5th Annual Story Writing Contest for Teens

The 5th annual Write the Hook story writing contest for Teens in grades 6 to 12, is open for entries! Write a hook for the beginning of a story. An irresistible hook impels the reader to want to read more to find out what happens next. We can't wait to read this year's entries!

 Link to the Online Entry Form 

  🖉 🖉 🖉  Contest Rules  🖉 🖉 🖉

• Write the hook for the beginning of something longer; for the start of a story.
• Open to teens in grades 6 to 12, who are residents of Essex County in Massachusetts.
• Entry must be your original work. AI and other forms of it will not be tolerated or accepted. We reserve the right to request evidence of original work if we suspect that a submission was made with AI. 
• Word count must be between 300(min.) and 1,200(max.) words.  
• Maximum of 1 entry per author.
• Give your entry a title. 
• Entries due by midnight, Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
  

Our contest judges use a rubric that scores points based on:

• Length: Is the entry between the minimum and maximum word count?
• Story Hook: Does the writing hook you? Do you want to find out what happens next?
• Character(s): Are character(s) clearly described?
  
• Writing: Does the word choice convey a clear picture? 
• Grammar: How is the spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.?
• Creativity!: original ideas? surprising? imaginative?

 $ Cash Prizes to be Awarded $

Prizes are funded by the Friends of the Hamilton-Wenham Library.

First $60, and Second $40, place cash prizes will be awarded to: 

Writers in Grades 6-8 and

Writers in Grades 9-12

The preferred method for story submission is via the online contest entry form. Entries are accepted in paper form, but your entry must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font on 8.5"x 11" paper. If you submit your entry on paper you must include on the back of the last page: your first and last name, grade level, phone number, email, and word count. Paper entries that do not follow the above guidelines will be disqualified.

Contest winners will be announced in January 2026, both here on this blog and individually to the winners. Winning stories, along with author's name and grade level, will be published here on the Library's Informed Teens blog.

Mass Teen Choice Book Award List 2025

Are you searching for that winner of a book to read before school begins? You may want to check out the 2025 nominee list for the Massachusetts Teen Book Awards. The list of nominees includes both fiction and nonfiction; curated by a committee of public librarians, school library media specialists and educators. Teens are invited to read the books and vote for their favorite. Last day to vote is October 6 . 

Here are Past Winners & Nomination Lists

 

2022 Winner: Heartstopper Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman.

  2022 Nominees

 

2023 Winner: The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson. 

 2023 Nominees

 

2024 Winner: Blue Lock, Vol. 1 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro & Yusuke Nomura. 

 2024 Nominees

 

 Click here for information about the 2025 nominees.

 

2025 Graffiti Art Contest Winners

Eight paintings were created at this summer's Graffiti Art Workshop held on June 21. Since then the paintings have been on display in the teen area for viewing and voting. 54 people cast 3 votes each. One vote in each of these categories: Originality; Best Use of Color; and Best Design. Jessie Bolishetti received the most votes for Best Design. Livia Chen received the most votes for Best Use of Color. Grayson Moon received the most votes for Originality. Gift cards to Art Supplies Wholesale were awarded (funded by the Friends of the Library). If the artists allow, all paintings will be on view till the end of August.

Color Your World - Summer 2025

Our 2025 teen summer reading challenge starts Saturday, June 21, and runs for 7 weeks with weekly prize drawings. This year you may choose a free book just for registering (while supplies last). The more you read & log your books, write review(s), or attend free library workshops, the greater your chance of winning a prize as each badge you earn in the challenge counts as an entry in the prize drawings. 

Enter the reading challenge on Beanstack.

See the summer brochure of programs here.

 

Attend a teen program to earn its badge in Beanstack. Here are a few:

Graffiti Art Contest Workshop

Saturday, June 21, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Try your hand at graffiti! We'll supply the paint and a 30x40 inch canvas. All artwork will be displayed in the teen area for the 7 weeks of our summer reading program, and may be voted on by visitors to the exhibit. Prizes will be awarded for Best Design, Best Use of Color, and Originality. 

 For teens entering grades 6-12 in Fall 2025. 

Registration required.

 

Henna Tattoos with Wicked Good Henna

Wednesday, June 25, 1:30 to 5:00 PM
It’s not summer without a Henna Tattoo. Mandy will be here for 3.5 hours doing henna tattoos. Come chill to some beats, meet friends, and leave with a wicked good henna tattoo. Open to all ages.
No registration required. 

 

Youth Book Sale

 Wednesday, June 25, Noon to 5:00 PM
 Stock up for the summer at this one-day-only book sale.

 Organized by the Friends of the Library.

 

 

Minecraft Makery: 

3D Modeling & Coding

Thursday, June 26, 3:00 to 4:30 PM

If you love Minecraft, this workshop is for you. Using CAD software,you will manipulate 3D shapes to transform them into a fearsome Creeper. Continue to access your project and show off at home, or import into Minecraft! Led by staff from the Rhode Island Computer Museum. For ages 10 and up. Registration required. 

Create Mexican Tin Art

Wednesday, July 9, 3:00 to 4:30 PM

Dive into the vibrant tradition of Mexican tin art, and craft a heart-inspired design. Learn techniques for cutting, scoring and shaping thin sheets of metal. Finish your tin art with bold bright colors. Led by Lara from Pop Up Art School. For ages 11 and up. Registration required.

 

Make a Drippy Sky Painting

Thursday, July 17, 5:30 to 7:00 PM

 Paint a pastel sunset with a star-filled sky oozing over top.  Learn how to paint colorful clouds and a celestial sky. Led by Lara from Pop Up Art School. For ages 11 and up. Registration required.

Summer Peek

 Our 2025 summer reading theme 

is: Color Our World.

There's already a colorful roster 

of workshops lined up for you - 

take a peek.

Registration opens June1.

Workshop titles are linked to our Calendar of Events where you will find more information.

Graffiti Contest Workshop 

Saturday, June 21, 1:00—3:00 PM

Try your hand at graffiti. We'll supply the paint and canvas. Your artwork will be displayed in the teen area during the 7 weeks of our summer reading program, and may be voted on by visitors to the exhibit. Prizes will be awarded for: Best Use of Color, Best Design, & Originality. 

Henna Tattoos 

Wednesday, June 25, 1:30—5:00 PM

Henna Artist Mandy Roberge from 

Wicked Good Henna returns! Mandy will be here 

for the afternoon doing henna tattoos; 

first come, first served,

 maximum of one tattoo per person. 

No registration required. For ages 6 to 99.

 

 

3D Modeling & Coding:

Minecraft Makery 

Thursday, June 26, 3:00—4:30 PM

Get your pickaxe and shovel ready, & get crafting! If you love Minecraft, this workshop is for you. Using the Blocks CAD software, you will manipulate 3D shapes to transform them into one of your favorite Minecraft characters. Led by staff from the Rhode Island Computer Museum.

Create Mexican Tin Art 

with Pop Up Art School

Wednesday, July 9, 3:00—4:30 PM

Celebrated for its bold colors and intricate designs, 

dive into the vibrant tradition of hojalata, 

Mexican tin art, and craft a heart-inspired design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make a Drippy Sky Painting 

with Pop Up Art School

Thursday, July 17, 5:30—7:00 PM

Paint a pastel sunset with a star-filled sky oozing over top.  Learn how to paint colorful clouds and a celestial sky.

 

 

 

Learn to Play the Ukulele

Thursday, July 24, 6:00—7:00 PM

Learn the fundamentals of ukulele playing with musician Julie Stepanek. No experience necessary!Ukuleles will be provided or bring your own.

   

 

Hula-Hooping for All Ages with Wildkat Hoops

Saturday, July 26, 2:00—3:00 PM

Hula-hoop with Kat Suwalski of Wildkat Hoops! Learn basic hooping moves while increasing strength and balance through this fun activity. No experience necessary! 

Tie-Dye Workshop
Thursday, August 7, 3:30—5:00 PM

Join us as we wrap up our Color Our World summer reading events with a Tie Dye workshop. Tie dye a pair of shoelaces, first come first served, while supplies last, and/or you may bring one clothing item such as a white T-shirt or a white pair of socks to dye.

Spring 2025 Community Read Programs for Teens

Here are programs and workshops for teens scheduled March through May. I hope you will join in the Library's 2025 Community Read by picking up a copy of The Lioness of Boston, by Emily Franklin, or a copy of Dodger, by Terry Pratchett, to read. Don't miss out on the many wonderful events planned for you this Spring! Registration opens March 1.

Ukrainian Egg Workshop for Teens
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00—5:00 PM

Join us for a workshop on making Ukrainian Eggs. Presented by Kati Bourque, Head of Technical Services here at the Hamilton-Wenham Library. Learn a brief history of this tradition, then dive into creating your own Ukrainian Egg. This workshop session is for teens in grades 6 to 12. All supplies provided. You will be using permanent dye and wax, so wear your getting messy clothes. Click here to register.

💥Community Read Events for Teens💥

Our 2025 Community Read book, The Lioness of Boston, by Emily Franklin, is historical fiction about the life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, who, exploring the world of art, ideas and letters, developed a keen eye for paintings and objects, scandalizing Boston's polite society and transforming the city itself.

Our Community Read companion book for teens, Dodger, by Terry Pratchett, is set in the same time period as The Lioness of Boston,. Dodger was a 2013 Printz award honor book. This funny, intricately plotted, fast-paced historical fiction novel takes place in an alternative-universe London ruled by a young Queen Victoria, where the intrepid young Dodger inadvertently foils a murderous Sweeney Todd operation, and encounters numerous fictional and historical characters, including Darwin, Disraeli and Dickens. Find out more about Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) here.

 

CreativiTea - Tiny Art Paint and Tea Party - for all Ages
Saturday, March 29, 10:30 AM—12:00 PM

Help us kick off our Community Read event series! Pick up a tiny art kit (while supplies last) and create a petite masterpiece to submit to our Tiny Art Show! Stay during the Tea to work on your art, or take your kit home. All materials will be provided to create a basic acrylic mini painting. Artists interested in using other mediums, such as mixed media, may use their own materials, if desired. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Art returned to the Library by April 18 will be displayed. Click here for complete information. Tiny Art Show reception to be held on Thursday, May 1, 6:30pm. Registration is requested, but not required. 

Make a Victorian-style Purse, for Teens (ages 13+) & Adults
Thursday, April 3, 6:00—8:00 PM

Make a beautiful lined purse with a kiss lock frame. These snap frame purses look tricky but are simple to sew. You will be hand-sewing your purse. You must be able to thread a needle and sew a running stitch. All sewing supplies provided. This workshop will be led by YA Librarian, Kim Claire. 

Click here to register.

 

The Gardner Heist with Anthony Amore
Tuesday, April 8, 6:00—7:30 PM

Anthony Amore is an art theft expert, investigator, and security practitioner. Presently, he is Director of Security and Chief Investigator at the Gardner Museum, where he is charged with the ongoing efforts to recover 13 works of art stolen from the museum on March 18, 1990. Join Anthony to learn about the infamous heist and uncover who steals art, why they do it, and what becomes of it. No registration required. 

 
Sketching Maps: From Literature or Life, for Teens (ages 14+) & Adults
Thursday, April 10 & 17, 6:00—8:00 PM

Are you an explorer at heart?
Do you love a book with a map or try to visualize one when there isn't a map?
Do you enjoy organizing information and color coding and drawing diagrams?
Do you want to add maps to your travel sketches and artwork?

This is a two-part sketching maps workshop led by Jessica of Slow River Studios in Topsfield, and inspired by Isabella, who was the most well-traveled woman of her time. Learn about the common iconography and map systems we know, as well as fanciful and abstract mapping systems that will be new to you. Each two-hour session includes a mixture of group instruction and individual coaching. Designed for beginning artists as well as experienced artists. Meets for two consecutive Thurs. evenings on April 10 and April 17.  Click here to register.

Delvena Theatre Co. Presents "Isabella"

Saturday, April 12, 11:00 AM—12:30 PM 

Step back in time and meet Isabella Stewart Gardner, the famed founder of the eponymous Museum in Boston. Learn about her life, charm, friends and acquaintances, travels, stylish taste and unconventional behavior in this entertaining performance. All are welcome; no registration required.  

Felted Lion Workshop for Teens Ages 12 to 18.
Saturday, April 12, 1:30—3:30 PM 

Make a needled felted lion with art educator, Tif Farmakis-Day. For beginners and craft enthusiasts alike, learn everything there is to know about needle felting and leave with your own adorable lion sculpture!  All materials are included, come and have fun!  Click here to register.

Pointillism Cherry Tree Painting for Ages 13+ & Adults  

Thursday, April 24, 6:00—7:30 PM

Join Pop Up Art School to create a stunning tree painting using pointillism! This painting technique originated during the Impressionist era and involves using dots of different colors to create an impression of the subject. Pop Up Art School will walk you through the process as you create your own masterpiece.  Click here to register. 

The Gilded World of Isabella Stewart Gardner
Thursday, May 8, 6:30—7:30 PM
 

Explore the details of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s life, friends, travels and collections. She broke all kinds of rules while setting up her museum, and arranged things the way she wanted with relationships between objects that may at first escape us. What is left for us is to marvel at the space she created and filled with beautiful things. This presentation is led by art historian Mary Woodward, who serves as a guide at several Historic New England properties, and has over 40 years of experience in museums.

An Evening with Author Emily Franklin

Wednesday, May 14, 6:00—8:00 PM

 

The Library will host author Emily Franklin. She is the author of over twenty books including our Community Wide Reads featured title “The Lioness of Boston.” She went to school at Dartmouth where she earned her Master’s Degree in writing and media studies. In addition to two adult novels Emily has also written more than a dozen books for young adults.  

Winter Reading Challenge

Register for our winter reading challenge on our Beanstack platform! Bundle Up with Books starts January 6 and ends February 10, 2025. Enter any time! Earn badges for logging your reading, completing activities, and writing reviews. Every badge you earn equals one entry into the weekly raffle drawings. Each week, one winner in each age group (children, teens, & adults) will receive a winter prize pack featuring a cozy blanket and hot cocoa. The more you read & participate, the greater your chances of winning a prize.

Participants may also request Book Bundles as part of this year's challenge. Tell us about your reading preferences, and a librarian will handpick 5 surprise books to suit your reading style. The link for requesting a Book Bundle is in the Beanstack challenge.

Click here to register for the challenge.