Read the Winning Essays From the Scout Life 2022 Reading Contest

Enter the 2023 “Say Yes to Reading” Contest.

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With thousands of fantastic entries in the Scout Life 2022 “Say Yes to Reading!” contest, choosing the winners was tough. Here are the winners from each age group:

8 YEARS OLD AND UNDER CATEGORY

FIRST PLACE: Ananya P.

Ananya P., 8, Helotes, Texas, was reminded of the Scout Law after reading about a “brave, helpful and strong” little girl in Matilda by Roald Dahl. In the book, Matilda learns she has special powers at an early age. She uses them to sometimes play silly tricks on bullies, including the principal at her school, Miss Trunchbull, who’s mean to all students and teachers. One of the few people who knows about Matilda’s powers is her favorite teacher, Miss Honey. Matilda uses her powers to help Miss Honey get her things back from Miss Trunchbull.

SECOND PLACE: Xavier L., 6, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (Rascal by Sterling North)

THIRD PLACE: Benjamin S., 6, Arlington, Texas (Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara)


9 & 10 YEARS OLD CATEGORY

FIRST PLACE: Amelia W.

Amelia W., 10, Hartselle, Alabama, read about a girl who learns to stand up for herself in Smile by Raina Telgemeier. Amelia loves this book because she can relate to some of the things Raina talks about regarding braces. Raina has a hard time from sixth grade until high school because of her braces. She tries to avoid getting them, but one day she falls — causing one tooth to fall out and another to be pushed into her gums. For the next four years, Raina makes several trips to the orthodontist. She also has to have mouth surgery. Raina deals with being invisible at school and having unsupportive friends. Eventually, Raina learns how to stand up for herself, finds new friends and discovers what makes her happy.

SECOND PLACE: Lucas L., 9, Livermore, California (Hatchet by Gary Paulsen)

THIRD PLACE: Shriman S., 9, San Antonio, Texas (Crime Biters by Tommy Greenwald)


11 YEARS OLD AND OLDER CATEGORY

FIRST PLACE: James S.

James S., 11, Edison, New Jersey, enjoyed reading Space Case by Stuart Gibbs because the author allowed him to try to solve the case throughout the book. Space Case is about a moon-base scientist named Dr. Holtz who is mysteriously found dead with his helmet on incorrectly. Everyone believes his death is accidental except for Dashiell, the first kid to walk on the moon. With help from his friends Zan and Kira, the trio goes on a mission to solve what happened to Dr. Holtz. After a long hunt and almost being defeated, the trio successfully captures the murderer, with help from the assistant moon base commander, Chang. “I also enjoyed this book because you could connect with Dash when no one believed or agreed with what he was saying,” James writes. “We’ve all had times when no one agreed with us.”

SECOND PLACE: Andrew D., 11, Cookeville, Tennessee (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis)

THIRD PLACE: Calvin G., 11, Rockford, Minnesota (The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall)

Find out how to enter the 2023 “Say Yes to Reading” Contest.

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