Each year, we kick off the Gift of Reading with a writing contest.
2026 Gift of Reading Essay Contest
Concurso de Ensayos Gift of Reading 2026
This year’s topic:
Everyone Has a Story
Journalists are curious about people and the world around them. They ask questions, listen carefully, and help share stories that others might not otherwise hear.
Imagine you are a reporter writing a newspaper or magazine profile* about someone you would like to know more about. Who would you choose to interview, and why? What would you want to learn about them?
Your person can be someone you know or someone you have never met. They might be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, community member, artist, athlete, historical figure, or anyone else whose story makes you curious.
*A magazine profile is a story about a real person that shows who they are, what they do, and what makes them interesting.
The writer asks questions and shares details about the person’s life, challenges, and dreams. Think of it as a portrait made with words instead of paint!
In your essay, tell us:
- Who would you interview, and why did you choose them?
- What would you like to learn about them?
- What are some questions you would ask?
- What do you think other people could learn from their story?
Most importantly, be curious! Think about the questions that might help you discover something interesting, surprising, funny, inspiring, or important about the person you chose.
In Memory of Marty Cheek
This year’s Gift of Reading Essay Contest honors our longtime friend and supporter Marty Cheek, a journalist, writer, and champion of young people in our community who passed away two years ago.
Marty believed in the power of journalism to help us learn about one another and better understand our community. He was a gifted interviewer and profile writer who knew that some of the best stories begin with something simple: being curious, asking a thoughtful question, and really listening to the answer.
Marty was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Gift of Reading Essay Contest from its earliest years. He helped judge the student essays, visited local schools to present prizes to the winners, and proudly published their winning essays in the newspaper. Most of all, he loved encouraging young people to write and making sure their voices and stories were heard.
This year, we invite our student writers to follow Marty’s example: be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and discover the stories of the people around you.
Essay requirements:
- Word limit: 200-300 words
- Submit your essay to BookSmart, 421 Vineyard Town Center, open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm
- Include on your cover sheet: Writer’s name, grade, school, teacher (if applicable), parent(s) name(s), phone number, and email.
- Entries are due by Sunday, November 29, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Winners will be chosen in each of the following grade level groups:
- 2nd-3rd grade
- 4th-5th grade
- 6th-8th grade
- 9th-12th grade
Winners in each category will receive certificates and prizes, have their essays featured at BookSmart.
2025 Gift of Reading Essay Contest
“If I could share one book…”
“If you could give one book to every kid in your school, what would it be — and why? Maybe it’s a story that made you laugh, cry, or think. Maybe it taught you something important, or helped you see the world in a new way. Maybe it made you feel understood, seen, or special — like the author somehow knew you. Or maybe it’s just a book you can’t stop talking about and want everyone to enjoy. Tell us what makes your chosen book so meaningful and why you think others should read it.”
2024 Gift of Reading Essay Contest
“Kindness is like a gift we can give to others every day. Think about a time when someone was kind to you, or when you showed kindness to someone else. Write about what happened, how it made you feel, and why you think kindness is important.”