What happened to the I Am Texas writing and art contest?

In honor of America 250, The Bryan Museum which hosts the I Am Texas Writing and Art Contest each year has joined forces with iWRITE Literacy Organization in Houston, the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, creators of the “Ordinary People Change the World” Children’s Book Series to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the I Am America contest which runs from July 4, 2026 – February 15, 2027. The I am Texas contest’s original theme will return in the fall of 2027. This year students still have the chance to incorporate Texas into their entry.

Can I also enter the I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids publishing contest?

The iWRITE Literacy Organization’s annual I Write Short Stories by Kids for Kids publishing contest has joined forces with The Bryan Museum in Galveston, Texas, the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, creators of the “Ordinary People Change the World” Children’s Book Series to celebrate America 250. This year’s publishing theme is “I am America” and the contest will runs from July 4, 2026 – February 15, 2027. Each year 150 students are eligible to win the contest, but in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, 250 students will get published.

What can I submit to this contest?

For the I am America contest, students in grades 2-12 can submit fiction or nonfiction writing, poetry, and art. Students in grades 2-5 may also submit letters to an American hero.

How can I submit to this contest?

There are three ways to submit writing, poetry, or art to the I am America contest:

1. Submit online – use our online portal “Submittable” to complete your entry form and upload your completed writing or artwork. This is the preferred method of submission.

2. Elementary teachers ONLY may submit class sets of writing, letter writing, poetry or art directly to The Bryan Museum at 1315 21st Street, Galveston, TX 77550. All submissions must be received by the Museum by February 8, 2027 to give staff time to manually upload the entries. 

3. Individual entries may be dropped off at the National Medal of Honor Museum AT and T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 during business hours.

Do I have to address all the values in my writing, poetry or art?

No! Each work must address at least one of the six values: courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism; however, it may address more than one.

What awards and prizes will be given out? 

250 student writers and artists will be published in a giant “I am America” book. Approximately, 40 students have the opportunity to win cash prizes ranging from $50 – $1000 or more if their published piece of writing or art wins an award.

What is the Texas Star Award?

The Texas Star Awards will be given to the best writing, poetry, and art that embraces both the values of valor and shows a Texas connection.  This can be accomplished through subject, theme, or personal statement. For example, a fiction story about George Washington’s bravery during the American Revolution would be eligible for an American Storyteller Award. A fiction story about Texan Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, would be eligible for both an American Storyteller Award and a Texas Star Award.

Can I win both the American Storyteller Award and the Texas Star Award?

Yes! All writing and art entries are eligible for both awards for their category of entry and age range. Students who also incorporate Texas through the content, theme or subject matter of their work are eligible for the additional Texas Star Awards.

When will I find out if I got published? 

Winners will be announced in May 2027 online, and you will receive an email.