Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition
About the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition
The Atlanta Public Schools Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition celebrates student creativity and storytelling by inviting young authors to write, illustrate, and publish their own books. Open to 3rd- 12th grade students, the competition encourages students to express their voices through handmade or digital books, fostering a love for reading, writing, and artistic expression.
The Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition is now entering its 39th year and has led to the creation of thousands of outstanding student-made picture books. The competition is named for Ezra Jack Keats, creator of over 20 children’s books, including the classic Caldecott-winning The Snowy Day.
Participants
All participating students will be recognized for their participation. District winners will be awarded with special recognition and prizes
When students write and illustrate their own picture books, fiction, or nonfiction, they engage in creative thinking, combine literacy with art skills to tell their own story, and experience the pride of having created a book. While there are no limits on what a student can write about, this year we hope teachers will encourage topics that might help their students process some of the events and effects of the last 18 months through the books they create for this competition.
This competition is open to all students in the Atlanta Public School System (including charter and partner schools) in three grade bands: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Celebrations include and recognition and awards.
Important Dates
-
March 20, 2026: Deadline for all entries to be delivered to Library Media Services (Instructional Services Center)
-
April 3, 2026: Announcement & Recognition of Winners
Submission Form Instructions
Complete the entire EJK Bookmaking Competition Submission Form
-
Submission form includes:
-
Contact Information
-
Declaration of Originality and Student Statement(s) - student(s) description of their creative vision and bookmaking process
-
Educator(s) confirmation and statement
-
School information
-
Consent and release
-
Permission Form (please print and submit with books or upload to this folder.)
-
Bookmaking Resources
Writing and Illustrating Tutorials
EJK Foundation Bookmaking Competition Website
(New York Competition for information only)
Competition Guidelines
Eligibility
Books are judged in the following three categories:
-
Elementary: Grades 3-5
-
Digital via the Bookcreator App
-
Physical
-
-
Middle School: Grades 6-8
-
Digital via the Book Creator App
-
Physical
-
-
High School: Grades 9-12
-
Digital via the Book Creator App
-
Physical
-
Process
- One or more classes or a club engage in the book-making process under the supervision of a teacher(s) or librarian(s).
- Completed books will be sent via interoffice mail or hand delivered to the Library Media Services Department (at the Instructional Services Center).
- Digital books may only be created using Book Creator and must be uploaded into the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking folder on Book Creator by 11:59 pm of the final submission date.
- There is no limit to the number of books that may be submitted by a school.
- Student(s) may only submit either a physical or digital book, not both.
- Students may use AI created images; the name of the AI tool used must be cited. Cited the specific URL if possible.
Book Criteria (Digital and Physical)
- All writing and art must be original and created solely by the student(s)
- No more than two students may collaborate on a book
- All art media are accepted, including original computer images created by the student(s). Note: clip art is not considered original and will not be accepted.
- Books must be created as part of ongoing classroom instruction, or as a group extracurricular activity, under teacher and/or librarian supervision.
- Books must be handmade and firmly bound by the student. No pre-made books or components.
- Students may select their own theme, but this year we encourage students to reflect on their responses to the impactful events of the last year.
Digital Specifications
- Must follow all of the above criteria.
- Digital Books must be submitted on the BookCreator App.
Physical Specifications
- Books must be no smaller than 6” x 8” and no larger than 15” x 18”
- Books should have at least 12 single side pages and no more than 32 including the cover.
- The handwritten text should be no longer than 1,000 words
- No platforms or stands for books
- Make sure all parts of the book are securely fastened
Submissions
- Submitted electronic submissions MUST be received by 11:59 pm, March 21, 2025.
- Original books MUST be received by March 21, 2025.
Judging
- Judging is based on the quality of writing and illustrations, layout, and general presentation.
- Judges are composed of school library media specialists, instructional technology specialists, art teachers, and educators.