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
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)
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
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
Contest Starts December 1, 2012
Young poets and authors - On your mark! Get set! Write!
The Ottawa Public Library invites you to participate in the 18th 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.
Deadline
January 30, 2013
Enter the contest.
2012 winners
2011 winners
2010 winners
