APLD's Fourth Annual Young Authors Short Story Contest Guidelines Open to individuals in: School grades 3-8 Living in the library's service area Story must: Include the theme of: A Magical Beast Be under 1,500 words and may be written in English or Spanish Be original, free of copyright restrictions and AI, and previously unpublished Be appropriate for a wide audience and suitable for all ages Be typed or clearly legible Include the title and page number on each page Submissions must: Be accompanied by an entry form Be limited to one per person Be submitted by November 30, 2025. No late entries will be accepted. Submit your entry in person (non-returnable) at any APLD Children’s Desk or via email to: childrensantori@aurorapubliclibrary.org with the subject line“Short Story Contest.” Entries that do not meet the above guidelines may be disqualified from judging.
Name: School / Grade: Email: Phone Number: Title of Story: Winners announced Friday, December 19, 2025.