Sponsored by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing, the Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest aims to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Black people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes are awarded.
“Quick! I put beads on Melody’s braids. In awe, she adds a little rhythm to my blues. OOOH OOOH OOOH
Soon, we rock BOOM CHICKA WAH WAH but then the beads begin to… roll away!”
Originally from southern Virgina, Morgan Lau is now a proud resident of Pennsylvania, where she maintains a backyard garden, practices sustainable living, and keeps up with growing toddlers. When she is not fulfilling snack requests and prepping crafts, Morgan paints and writes stories inspired by her family’s multicultural traditions and nature. Find her on Instagram @greengirlblueplanet.
“The music matches time with my heartbeat. My feet start to tap-stomp-TAP before we reach the park.
Thump THUMP THUMP Rattity-tattity-tat-tat-tat
I want to run to the drummers, but Grandpa holds my hand. He doesn’t want me to get lost in the crowd. When there are a lot of people, Grandpa puts me on his shoulders so I can watch. I can see everything from up there.”
A dedicated bookworm and storyteller, Sibylla Nash works as a Los Angeles–based freelance writer. Her work has appeared in various publications, including Parents, Lit Hub, Essence magazine, and The Chicago Tribune. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Otis College of Art and Design and her BA in Journalism from the University of Southern California. Her first early reader will be published by Simon & Schuster in ’25.
“Ackee,” said Grandpa. “It’s our national fruit. Wi cook it with saltfish to make our national dish.”
Elijah twisted his lips. “Fruit and salted fish? Yuck, I’ll never eat that!”
“We’ll see,” said Grandpa. “Come, pick some with me.”
Elijah climbed onto Grandpa’s shoulders to pick the ackees.’
Densey Davis-Lumsden is a Jamaican writer, storyteller and poet based in South Florida. She enjoys sharing her experience growing up in rural Jamaica and hopes to connect children to that rich culture and heritage. Densey is a runner up in the 2024 PB Rising Stars Program for her entry “Elijah’s Summer with Grandpa.” When she’s not busy writing or with her full-time job in in the Information Technology industry, she is busy spending time with her husband and three children and gathering ideas for stories.
