Few things capture a child’s imagination like a good book. We would like to invite you to join Pioneer Public TV as we encourage children to create their own stories and to take part in the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest.

The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest is a national-local contest designed to promote the advancement of children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest encourages children in grades K-3 in communities across the country to celebrate the power of creating stories and illustrations by submitting their own original pieces. The Contest extends the powerful tradition and annual success of the 15-year national “Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest.” Winners will be notified. Check back in April to see who won this year's contest.

Contest Details

You'll find a complete list of contest rules and details in the rules and regulations form and the entry form, but here's some basic information.

Stories will be judged at a local level and top stories will be forwarded on for the national contest.
Contest runs from February 1 to March 31. Judging will take place in April and stories will be forwarded to the national contest.
Only one entry per child
Only single author stories (no co-authors)
Story must be original work of the child
Original art can include drawings, collages, 3-D and photos taken by the author
Story may be fact or fiction, prose or poetry
Use only one side of the paper
Number each page on the back
Do not staple your story together, use a paper clip
Text must be printed/written legibly or typed
Children who can’t write may dictate their story to be printed or typed
Invented spelling is accepted
Story text may be on pages with illustrations or on separate pages
Non-English text must be translated on the same page and the translated text must adhere to the word count
Word count includes "a" "an" "the" but not words on nonstory pages (e.g. title page) or those that enhance illustrations
- Grades K-1 must write a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200.
- Grades 2-3 must write a minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350.

Stories that do not meet these guidelines will be deemed ineligible.

Local Judging, Awards & Notification

Entries will be judged on originality, creative expression, storytelling and integration of text and illustrations. Pioneer will judge local submissions and send its first place winners to the national Contest. If you wish to have your story returned, please provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope of an appropriate size.

Prizes will be awarded to first place winners at each grade level.

Funding for some programs provided by the Minnesota Art & Cultural Heritage Fund.