated holistically based on:

• Creativity and imagination
• Clarity of story or idea
• Voice and originality
• Age-appropriate writing skills
• Grammar and mechanics are considered in an age-appropriate and inclusive manner

Awards & Recognition
Student Awards: From each grade band (4–5 and 6–8), 5–10 finalists will be selected based on the judging criteria. All finalists will receive a certificate and be recognized during Family Day programming.

From those finalists, one winner per grade band will be selected. Winning students will receive:

• Recognition during Family Day programming
• A certificate from the New Orleans Book Festival
• A small prize (such as a book bundle or gift card)

Teacher Recognition: All participating teachers will receive a certificate recognizing their class’s participation. Teachers of the two winning students will receive a classroom book bundle or local bookstore gift card. One additional participating teacher will be randomly selected to receive a special festival prize pack.

Family Day at the Fest: Family Day is a free public celebration featuring author readings, storytelling, and hands-on activities designed for children and families. Finalist students and their families will be invited to attend and celebrate their work as part of the festival.

Accessibility & Accommodations

The New Orleans Book Festival is committed to making this contest accessible and inclusive for all students.

• Students may use assistive technology, including speech-to-text or dictation tools, to record their own words. Tools that generate, rewrite, or substantially revise text (such as AI text-generation tools) are not permitted.
• Students with IEPs, 504 plans, learning differences, or disabilities are welcome to participate. Appropriate accommodations will not negatively affect judging.
• Teachers and adults may assist with brainstorming, transcription, or light editing, provided the submission reflects the student’s original ideas and voice.
• Submissions may be typed or handwritten and may use flexible formatting (font size, spacing, or layout) as needed.
  While final submissions must be in English, students may draft or brainstorm in another language with support.

Questions about accessibility or accommodations may be directed to bookfest@tulane.edu

Teacher Recognition & Privacy

After the submission deadline, participating teachers will receive a brief follow-up email with the option to share contact information for a school or district administrator. This information will be used only to send a thank-you note recognizing participation and is not required to enter the contest.

Rights & Permissions

By submitting, families grant the New Orleans Book Festival permission to display or publish student work for noncommercial, educational purposes, with appropriate credit.

Frequently Asked Questions
 

For Teachers

Does this align with ELA standards?
Yes. The contest supports narrative writing, developing real or imagined experiences, organizing ideas clearly, revising and editing work, and using grade-appropriate grammar and conventions. 

Can this be done as a class assignment?
Absolutely. The prompt is intentionally flexible so it can be integrated into existing ELA instruction.

Can teachers help students edit?
Teachers and adults may assist with brainstorming and light editing, but the final submission should reflect the student’s voice and original work. 

Do all teachers receive recognition?
Yes. All participating teachers receive a certificate and formal recognition sent to school or district administration.

How will you collect information for teacher recognition?
After the submission deadline, participating teachers will receive a brief follow-up email with the option to share contact information for a school or district administrator. This information will be used only to send a thank-you note recognizing participation and is not required to enter the contest.
 

For Parents & Guardians

Does my child have to attend Family Day to participate?
No. Attendance is not required to submit, but finalist students and their families will be invited to attend Family Day for special recognition at the fest. 

Is there a cost to enter?
No. Participation in the contest is free, and Family Day at the Fest on March 15 is also free! 

Will my child’s work be published?
Selected student writing may be displayed on-site, included in Family Day materials, or shared digitally by the festival with permission.

Who do I contact with questions?
Questions can be directed to the New Orleans Book Festival team at bookfest@tulane.edu or 504-314-7443.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY