Random House Struik recently held a short story competition inviting young readers to write short fictional stories with the chance to win a cash prize of R5 000 as well as books for their school library to the value of R10 000. The winning school will be able to nominate a disadvantaged school of their choice who will receive a further set of books to the value of R10 000.
The winner in the 9-12 age group is Haytham Jeppie from SACS Junior School in Cape Town, whose story titled “Ghost School” impressed the judges (see picture above). The judges also recognised great talent in young writer Tom Vidal from Bishops College in Cape Town, and he was chosen as the winner in the 13-17 age group for his story titled “Broken Wings”.
James Patterson is passionate about encouraging children to read. He was inspired by his own son, who was a reluctant reader, to write books specifically for young readers. Random House Struik supports this initiative and with this competition, we hope to inspire more young South Africans to become passionate about books, reading and writing.
The competition was judged by Marj Brown and Jay Heale. Marj is Senior Librarian at Roedean, SA Coordinator of the International Kids Lit Quiz, and Founder and Coordinator of the literacy quiz, Phendulani. Jay is the author of many children’s books including Hooked on Books. He reviews children’s books regularly on the Book Choice programme of Fine Music Radio.
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The Book Lounge and Zebra Press invite you to the launch of A Rumour of Spring: South Africa after 20 years of Democracy.
