CLiF contest challenges young writers to write a two-sentence love story

February 27, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Kids take part in a writing workshop. Photo courtesy of the Children's Literacy Foundation

The Children’s Literacy Foundation has announced the theme for its  third annual Two-Sentence Story Contest for young writers in Vermont and New Hampshire. 

Kids are challenged to tell an original “Love” story this year using only two sentences. 

Entrants are encouraged to write about anything or anyone that evokes this sentiment. 

CLiF’s Two-Sentence Story Contest is free to enter and open to all youngsters in Vermont and New Hampshire ages 12 and under. 

“We see this contest as a really fun exercise that encourages children to think creatively,” CLiF Executive Director Laura Rice said. “Writing is, of course, an essential literacy skill, and we love reading the imaginative stories the kids come up with!”

Winners will be chosen in four age groups and they will receive a collection of five books curated to their reading level and interests. 

March 14 is the deadline for entries. 

Last year’s contest took place just ahead of the total solar eclipse that occurred on April 8. Inspired by the rare event, the contest prompt asked children to “tell a story that takes place in the sky” and CLiF received over 900 entries. The first contest held in 2023 challenged young writers to “tell a story about winter,” and it drew over 700 entries. 

Full contest guidelines and free supplementary materials for educators and caregivers are online here. 

Based in Waterbury Center, CLiF serves thousands of children each year in Vermont and New Hampshire with programs such as in-person visits with professional authors and illustrators, book giveaways at schools and libraries, and more. More information at clifonline.org.