READ. WRITE. LEAD.
Books From Children To Children
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The Movement
Every child has a story
Every child has imagination. Every child has creativity. Every child deserves to know that their voice matters. Books From Children To Children is the UK's first national child-led literacy movement, founded by Guinness World Records title holder Jayce Joyce BCyA.
The movement inspires children to become confident readers, imaginative writers and future leaders through storytelling.
“Because stories change lives. And children inspire children.”
Library of Birmingham · February 2026
The Founder
Meet Jayce Joyce BCyA
Guinness World Records Title Holder · Author · Editor · Literacy Advocate · Founder of Books From Children To Children
Jayce Joyce BCyA is an 8-year-old Guinness World Records title holder, multi-award-winning author, editor, literacy advocate and founder of Books From Children To Children — the United Kingdom's first national child-led literacy movement. Based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Jayce is passionate about inspiring children to discover the joy of reading, writing and storytelling while championing early literacy, diversity and inclusion through children's voices.
In 2026, Jayce became the Guinness World Records title holder for the Youngest Editor of a Published Anthology, following the publication of Our Stories, Our World — the UK's first nationally curated child-led anthology written by twenty young authors from across the United Kingdom.
The anthology marked the successful conclusion of the pilot Books From Children To Children Summer Writing Competition, inspired by the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah and judged by award-winning educator Juliet Bremner and author and illustrator Kate Rafiq.
Alongside his Guinness World Records title, Jayce has received the British Citizen Youth Award (BCyA) Medal of Honour, the BBC Blue Peter Badge, the prestigious BBC Blue Peter Gold Badge, and a personal letter of congratulations from Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
Most recently, Jayce was longlisted to become a Child Judge for the Children's Booker Prize 2027, recognising his growing influence within children's literature.
The Journey
More than a writing competition — a national movement
Books From Children To Children is a movement, not a one-off event — its annual Summer Writing Competition takes children on an exciting journey from Read to Lead every year: Read → Write → Publish → Celebrate → Lead. Children become readers, writers, published authors, young literacy advocates, role models and future leaders.
2025 Pilot
From one competition… to a national movement
In 2025 the pilot competition invited children from across the UK to write stories celebrating Diversity, Inclusion and Imagination inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah.
Twenty young authors were selected. Their stories became Our Stories, Our World:
2026 Theme
🌍 Climate Change & The Environment
What would the world look like in fifty years? Could animals speak? Can children save the planet? What would happen if trees disappeared? Could one child change the future?
Then imagine.
Who Can Enter
Children aged 4–11 attending UK primary schools · All abilities welcome
Key Dates
Opens 8 July 2026 · Closes 11 September 2026 · Winners October 2026
The Prize
Professionally published in anthology · Author credit · National book launch · Media opportunities · Young Literacy Advocates programme
What winners receive
This Year's Panel
Meet the judges
The 2026 judging panel will be announced soon. Check back for updates.
Resources
Download Centre
Teacher pack, parent guide, competition rules, entry form, poster, school pack and press pack — all in one place.
Teacher Pack
Parent Guide
Competition Rules
Entry Form
Poster
School Pack
Press Pack
Live Launch Event
📅 Join our National Launch — Wednesday 8 July 2026
Meet Jayce Joyce. Meet last year's young authors. Hear exciting announcements. Learn how to enter. Celebrate children's voices.
Time to be confirmed · 💻 Live on Zoom
In Partnership With
More partners joining soon.
Why Enter
Because your story matters
Because children inspire children · Because reading builds confidence · Because writing unlocks creativity · Because stories celebrate diversity · Because your imagination can change the world.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who can enter?
Children aged 4–11 attending primary school in the UK.
Is it free?
Yes. Entry is completely free.
Can schools submit entries?
Yes. Teachers can submit on behalf of pupils with parental consent.
Can parents submit?
Yes. Parents can submit their child's entry with signed consent.
How many words?
There is no minimum or maximum. Any length is welcome.
Can I enter more than one story?
One entry per child, please.
What happens if I win?
Your story is professionally published in the 2026 anthology. You are invited to the national book launch, receive a certificate, media opportunities, and join the Young Literacy Advocates programme.
When is the book launch?
The 2026 anthology launches in early 2027 following the October winners' announcement.
Will every child receive feedback?
We aim to respond to all entrants by October 2026.
Stay Updated
Get news, judge announcements and results
Competition news · Judge announcements · Writing tips · Events · Results
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