Writers Day Contest Winners: 2026
The 2026 Winners Are...
PICTURE BOOK
Winner: Kristin Yamane Saito for The Little Girl Who Took Her Time Everywhere
Judge’s Comment: In this story, young Suki begins to notice the passage of time for the first time. At first, she’s eager to befriend time, but soon realizes time can be hard to befriend. It speeds up when you need it to be slow, and crawls when you need it to hurry. It can’t be controlled, but it sure can be wasted. This frustrates Suki to no end, as she tries — and fails — to live outside of time, to fight it and even to throw it away. Eventually, she comes to realize that time has positive qualities as well. It can help you heal, or create space to simply exist in the company of others. Little readers everywhere will empathize with the main character’s frustrations and resonate with the book’s message. They will hopefully learn along with her that time is on their side, that everyone has their own time, and that we are all able to enjoy its many presents.
Runner-Up: Eori Tokunaga for Love in a Yukata
Judge’s Comment: "Love in a Yukata" is a beautiful personal story about identity and the courage to embrace our true selves. Written in first person, we follow the main character’s conflicting emotions when wearing a Yukata that doesn’t feel quite right. Belonging to the young boy’s father, the traditional garment is supposed to bring connection to well-loved male ancestors, but the main character feels nothing. But then, as our protagonist tries on Mother’s old Yukata, things shift. Complicated feelings come about swiftly, but they’re also quickly replaced by a deep feeling of ancestral and cultural connection that just feels right. A glossary is included for kids (and adults) to learn about Japanese traditions and garments. In a thoughtful author’s note, the author explains her personal connection to the story and encourages everyone to find love in whatever they choose to wear.
MIDDLE GRADE
Winner: Lisze Bechtold for Atwater
Judge’s Comment: From the opening sentence ("You would think, after a little practice, my mom would get better at picking husbands, not worse"), the voice of this middle grade contemporary is clear, sharp, and funny, landing us right in the middle of Bitsy's state of mind and perspective in a way that has us rooting for her from the start. Bitsy, a girl at a new school in a family that's clearly running from an abusive man, doesn't feel like she fits in, but in an unexpected moment for both her and the reader, the seemingly prim and proper girl sent by the teacher to talk to her ends up being a kindred spirit. The dialogue is beautifully attuned, and unusual sensory details — such as the fwapping of Bitsy swishing her braid hard enough to hit her cheeks as she hangs upside down on the monkey bars — make this story about friendship and finding your way stand out.
Runner Up: Christine Kornylak for Treasure Isle
Judge’s Comment: In a future world where temperatures have soared and plants are all in museums and under federal protection, Lyra is fascinated with the "old days" and with plants in particular. When her class goes to visit the Natural History Museum, with the largest collection of edible plants in Chicagoland, Lyra ends up both finding three nasturtium seeds and taking them with her. The unfolding mystery about why she is allowed to leave after being caught tasting a nasturtium leaf paired with what she might do with the seeds she manages to smuggle home is just subtle enough to leave the reader fully engaged and wanting more.
YOUNG ADULT
Winner: Dorothy Deene for The Existence of Monsters
Judge’s Comment: Iris lives on the outskirts of society, isolated in a trailer with her mother, Maeve, who is plagued by visions. Maeve says they need to stay away from others to remain safe from those who would harm them. But as Iris grows older, she begins to question the truth of Maeve's visions, and becomes increasingly desperate to experience the rest of the world. Iris's world is decorated with lush details of natural wonder, and her interior conflict is elevated by her unique voice. The opening pages set up compelling questions about family, loyalty, and freedom, and leave the reader wondering whether monsters really do exist.