Writing Contest for all ages!

This year, the Robbins and Fox Libraries have selected John Green's The Fault In Our Stars as the Community Read. 

During the fall, both libraries will be hosting oodles of events related to this fantastic book.

And guess what!  One of the most FUN parts of this year's Community Read 

is a writing contest.  We're offering it to both kids and adults.  If this sounds like something you're interested in, READ ON:

Community Read Writing Contest 411

In The Fault In Our Stars, a major plot point is that Hazel's favorite book, An Imperial Affliction, stops in mid-sentence. After years of wondering how it ends and wanting to know what happened to the characters, she takes extreme steps to find answers to her questions.

Do you have a book that leaves you hanging in a similar way? Or perhaps your favorite book has an ending that you just don't like. Here's your chance to write a better ending!

As part of this year's Community Read, we're sponsoring a writing contest. Submit a new ending or epilogue to a b ook for a chance to win a prize.

Age categories are as follows:

Adult (18+): 1500 words maximum

Teen (high school): 1500 words maximum

Grades 6-8: 1000 words maximum

Grades 3-5: 1000 words maximum

Up to 2nd grade: 1000 words maximum

Entries will be judged by a panel of community members. Winners will be announced in October and will have an opportunity to read their winning entries at the prize reception. Entries will be available for the public to read, but you have the option of withholding your name from the public copy (see entry form.)

How to enter:

Entries must be typed.

Submit paper entries at the Reference Desk, Children's Department, or the Fox branch. Or submit your entry online here. 

Deadline: October 1.

Good luck and have fun!

Prizes:

Adult Category:

Arlington Dinner and a Movie Package

$25 Gift Certificates to Za and Tango Restaurants in Arlington, accompanied by four movie passes to the Capitol Theater!

Teen Category:

One free spot in a six-week Teen Writing Workshop at the prestigious Grub Street in downtown Boston.  Grub Street is the second largest independent center for creative writing in the United States.

Grades Six to Eight:

Autographed copies of prize-winning books, including 2011 the Newbery Award Winner, Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos, as well as two free movie passes to the Capitol Theater. 

Grades Three to Five:

Autographed copies of popular graphic novels by Jef Czejak and Jarrett Krosoczka, as well as two free movie passes to the Capitol Theater.

Up to Second Grade:

Autographed copy of an award-winning picture book and four free passes to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, MA.