December 2020 – Collinsville CUSD 10 students in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to participate in the 2020-21 Young Authors program coordinated through the Madison County Regional Office of Education.
Each year, students across Madison County compete in the Young Authors program. K-8 students are asked to create original stories – turn them into book format – and submit them to their teachers.
Each school judges the entries they receive. The winners are recognized on the district level and could be invited to attend the Madison County Young Authors Conference hosted by the Madison County Regional Office of Education or the statewide conference.
Participants from CUSD 10 schools will be given a certificate and the district winner will receive a prize and a certificate. K-4 elementary schools will choose one winner, 5-8 will choose one per grade level. Winners will be announced by February 26th.
The district has hosted an annual Young Authors Tea for the authors and their parents. For the 2020-21 school year, due to COVID-19 public health restrictions, the specific format of recognition is to be determined.
Click for information in Spanish
How to participate in Young Authors 2020-21
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- The manuscript identification card (see below) must be complete and attached to the front, inside cover of every book in order for it to be considered for advancement.
- Books by three or more children will not be accepted. Books authored/illustrated by pairs of students will be accepted; however, co-authored/illustrated entries will count as two of the district/school allotment of entries.
- Due to issues with copyright laws, stories with copyrighted characters will not be allowed. (Ex. Spongebob, Superman, Batman, Legos, etc.)
- Dictated books may be typed or handwritten by an adult, but must be in the student’s own language.
- Manuscripts must have a substantial cover with pages securely attached. The title of the book and the author’s name is placed on the cover, as well as an illustration.
- Books need a title page including the title of the book, the author, a fictitious publishing company, and the copyright date (year).
- Books need a dedication page and an author’s page which may include information such as the author’s age, grade, likes, and hobbies. You may attach a picture to this page.
- Pages are numbered in the center on the bottom of each page and illustrations appear throughout the book.
- Should a book advance, parents will be responsible for transporting their children to and from the conferences.
Books are due to teachers by January 27, 2021.
Click HERE for a printable copy of the rules and the REQUIRED manuscript identification form (English)
Have Fun and Be Creative!