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Description

pot-pourri is a compilation of winning poetry and short-stories written by Ottawa's young writers. The French and English works are selected from the submissions made to the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest, which encourages Ottawa residents between the ages of 9 and 17 to submit poems and/or stories in both official languages. The collection showcases some incredible writing, and puts the spotlight on Ottawa's youth. 

Editorial Reviews

You know that very moment you read something... something so incredible/delicious/gut-wrenching/powerful/hilarious/earth-shaking/mind-opening/heart-growing  that you have to put your book down and say, 'Wow. Wow. Wow.' because that writer, that author has got IT'?  That special IT that can't be faked/forged/changed/squelched from their talent?

This book is filled with young writers who have IT. 

I am blown away by how much talent these young writers have. I am in awe. And slightly jealous.

May we never, ever squelch their talents.

Jenn Kelly - author of the Jackson Jones: The Tale of a Boy… series

Attending the Awesome Authors event was fantastic! I was truly impressed – the poetry, the short stories – everything was simply wonderful and of such quality.  In reviewing pot-pourri 2012, I was struck by the compassion with which the poetry was crafted and the stories were told.  I loved the clever lines and play on words constructed by creative minds, and was delighted by how enjoyable and full of humour some of the writing was.  The writing within this anthology is so varied. From a very moving piece of poetry that forces you to reflect on the importance of our earth to short stories that exemplified courage, pot-pourri 2012 is a compilation of poetry and short stories that is sure to please everyone. The depth and quality of these writings are testaments to the fact that our young writers are so talented.  I hope that everyone will find a poem or short story that will move, inspire or just cause one to think a bit more.  Thank you to all our young writers for providing such wonderful stories and poems to read and thank you to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library for sponsoring this contest!

Danielle McDonald - Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Public Library

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Editorial Reviews

pot-pourri 2011 is a wonderful collection of stories written with emotion, honesty, humour and depth. From funny school stories and tales of adventure to lyrical poetry and heart-wrenching life truths, each contribution sparkles with the energy and sincerity of youth. Well done!

- Hélène Boudreau - Author of Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings

Once again, the young authors of our national capital region have amazed me with their talent and creativity.  I was moved by the depth of emotion and the imagination found in these writings.  From the agony of dying from typhoid fever to the altruistic actions of a young cancer victim, or from the crazy adventures of a pencil to the hilarious – and surprising! - way to make a fashion statement at school, these poems and stories were inspiring, provocative and some simply fun to read.   How fortunate for Ottawa to have so much potential in its future leaders…  I look forward to reading more of their writings, as I am convinced that this is just a beginning for them!

- Catherine Seaman - Manager (St-Laurent, North Gloucester Nord, Blackburn Hamlet, Orleans Branches)

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Editorial Reviews

You have to read these winning entries for yourself to believe just how talented these young writers are. pot-pourri 2010 is an outstanding collection of stories and poems in English and in French. It makes a fine gift for emerging writers and thoughtful readers of any age.

- JC Sulzenko - Ottawa poet, author, and publisher

It is a cliché but this contest is Awesome. Each year the judges and library staff are pleased and astounded at the writing talent of young people from our own community. We have run this program for over ten years with hundreds of entries each year. Each year this contest brings to us stories and poems that dazzle us with insight, word play, humour and amazing talent .  This latest edition of pot-pourri once again is a great read for everyone. Young writers - prepare to find inspiration from your own generation. Older readers - enjoy the first published works from the next generation of Canadian authors. 

- Jane Venus - manager of the Ottawa Public Library’s Children and Youth Services

The quality and variety in the winning short story entries makes them a treat to read. These young authors demonstrate a wealth of creativity and a joy for the written word.

- Brenda Chapman, author of the Jennifer Bannon mystery series for young adults

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Editorial Reviews

What a delightful and touching little book! I have a dream that all the public libraries of Canada will be inspired by the Ottawa Public Library and offer young people pages where they could write  their worries, joys, challenges, successes and failures ... By reading their texts, we can better understand them; this is an irreplaceable dialogue.

- Roch Carrier - One of Canada’s most recognized children’s authors. Author of The Hockey Sweater

An excellent showcase for rising talent. These young authors exhibit thoughtful plotting and crisp writing. May they continue to write so we can all enjoy their work.
 
- Vicki Cameron - Author of Clue Mysteries and More Clue Mysteries. Each of the 15 short stories is based on the board game Clue.

This is a wonderful collection of literature by some very talented young writers; I'm sure we will be reading more work by many of them in the future. It's heartening to know that there are students with such an abundance of creativity and talent in the Ottawa region. Buy the book and perhaps you may be the proud owner of a future famous author's first efforts!
 
- Karleen Bradford - Author of more than 20 youth books in Canada

Awesome Authors 2013

The contest is now closed
Awesome Authors 2014 begins November 2013

The Ottawa Public Library invites you to participate in the 19th annual Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest, a contest for aspiring young poets and short story authors. Participants can win lots of Awesome prizes!

You must:

  • love to write poems or short stories
  • be between the ages of 9 and 17
  • submit your work in English or French
  • have an Ottawa Public Library card

You will be able to submit your work online or in person at your local Ottawa Public Library branch.

 Why do authors enter?

2013 winners