Celebrating the Winners of the Fall into Fiction Writing Contest

This fall, student writers from across the country put their creativity on full display in the Fall into Fiction Writing Contest, and we are thrilled to announce our two winners!

The contest invited students to craft original short stories inspired by a fiction passage from ReadWorks or StoryShares, using thoughtfully designed prompts that encouraged imagination and individual perspectives. We received 87 submissions from students across the United States, making the selection process both exciting and challenging.

After careful review by experts from ReadWorks and StoryShares, two standout stories rose to the top.

Contest Winners

Grades 9–10 Winner
Kate H. (Missouri)
Story title: Goodbye George

Kate’s story stood out for its emotional depth and originality. When asked about entering the contest, Kate shared that her English teacher, Ms. Partney, introduced it as a class assignment. Personal experience played a meaningful role in shaping her writing, as Kate drew inspiration from her own experience with OCD.

Her favorite part of the process? Choosing the title.

Kate’s advice to young writers is simple and powerful:
“Don’t ever stop asking questions. Remain curious always.”

👉 Read Kate’s story, Goodbye George 

---

Grades 11–12 Winner
Evan D. (Nevada)
Story title: The Watch

Evan’s suspense-filled story captured readers from start to finish. He entered the contest after his English teacher, Mrs. Snyder, encouraged the entire class to submit a piece. Inspired by his love of suspenseful movies, Evan leaned into tension and pacing, especially in the ending—his favorite part to write.

His advice for fellow writers:
“Even when it seems like you don’t have a chance, try anyway. Because you might win big!”​

👉 Read Evan’s story, The Watch 

---

About the Contest

Students were asked to read one of two passages--The Sun in Your Spoon from ReadWorks or Golden from StoryShares—and respond to a creative writing prompt about attention vs. distraction, or how opposites attract or clash. Winning stories are now published on ReadWorks.org to be shared with thousands of classrooms. 

Thank you to the teachers who supported this contest and their student writers! Congratulations to Kate and Evan!