Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award

We know there are a lot of awesome young writers in Alberta.

We think they deserve a little extra recognition, and the Martyn Godfrey Award is just the thing! This is an annual, juried short story contest open to all Albertan students in grades 4 through 9. Entries can be sent in from January 1-March 31 each year.

Are there prizes?

You bet! Three fabulous writers from each grade will be selected to win a collection of books, a certificate, and a place in the Winners’ Circle: an exclusive, online writing workshop with a professionally published author.

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Martyn Godfrey Award. Congratulations to all and keep writing!

2023 Elementary Winners

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

2023 Junior High Winners

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

2022 Winners

Grade 4 Winners

Grade 5 Winners

Grade 6 Winners

Grade 7 Winners

Grade 8 Winners

Grade 9 Winners

2021 Martyn Godfrey Award Winners

  • Best Grade 4: Lendel Torrance of Edmonton for The Child Stealer
  • Best Grade 5: Aneesha Sharma of Edmonton for New Girl
  • Best Grade 6: Keon Chow of Calgary for Perfections Edge: The Ecorlius Enforcer
  • Best Elementary: Noemi Milne of Edmonton for Bravery
  • Best Grade 7: Sophia Salamon of Edmonton for The Councilwoman
  • Best Grade 8: Addison Reed of Redwater for The Enchanted Cirque
  • Best Grade 9: Fatima Sabir of Calgary for A Dream
  • Best Junior High: Hannah Peet of Edmonton for Janna Elliot

2020 Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award Winners

  • Best Grade 4: Kimaya Satavalekar of Calgary for “The Hunters”
  • Best Grade 5: Kaylene Lugay of Edmonton for “Dare to Make a Difference”
  • Best Grade 6: Zachary Buchan of Edmonton for “A Fight for Survival”
  • Best Elementary: Matilda Barron of Edmonton for “Back In Time”
  • Best Grade 7: Linnea Price of Edmonton for “Cecily”
  • Best Grade 8: Lilyann Saunders of Sundre for “A Golden Snowflake”
  • Best Grade 9: Tumi Fabiyi of Calgary for “Hello, My Name Is ____”
  • Best Junior High: Madison W. of Calgary for “The Dog That I Hated to Love”

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award logo

Who was Martyn Godfrey?

Martyn Godfrey (1949-2000) was born in England and raised in Toronto. Initially a school teacher in Ontario and Alberta, he became a full-time writer for young adult and juvenile fiction in 1985. He had more than 40 books published, and he toured with the Young Alberta Book Society for many years. One of the things he enjoyed most about his career was laughing over the creative and hilarious letters he received from kids. It was his joy in reading those letters that inspired us to create this award in his honour.

Have a Question?

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