The 2021 Story of the Year Contest is Now Closed

Congratulations to our winners!

Our team would like to thank everyone who shared their stories with us, as well as this year's panel of judges for rising to the near-impossible task of honing in on the very best stories among over 1,000 titles rich in imagination. Stay tuned for upcoming publication and release dates -- we can't wait to share amazing new reads with you in the months ahead. And now, without further ado -- our winners!

When Karen Met Osama

Wasilah Morenikeji Oyekan

Breakwater High School freshman Karen Ryce lost her father to the 9/11 Pentagon attack. So when a Palestinian named Osama Malek shows up as a new classmate, Karen and her mother find themselves feeling suspicious -- and often unwelcoming -- towards Osama and his family.

The Trading Card Queen

Sandra Morris

Life in a new country and caring for a little brother who's sick make Nina struggle to fit in at school. But when she joins an art club and finds new friends, she becomes the Trading Card Queen.

Discos Or Dumplings

Emily Sun

Emma is under pressure from her family to plan the perfect Chinese New Year party, but what will they think when she wants to have a Chinese-American version of the holiday?

Adesewa's Snake

Kaeoli Sapp

Adesewa has never found the magic in life, nor herself. At least not with that cursed scar on her face. When she discovers that a snake-shapeshifter is hiding in her Nigerian village, the hunt for redemption begins. Join Adesewa on this heart-felt journey for self-love, with the help of diverse characters, and enchanting lessons learned from her family.