Sharpen your writing claws and stomp the summer slump by crafting your own dino-mite story based on this year's prompt!
Winners will be selected in two categories:
- Middle School
- High School
Submit your story June 1 – July 31 for the chance to win awesome prizes and have your literary creation reviewed by published local authors! Contest winners will be announced on Sept. 1, followed by an award ceremony at Belmar Library on Sept. 12.
Contest Rules
"Life will find a way." —Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park
Write a 5,000-word or fewer short story inspired by this quote from author Michael Crichton. 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! Check back here to see what authors will be judging your work!
Prizes
- First Place: iPad
- Second Place: Owl Crate Box
- Third Place: Writing Gift Bag
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.
Summer Reading 2026: DinoSOAR Into Stories!
It's time to DinoSOAR Into Stories as you embark on an epic adventure to collect badges and win prizes during JCPL's Summer Reading program!
Register to roar into fossil-fueled fun as you unearth unforgettable tales, fascinating facts and prehistoric characters. Don't forget your explorer gear — we’re on a journey to make summer boredom go extinct!
Registration opens May 1! Learn more at jeffcolibrary.org/summer-reading.