From notebooks to bestsellers:
Could our country’s next literary sensation be sitting right at your dining room table? Thanks to the ‘Kids Write 4 Kids’ (KW4K) Creative Challenge, young writers from across the country now have the opportunity to see their imaginative stories turned into published books.
Organized by Ripple Foundation, this annual contest invites students in grades 4 to 8 to submit their original work by March 31, 2025. But here’s the best part: the winners won’t just see their names in print—100% of the book sale proceeds are donated to a charity of the child’s choice.
Over a decade of creativity
\Since KW4K’s launch in 2014 over 4,200 aspiring writers have put their pens to paper for a chance to be a part of this initiative. Ripple Foundation, a national charity dedicated to nurturing creativity in youth, created this platform to allow kids to tell their stories and see their work celebrated nationwide. What sets this contest apart, however, is its strong emphasis on giving back. The winning books are published and sold, with proceeds benefiting charities like the Canadian Cancer Society, Right to Play, and the Children’s Aid Foundation. So far, 11 schools and charities have received support from these young authors’ efforts, proving that storytelling can be a force for positive change.
Ivy Wong, the founder of Ripple Foundation, has seen firsthand the powerful impact the Creative Challenge has had on participants: “Every year, we are amazed by the creativity and depth these young writers bring to their stories. This competition not only gives them the opportunity to share their writing but also teaches them the value of supporting causes that are important to them. It’s incredible to see how this contest inspires kids to make a real difference through their words.”
Selecting the winner
A panel of 12 judges, including bestselling authors, journalists, avid readers, and past KW4K winners, will review the entries and select the next group of young literary stars. Esteemed authors Kit Pearson and Susan Hughes are on the 2025 judging panel. Joining them are the 2024 winners, Alina Xiao (Grade 8) and Myah Rathi Litteljohn (Grade 7).
Alina’s ‘A Piece of Me,’ a poignant poetry collection about the emotional struggles of cancer treatment, and Myah’s ‘Path of Thorns,’ a thrilling fantasy adventure, are testaments to the extraordinary talent young writers bring to Kids Write 4 Kids. Both winners are donating their book proceeds to Childhood Cancer Canada, showing just how meaningful the experience can be—not only in shaping future authors but in nurturing compassionate, socially responsible citizens.
Sharing their voices
For young storytellers, KW4K represents much more than just a chance to see their name on a book cover. It’s a path to discovering the power of storytelling, a way to give back to causes that matter, and an opportunity to share their work with the world. Whether crafting heartfelt personal tales, weaving fantastical adventures, or composing moving poems, this annual challenge offers young writers the chance to shine—and leave a lasting impact.
Kaylie Dolan is a graduate student in International Migration and Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a freelance writer for the Canadian Abilities Foundation.
Image: Shutterstock
