Our Memoir Competition winners have been officially selected by Guest Judge Dr. Tasha Faruqui! This opportunity invited writers all around the world aged 13-19 to peer inside themselves and write a 50-1000-word memoir about a snapshot of their lives. With over 1000 entries, our community certainly revealed a deeply introspective and soulful side.
Read on to find out who took away the grand prize, plus check out the guest judge's commentary on the winning pieces!
“The Man I Once Knew,” by Lost Sailor (Canada)
This was a beautifully crafted piece that immediately drew me in through its vivid description of the father, particularly the physical details and memorable image of the narrator craning their neck to look up at him. I appreciated how the storytelling carried me along through the adventures and imagination of childhood while only subtly hinting at the deeper challenges unfolding beneath the surface. After the revelation of the divorce, portions of the essay felt almost poetic in their language and emotional resonance. The contrast between fantasy and reality, along with the thoughtful exploration of the author's intersecting identities, made for a powerful and memorable read.
Runner-Up:
“Coming Home from Homelessness” by mikayla (United States)
I was immediately drawn in by the vivid descriptions of the hotel rooms and the routines the author came to know so intimately. The story skillfully hinted at a teenager becoming a mother, though not in the way readers might initially expect, creating both intrigue and emotional depth. The details of packing and the mother's growing desperation conveyed a powerful sense of journey, uncertainty, and love. Beautifully written, the essay kept me in suspense while simultaneously pulling me deeper into the narrative.
“A Door Closed, And A Door Opened” reviewed by MGC1056 (United States)
I appreciated the tone of this review, which was both professional and warm throughout. The feedback felt intentional and thoughtful, and the reviewer effectively supported their observations with specific examples from the piece. I especially appreciated the use of the word "ethereal," which captured the essence of the writing beautifully. The shift to a slightly more relaxed and conversational style in the additional comments section was a nice touch, adding personality while maintaining the overall professionalism of the review.
“The Drowning Method” by Sky K (United States)
“I Think I Still Remember How Bitter Those Plums Were” by Saturn_ (Türkiye)
“Dirty Hands” by graciesol (United States)
“An ode to beauty” by Demi (United Kingdom)
“Flowers, Paints, and Religious Markers” by ellalorrainewrites (United States)
“Wahroonga Ballad” by Bruce (United States)
“A Snapshot of Time” reviewed by Salima (Nigeria)