Color our world by creating one of your own! Write a short story based on the prompt below and enter to win awesome prizes.
Winners will be selected in three categories:
- Middle School
- High School
- Spanish Middle and High School
Entries accepted June 1 - July 31. To submit a story, you must be a resident of Jefferson County or attend a Jeffco Public School.
Winners will be announced in September. An award ceremony will be held at Belmar Library on Sept. 13.
Contest Rules
"You are all the colors in one, at full brightness." —Jennifer Niven, All the Bright Places
Write a 5,000-word or fewer short story inspired by this quote from young adult author Jennifer Niven. Stories must be written in prose, and there is no need to mention the quote in the story itself.
Submissions will be accepted June 1 - July 31. After the entry period closes, a team of qualified judges will evaluate submissions and determine the top five stories within each group. Then, local YA authors will review the top five selections to determine first- and second-place winners in each group. In the event of a tie, JCPL teen librarians will review entries and determine final winners.
Submissions will be scored using a rubric based on the following criteria:
- Addresses theme
- Plot structure
- Character development and dialogue
- Language use
- Organization and structure
Download and print a copy of the rubric and rules (Word, opens a new window / PDF, opens a new window) to help your narrative flourish!
Announced Judges
JCPL is once again partnering with a talented panel of YA authors to support our up-and-coming teen writers this summer!
Prizes
- First Place: iPad
- Second Place: Owl Crate Box
- Third Place: Writing Gift Bag (writing journals, writing prompt cards or book, pens)
Writing Tips and Tricks
JCPL loves fostering creativity for the writing community! From Events, Writing Guide and resources, JCPL has plenty of resources to help you develop your craft.
2025 Library Summer Challenge: Color Our World!
Discover our colorful world with Jefferson County Public Library's Summer Challenge, where learning is for everyone! Explore the beauty all around you to earn points and win prizes during the Library Summer Challenge.
Register starting May 1 to discover your inner artist, brighten up your community, write colorful stories and embrace a vibrant life!
Learn more at jeffcolibrary.org/summer-challenge.