2023 Kids Writers Contest Winners

by Carole Burns

Prepare to be amazed as the talented young minds of southeastern Wisconsin unleash their boundless creativity! These local children have harnessed the power of their imagination to craft unforgettable characters, weave exciting plots, and bring their stories to life with expressive illustrations.

Milwaukee PBS proudly presents the shining stars of the 2023 Milwaukee PBS KIDS Young Writers Contest. These young authors and artists have poured their hearts and souls into their works, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Get ready to be inspired by the next generation of storytellers and illustrators as we unveil the contest winners.

Kindergarten
First Place: The Ssscepter Adventure - Sinora Bunker
Second Place: Frank's Lucky Day - Leroy Leistikow
Third Place: The Beary Fun Soccer Game - Evelyn Tubbin
Special Merit: My Arizona Adventure - Miles Dahler

First Grade
First Place: Three Explorers, Dave, and a Poisonous Snake - Brady Lucas
Second Place: Giant Joe - Laura Berg
Third Place: The Horse who Got Lost - Cash Twohig
Special Merit: Sad Days - King 'Darius Brumfield

Second Grade
First Place: Magic Mountain - Ethan Reinersman
Second Place: The Case of the Missing Button - Charlotte Mauer
Third Place: The Hunting and Fishing Book (A True Story) - James Nevoraski
Special Merit: My Special Friend - Samayah Burnette

Third Grade
First Place: The Cat Went To Space - Simrita Juluri
Second Place: The Lunar Moon Park - Anna Cohut
Third Place: All Around the World - Lilah Patton
Special Merit: Wimpy the Wombat - Hadley West

"We're absolutely thrilled to have the privilege of hosting the Milwaukee PBS KIDS Young Writers Contest," declared Julie Hill Lehr, the Marketing & Community Engagement Manager at Milwaukee PBS. She went on to emphasize, "Creative writing isn't just about crafting stories; it's a gateway to honing essential academic skills. Moreover, it's a powerful tool for boosting a child's self-confidence, nurturing their creativity, and igniting their imagination. Our dedication to the children of southeastern Wisconsin drives us to provide and continue this invaluable opportunity. We're honored to be a part of their journey." 

The Milwaukee PBS KIDS Young Writers Contest is designed to promote the advancement of children’s literacy skills through hands-on, active learning. The contest encourages children in grades K-3 to celebrate creativity by submitting their own original stories and illustrations.

This program is sponsored by Edvest Wisconsin's College Savings Plan and The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum