Madison Reporter

The WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest is set to reopen submissions on May 1, 2025. Organized by the Madison Public Library in partnership with Forward Madison FC and the Wisconsin Book Festival, the contest is open to young participants 18 years and under from the Madison area. They have a chance to see their work published and win cash prizes, up to $500, through support from the Madison Public Library Foundation.

Submissions can be submitted in various languages, including English, Spanish, and Hmong, and can take the form of short stories, songs, poems, comics, or graphic novels.

The launch event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at the Forward Madison FC home game at Breese Stevens Field. It promises to be a family-friendly event with activities including Science in Soccer, face painting, a balloon artist, and a petting zoo. The Dream Bus will also be present to sign up people for library cards and distribute free writer's notebooks along with WE READ Youth Voices bookmarks featuring prompts related to the 2025 contest theme.

Forward Madison FC Director of Business Operations Kyler Donovan expressed enthusiasm for the contest and mentioned the participation of Wallis Lapsley, the team’s goalkeeper, as one of the community judges. Youth Poet Laureate Justin Festge Russell is also playing a significant role as the Youth Ambassador. "Justin is enthusiastic about fostering the next generation of writers in Madison, and he's a shining example of a young person who has accomplished so much by pursuing their creative passions," said Madison Public Library's Youth Services Manager Tammy Ocampo.

Russell, having previously engaged with students at LaFollette and Shabazz High Schools for writing workshops, will be active at the kick-off event, announcing the contest at halftime and discussing the theme. “Inspired by Madison Public Library's 150th Anniversary, this year's Youth Voices Writing Contest theme is all about Roots,” he said.

The contest will accept submissions until June 30, 2025, in three age categories, each with specific word limits. A panel of community judges will evaluate submissions, and winners will be recognized at a Forward Madison game, with their selections published in the annual WE READ Youth Voices Anthology. The grand prize winner will receive $500, while additional prizes include cash awards courtesy of the Madison Public Library Foundation.

The program also receives support from the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Roots & Wings Foundation, and Jane Doughty & David Wood. More information about the Madison Public Library and its initiatives can be found on their website and social media.