The winners of the 2023 Kids Write 4 Kids creative writing challenge were announced on June 22.

Hosted by Ripple Foundation, the annual contest is open to aspiring young writers in grades 4–8.

The winners, who will have their works published, are Roy Oborne, a grade 6 student from Haines Junction, Yukon, and Taym Saffar, a grade 8 student from Rothesay, New Brunswick. More than 600 unique entries were submitted from young writers across nine provinces and two territories.

The 12-person judging panel included award-winning children’s book author Ekiuwa Aire and Globe and Mail children’s book columnist Jeffrey Canton.

“These young authors have embraced their unique voices, demonstrating a maturity and skill beyond their years in crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact,” Aire said in the press release. “It is an honour to witness the emergence of these talented storytellers, whose boundless imagination and exceptional writing talent promise a bright future in the literary world.”

The winning titles will be available for purchase in July 2023.