23rd Annual Book Writing Contest
sponsored by the Friends of the William Jeanes Library Nancy Corson Creative Writing Fund
Entry Deadline: Monday, March 20, 2017
Winners will be notified by email by April 24, 2017
K – 2nd Grade Awards Reception: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
3rd – 5th Grade Awards Reception: Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Instructions and Rules:
 IF ANY OF THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW ARE NOT FOLLOWED, THE ENTRY WILL NOT BE JUDGED!
 Contest open to students in Kindergarten through 5th grades.
 Entries are to be the original work of one student.
 Students may receive help with typing, but not with editing of any kind.
 No more than one entry per student.
 Although not required, illustrations and/or graphics may be included
 Entries may be submitted on paper or as a PDF attached to an email to [email protected]
 Entries may be typed or neatly hand-written.
 Use 8 ½ x 11 paper only, in portrait orientation, not landscape, and use one side of each page only.
 Entries limited to 15 pages of text and 15 pages of illustrations.
 Do not include the child’s name or any other identifying information on any of these 15 pages.
 Pages can include a combination of text and illustrations/graphics.
 Each page must have a 1” or greater left margin and ½” or greater margins on all other sides.
 Margin limits apply to cover, all pages of text, and all pages of illustrations/graphics.
 The first page of each entry (not included in the 15 page limit) must include the following:
o Title of the Book
o Child’s Full Name, School, and Grade
o Parent or Guardian’s Full Name and Email Address
o No Illustrations. Nothing on this page will be visible to judges, so it will be wasted work!
 The second page of each entry (not included in the 15 page limit) should contain the TITLE ONLY. This page WILL BE VISIBLE TO
JUDGES, and may not identify the child in any way. No identifying information whatsoever should be included on this page.
Judging:
 Awards will be given on each grade level for written content and for illustrations and/or graphics. See next page for evaluation rubric
for written content.
 All winners will receive a bookstore gift certificate. 1st and 2nd place winners will receive a bound copy of their books to keep. Winning
entries will be bound by grade level and added to the William Jeanes Memorial Library permanent book collection.
Questions? Contact Rachel Fecho, Children’s Librarian at [email protected] or 610-828-0441
Evaluation of Writing
\
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
1 pt
Creativity
Writing is extremely
creative. Ideas and style
are refreshing and
imaginative. Talented
writing.
Writing is somewhat
creative. Some new and
imaginative ideas. Good
writing.
Writing contains a few
creative ideas, but style
is mostly uninspired.
Writing contains many
cliché ideas and an
uninspired style.
Spelling and
Grammar
Proper use of spelling
and grammar is
employed consistently
throughout.
There are a few spelling
and grammar errors, but
it does not take away
from the overall quality.
Poor spelling and
grammar muddle the
overall effectiveness.
There are so many
spelling and grammar
errors that it is difficult to
comprehend the
meaning.
Word Choice
Strong, vivid words and
descriptions throughout.
Most words are above
average and used
appropriately
throughout.
Strong words and
descriptions throughout.
Many words are above
average and used
appropriately
throughout.
Some strong words and
descriptions. Some
above average word
choices, but many
words are used
inappropriately.
Poor word choice and
descriptions throughout.
Many words misused.
Fluidity
There is a strong rhythm
and flow of language.
Sentence structure is
varied throughout.
There is a rhythm and
flow of language.
Sentence structure is
often varied.
An obvious attempt to
create a rhythm and
flow. Sentence structure
not varied.
No attempt to create a
rhythm. Sentence
structure not varied.
Organization and
Development
Excellent idea creativity.
Organization and use of
supporting details
evident.
Good idea creativity.
Organization and use of
supporting details
evident.
Some idea creativity.
Attempted organization
and use of some
supporting details.
No creativity, poor
organization, and no
attempt to supply
supporting details.