Taradiddle 2023 Contests

THANK YOU to the writers who participated in the Taradiddle 2023 Youth Writing Contests and submitted stories.

SPECIAL THANKS to the Taradiddle Judges for their time and consideration.

Please enjoy reading the stories of the finalists in each contest by clicking on the links below.

Contest #3

March 13, 2023

The writing prompt was: Native to eastern North America, the eastern gray squirrel somehow crossed the Atlantic Ocean and found its way to Great Britain in the 1890s. Write a creative story that will explain how the squirrel made this journey!

The Abecedarians (13 years and younger)

First place: Yiwei Jason Wang from Pittsburgh, PA

Second place: Charlie Hamm

Third place: Lucas from Los Angeles, CA

Honorable Mention: Alan

The Dorians (14-18 years)

First place: Emily

Second place: Tejini from Falls Church, VA

Third place: Alexis Weiss from California

Honorable Mention: Alex Jiang from Los Altos, CA

Contest #4

September 25, 2023

The writing prompt was: Sachie, a giant Pacific octopus, has 45 seconds to return to her enclosure at the Assura Bay Aquarium. Although she enjoys her tank at the aquarium and the people are kind to her, taking midnight strolls helps her fulfill her quest for adventures. Every night, Sachie squeezes out of the tiny gap at the top of her tank for a look around the aquarium. This time, flashing lights stop her in her tracks. They are coming from the tank where Aki, an electric eel, lives. The lights stun her as she stands outside Aki’s tank. They are so bright that Sachie has to close her eyes. When she opens her eyes, she feels a strange sensation and realizes she has gained a new ability, a superpower!

the abecedarians (13 years and younger)

First place: Sarah Zhou from Los Altos, CA

Second place: Aadhyaa Aravind Shankar from India

Third place: Bella (Yeonseo) Lim from Jeju, South Korea

Honorable Mention: Violet P.  from Georgia

The dorians (14-18 years)

First place: Amelia Grant

Second place: Dana Choi from Albertson, NY

Third place: Elizabeth from Washington, D.C.

Honorable Mention: Maiya Brock from Santa Fe, NM