Celebrate Earth Day 2026 with ReadWorks: The Illustration Contest is Back—Now Bigger Than Ever!

Earth Day is one of our favorite times of year at ReadWorks. It is a moment when reading, creativity, and environmental awareness come together in powerful ways. We are proud to announce that the ReadWorks and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Earth Day Illustration Contest is back for 2026. This year, it is bigger and more inclusive than ever.

By teacher demand, we have expanded the contest to include students in grades 2 through 8 and introduced a new special education category. These updates ensure that even more students can participate, engage, and shine.

How the Contest Works

The heart of the contest remains the same. Students read high-quality nonfiction passages about wildlife, conservation, and our planet and then bring their learning to life through original illustrations.

This year, students will explore topics such as:

• Monarch butterflies and migration
• Sea turtles and environmental threats
• River ecosystems and bird conservation
• Mangroves and ocean biodiversity
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After reading, students create an illustration that demonstrates understanding of the text, connection to the environment or habitat, and creativity.

Teachers, parents, or guardians can submit entries by April 24, 2026. Winners will be announced in May.

Learn More

What's New in 2026 

We listened to educators and made meaningful updates.

🆕 Expanded Grade Levels
The contest now includes grades 2 through 8. This opens the door for middle school students to participate and deepen their engagement with science and literacy.

🆕 Special Education Category
​We are especially proud to introduce a dedicated special education category, created directly from teacher feedback. Educators can select the most appropriate grade-level passage for their students, making participation more accessible and inclusive.

Every student deserves the opportunity to connect, create, and be celebrated.

Looking Back: The Impact of the Last Two Years of the Earth Day Contest

Last year’s contest was incredibly inspiring.
More than 4,000 student entries were submitted from classrooms across the country. Students demonstrated deep understanding of environmental topics through their art. Teachers reported high engagement, meaningful discussions, and excitement around reading.

From endangered species to ocean ecosystems, students did not just read. They connected emotionally and creatively to what they learned.

One student shared their hope that one day in the future the green sea turtle is safe. A teacher reflected on how the contest helped students bring what they learned to life through their art.

These moments show why this contest matters. Students are not just learning facts. They are developing empathy, awareness, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
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See winner's from 2025 and 2024. Who will be next? 

👉 Start exploring passages and submit your students’ entries today: https://about.readworks.org/earthday2026.html