2026 Young Authors Summer Contest Entry Form Now Available
The 2026 Young Authors Summer Contest is now open, and students across Southern Arizona are invited to start writing.
Sponsored by Altrusa International of Tucson in partnership with the Tucson Festival of Books, the Summer Contest offers an early opportunity for students in kindergarten through high school to submit original stories and poems.
The entry form is now available for download here:
Download the 2026 Young Authors Summer Contest Entry Form (PDF).
Encourage the young writers in your life to participate and share their stories.
How the Summer Contest Works
The Summer Contest is the first phase of the broader Young Authors program. Students may submit one original story and one poem, each written entirely in their own voice.
Entries must be:
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Typed using Microsoft Word or Google Docs
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Single-spaced in a standard 12-point font
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No more than 1,000 words
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Accompanied by a completed entry form
Submissions may be sent by email or mail, as outlined on the entry form.
All entries are judged by Altrusa members, with a focus on creativity, storytelling, and originality.
Key Dates and Recognition
The deadline for Summer Contest entries is July 30, 2026.
Winners will receive:
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A certificate of recognition
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A small prize
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Automatic entry into the 2027 Tucson Festival of Books Young Authors Contest
Winning names will be announced in August on the Altrusa Tucson website and shared through community partners.
Encouraging Young Writers
The Young Authors Contest is designed to build confidence, creativity, and a love of writing. Whether a student is just beginning to explore storytelling or already enjoys writing, the Summer Contest is a chance to participate, create, and be recognized.
Download the entry form, start writing, and encourage the young authors in your life to share their stories.