We want to see your creativity!

What will the future look like? Imagine new worlds, technologies, communities, and possibilities rooted in creativity, culture, history, and the power to envision something beyond the present. Show us how Nnedi Okorafor’s books have inspired you, with themes that include overcoming adversity, personal growth, and community.

Art Details

you may submit either Visual art or Creative writing

For creative writing: Submit short stories, poems, or creative nonfiction of no more than 1,000 words and no more than a single page.
For visual arts: Submit drawings, paintings, or mixed media artworks that are no larger than 24 x 24 inches.

Submissions

Eligibility: Open to teens, ages 11-18.
Submission deadline: October 23, 2026
How to Submit: Entries should be submitted to your local library branch. All entries will be available for pick up starting December 1. Any entries not picked up by January 10, 2027 will be discarded.
Guidelines: Must be original work. No copyrighted images, or AI generated art.

Award Results

Branch Winner: Each branch will choose one winner across both categories, who will be recognized at the Bauder Book Talk event, with an a photo opportunity with Nnedi Okorafor on stage and a signed copy of one of her books.

Overall Winner: Nnedi Okorafor will choose from the six branch winners, who will have their submission signed by Nnedi Okorafor and be featured on HCLS social media.