This year’s 100 Word Story Competition again demonstrated the talent amongst our young writers. 410 students from First Story partner schools wrote brilliant stories, taking on the challenge of writing a compelling narrative in only 100 words.
Judged by a panel from Bonnier Books, the stories were an impressive mix of theme and subject. We are delighted to be able to share our winners and special mentions below.
Huge congratulations to all the young writers who took part. First, second and third place winners will receive a Bonnier book bundle, notebook, certificate, and a framed copy of their story; their school will receive A3 posters of the story to display. All Highly Commended entrants will receive a book bundle and certificate.
The judges from Bonnier Books comment on the winners below.
First Place
Helen’s Secret by Maryam Khan, Hampstead School, London
The sky darkened menacingly over the derelict warehouse. Crows cawed and flew away, leaving Helen’s diary alone and helpless. Very little remained of it, yet its pink grid-patterned design was still recognisable. The words fought as hard as they could to stay alive, but mould had other plans. They tried to scream, but who would hear them?
All night long, the pages gasped for air and wished for any source of heat. But they couldn’t stop thinking of the past- Helen’s teary face, the blazing flames, and the heat, the incredibly scorching heat that made the rain feel almost pleasant.
Engaging, memorable and beautifully executed. It told us so much in 100 words – and with gorgeous language. While reading, all the judges felt a real sense of wanting to know more and see where this story led. Top metaphors, great suspense. It felt like the start of a novel that we would all be rushing to read.
Judges
Second Place
The Firework That Was Scared Of Change by Emilia Mitchell, Thomas Tallis School, London
The box enclosed all the firework’s emotions: anxiety and dread bubbling inside, like an eager volcano. It monopolised the firework’s mind with nerves and uncertainties about what lay beyond.
The poor firework pondered its options: either stay trapped with these feelings, or venture into the unknown. Unready for the risk, it pushed anyway. Tired of living the same life, the motivation drove the box open and –
BANG!
The firework shot freely up into the sky. Sparks of enlightenment and joy drifted into beautiful patterns way up high. All the firework’s uncertainties left behind in the box below.
This stood out for the confidence of narrative, and its excellent, relatable metaphor. A clear concept done really well – and told with verve and energy. We thought this would particularly appeal to younger readers.
Judges
Third Place
The Mud Green Jaguar by Filip Bleho, Co-op Academy North Manchester
The mud green jaguar yawned as it was stuck in a garage, which was filling with cobwebs, day by day. Once the pinnacle of luxury, now battling rust, once driven daily in the Swiss mountains, screaming as it reached its limits, now stuck in a barn on a Scottish island, never to be seen again. It’s leather, once used as a medicine to cure insomnia. The car shook as a wave hit the island. The smell of oil fills the room as if a spider bit a fuel pipe a few decades ago.The weather, now gloomy, reflecting the car’s emotions.
This story shone through its lovely execution of concept. It captured a real sense of how the car was feeling, and married strong scene-setting with lush, evocative language. This was one that really grew on us.
Judges
Highly Commended
Stars by Malaika Shafiq, Nottingham Academy
I told the stars about you. How you made me laugh on my worst nights. How your words hugged my heart. How you were everything I wanted and more. How you knew everything about it. And to your heart? I was predictable. My heart craved your love. The warmth and safety you made me feel. I told the stars how you made my day with one simple sentence. How the rain was my favourite thing because we would dance in it. The stars knew my everlasting feelings of love for you. Maybe if you knew, too, you would have stayed.
The Bittersweet Ballad by Beth Dawson, Longcroft School and Sixth Form College
The worn tips of passionate fingers glide across my ivory keys. I bask in the glorious sunlight that floods the room as she creates a harmony, my chords intertwining with her soul. She lets the music spill out of her and a carefree melody escapes my body and floats into the atmosphere. I feel like I’m in a never-ending dream and I don’t want to wake up. Ever.
But I do. I snap back into reality as I’m slowly suffocated under the mass of dust that envelops my soul. If only I’d known that that would be the last time.
Magazine Life by Hattie Hubbuck, St. Saviour’s and St. Olave’s School
A girl stares up at you grinning her pearly whites to the summer sun, another ‘hot girl summer’ but when you put the pages down and toss and turn in your sheets, the magazine turns toxic. The girl’s grin fades and she runs from cover to cover. Trying to escape ‘beauty’ standards she runs, the articles chase her. The president tries to trample her, the PM shouts but she slows a bit on the recipe — extra chocolatey cake — she’s so hungry. When she reaches the back, she cries because there’s no green glowing exit sign.
She’s trapped forever.
Untitled by Menekşe Gokdemir, St. Paul’s Way
Dad. I look out of the window. He’s here. It’s been so long. The flashing red lights of his car stabbing the watercolour sunset as he parks. My heart is beating so fast. Dad. I watch him get out of his car, slowly. Dad. I wave. He smiles. I missed him. The lights of the night creep in, holding each other like family. I watch him walk closer. Closer. Closer. Until he’s at the doorstep. I run to the door and swing it open…. Dad? He’s not there. He’s dead. I tell myself to get over it. I sit. Dad.
Untitled by Evangeline Collins, Trinity Church of England High School, Manchester
The land is asleep.
Trees look helpless. Flowers droop. Grass lies, thin as frayed string, on a ground so weak you would think that one step could crush its abandoned body. A cold wind sighs through the graveyard as if paying its respects to its loyal family.
Then, the clouds weep. A glimmer of light reaches the heart of an old willow tree. A cluster of soft, pink blossoms blow in the awakened wind. Flowers burst open and spread like vivid rainbows. The pink blossomed tree reaches branches out to neighbouring trees, sharing breath with friends.
The land is alive.
We’d like to thank everyone who entered, along with the teachers, writers and Bonnier Books UK who supported the competition.
First Story students on Leeds radio station Chapel FM
