The winners were selected from more than 2,400 young writers who took part in the Be the Change writing competition, run by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Wicked Active Learning.
Young people, aged nine to 14, made their voices heard about the positive actions they would take to better their local area including advocating for women’s safety, improving public transport and bringing communities together.
The judges included children’s authors Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon, and Manjeet Mann, winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award in 2022 for The Crossing.
The winner in the nine to 11 age group was Lucia, aged 9, from London, who wrote a creative piece about pollution in the River Thames from the perspective of an oxygen particle ‘living’ in the river. Joey, aged 11 from Glasgow, was the runner-up with his impassioned letter to a local councillor about saving the old and beloved football pitch at his school.
After hearing about winning, Lucia said: “I loved taking part in the competition and creating a story all about looking after the planet. It was so exciting that I would love to turn my character into a comic book hero.”
The winner in the 11-14 age group was Megan, aged 13, from Leeds. She impressed the judges with a story about how improved public transport and infrastructure could improve women and girls’ safety and confidence moving around their communities.
Violet, aged 13, from Lancashire, was the runner-up in the older age category, having also explored women’s safety and even conducted her own local survey to include original data in her essay.
The two winning pupils have won whole-class or writing group trips to see Wicked in London and a class writing workshop with Manjeet Mann, where they will learn how to craft a great persuasive essay or story, and tips on making their voice and passion heard. Winners, runners-up and shortlisted pupils will have their work published in an anthology and receive a bundle of new books for their school.
Wicked Active Learning
Wicked Active Learning supports curriculum enrichment, personal development and learning outside the classroom and helps schools to deliver visits to the stage show. School workshops are available on and off site, focused around the topics of well-being, anti-bullying and musical theatre.
The learning team also provides school groups with post-show Q&A sessions to discuss the themes of the show and speak to members of the cast.
For more information about the competition and to read the winners’ entries go to literacytrust.org.uk.
