On International Literacy Day (Tuesday 8th September), the world’s leading learning company, Pearson, is launching its second national writing competition - My Twist on a Tale: Everyday Heroes, which encourages 4-19 year-olds to let their imagination run wild as they put pen to paper and write a story based on an everyday hero.

Following an extraordinary year of disruption, the competition aims to empower children and young people from key stage one to key stage five, to get creative and reflect their own personality, location and experiences as they bring their local crusader to life.

It could be a story about a hero in their local community, a key worker making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic, a campaigner, a family member or friend that inspires them or even a hero from their imagination. And who says the hero needs to be a human? It could be a story about a guide dog or even a cat that comes to save the day!

This free competition gives children and young people the opportunity to become the protagonist of their very own story and write their own tales of people who have made a difference to them, shining a light on the positive stories that have emerged throughout the year. 

Why? Diversity, inclusion and relatability matter. They matter in the literature we consume and the books, poetry and plays we put in front of our children. From early stages to adulthood - people should feel represented in the literature they read and the stories they write. 

There will be 16 winners in total, one from every key stage and region across the UK. The winning tales will be compiled into an illustrated, downloadable book for everyone to enjoy. The winners will also receive a hard copy of the book so they can see their stories bought to life in print!

The competition opens at 09:00 on Tuesday 8th September, with entries closing on Friday 27th November 2020 but registration is open now!

Visit the website to find more information on the competition and how to register.

Good luck!

#MyTwistOnATale #EverydayHeroes