Announcing the Winners of the 2024 WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest
Grand Prize Winner: Grace Huang, Madison West High School senior, for Speak English
The Grand Prize Award-winning story this year, Speak English, encapsulates the contest’s theme of Celebrate Small Heroes by telling the story of a small act of kindness having a big impact on Huang’s life. Huang, who faced many language and racial barriers in her childhood, wrote about her classmate who showed acceptance and friendship when her other classmates didn’t.
- Runner Up ($250 Cash Prize): Ash Gartler (pen name A.G.), Madison West High School freshman, for there are no stars here
- Runner Up ($250 Cash Prize): Nora Moran, Immaculate Heart of Mary School sixth-grader, for Untitled
- Middle School Age Group Winner ($100 Cash Prize) – Lily Nguyen, a sixth-grader at Core Knowledge Charter School, for Saving Strangers
- Elementary School Age Group Winner ($100 Cash Prize) – Ellis Biller, a fourth-grader at Gompers Elementary School, for The Snake and the Hamster
- Elementary School Age Group Winner ($100 Cash Prize) – Sofie "Whispers" Tregre, 10, for Moon
The Grand Prize winner and two runners up were presented with Forward Madison FC gear and recognized at halftime of Forward Madison's game in August. All of the winners also receive cash prizes thanks to the Madison Public Library Foundation.
Anthology Unveiling at the Wisconsin Book Festival
Although only six stories won prizes, 50 youth saw their work published both online and in print in the 2024 WE READ Youth Voices Anthology this fall. The print version is available now at all Madison Public Library locations and at all Madison Metropolitan School District library locations.
All featured youth authors were able to pick up a physical copy of the anthology on Saturday, October 19, in the Children’s Area on the lower level of Central Library as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration. The festival, which is a contest partner, also honored the authors with a short reception, signing party, donuts, and a Q&A with the contest's winners.
The WE READ program is funded by Madison Public Library Foundation, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Roots & Wings Foundation, and Jane Doughty & David Wood.
2024 Writing Contest Theme & Youth Ambassador
The theme for the 2024 WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest is “Celebrate Small Heroes”! Every act of heroism, bravery, or kindness - no matter how small - matters. We can't wait to hear your stories of everyday acts of heroism and the impact they can have.
The theme was chosen by this year’s youth ambassador, Diya Dwahal, who had this to say about the theme:
“In this world filled with injustices and chaos we often feel helpless, but you don’t have to save the world to be a hero. Our kindness and connection is what makes us human and I’m looking forward to seeing the small humanities and hidden heroes that make our world a better place.”
- Diya Dwahal, 2024 WE READ Youth Ambassador
Diya was chosen as this year's Youth Ambassador after winning last year's WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest for her story, The War of A Million Years. Diya is a sophomore at Middleton High School where she plays golf and is involved in a lot of clubs. Outside of school, Diya runs a robotics team, likes going to the gym, hanging out with her family and friends and reading mysteries.
The Prizes
Submissions for the contest are judged by a community panel of judges. Three talented writers will be recognized for their achievements by:
Being recognized on the field at Forward Madison's game on August 29, 2024- Receiving a prize package of Forward Madison swag
- Having their stories published in the WE READ Youth Voices Anthology, which will be available in every Madison Public Library location and Madison Metropolitan School District library location across the city
- Featuring them at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration.
- Having their work be shared via social media, the Forward Madison FC and Madison Public Library newsletters, and other community channels.
The GRAND PRIZE WINNER also receives a $500 cash prize, while the two runners-up receive $250, and the three age category winners receive $100 each courtesy of the Madison Public Library Foundation. These prizes serve as investments in youth - the winner and their families are left to determine the best way to spend or save the funds.
Meet The Judges
Pat Zietlow Miller (she/her) – Elementary School Judge (9 and under)
Pat is the author of more than 20 picture books including the New York Times bestselling Be Kind and the Golden Kite award-winning Sophie's Squash. She lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and can be found online at www.patzietlowmiller.com.
“The best way people can get to know and like each other is to listen to each other's stories. But sharing your story -- in small or big ways -- is often hard. You have to be brave. Congratulations to everyone for being brave enough to share their stories here. I'm happy to have read all of them."
Chelsey Tubbs (she/her) – Elementary School Judge (9 and under)
With over two decades of experience as an educator, Chelsey currently serves as the Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools at MMSD. As both a teacher and leader, she has been recognized for eradicating achievement/opportunity gaps in Dane County.
Martin Sanchez (he/him) – Middle School Judge (10-12)
Martin is a professional goalkeeper for Forward Madison FC who enjoys spending time outdoors and learning new skills in his free time.
“I am excited for our young people to share their voices because they are our future. Allowing young kids to share their voices allows them to express their emotions, their ideas, and allows others to learn about their unique experiences.”
Laura Bird (she/her) – Middle School Judge (10-12)
Laura volunteers extensively for the Madison Public Library Foundation, the Wisconsin Book Festival, and Lunch for Libraries, and she's the middle-grade author of Crossing the Pressure Line (March 2022) and Marvelous Jackson (September 2024). Join her on Instagram at @laura_at_the_library to celebrate all things literary.
“Kids always ask me ‘How do you become a writer?’ And my answer is simple: read and write as much as you can, starting as young as possible. It doesn't matter what genre—just dig in! Make yourself at home with words and stories, and you'll go far. This contest is a fabulous way to get started.”
Diya Dhawal (she/her) – High School Judge (13-18)
Diya is a junior at Middleton High School and last years winner of the WE READ Youth Voices writing contest. When she’s not busy writing, Diya runs a robotics team in her free time. When she grows up, she wants to be an aerospace engineer and write mystery novels.
“I have always loved literature. Growing up, libraries were my home. Reading and writing stories is my passion. Writing is the way that we can tell our stories and use our voices to express what we are passionate about, so I was so excited to judge for the We Read Youth Voices Writers contest!”
Bianca Martin (she/her) – High School Judge (13-18)
Bianca hosts the local, award-winning weekday podcast City Cast Madison, which connects Madisonians to their city and neighbors. She’s formerly a long-time radio and podcast producer for several NPR and public radio programs including “Our Body Politic”, “1A”, plus, National Geographic's nonfiction narrative podcast “Into the Depths”.
“I am moved by the power of storytelling and writing to transform, empower, and connect us to ourselves and each other. So, when the opportunity to be a judge for the WE READ Youth Voices competition presented itself, it was a no-brainer to be of service to our youth writers”
Since 2021, Madison Public Library, 
