The Texas Word Wrangler Writing Contest is produced in conjunction with the Texas Word Wrangler Book Festival. The contest ends Sept. 8, 2026. The contest is open to K-12 students who live in Lee County or surrounding counties during the 2026-2027 school year. Students are eligible whether they attend public school, private school, or home school.

• First, read the complete contest rules 

• Second, complete the online entry form

• Third, ask a parent to complete the online parent permission form

Writing topics

This 4th of July, our nation celebrated its semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states," thereby beginning the American experiment. The topics of this year's writing contest recognize our nation's semiquincentennial. 

Kindergarten–3rd Grade (50–200 words) TEKS: .2, .5, .10, .11

Prompt: How would you celebrate your birthday if you were 250 years old?

4th–5th Grade (100–350 words) TEKS: 5.11.A, 5.11.B, 5.11.C

Prompt: How would you celebrate your birthday if you were 250 years old?

6th–8th Grade (150–450 words) TEKS: 6.11.D, 7.11.D, 8.11.D

Prompt: Write a letter to America for its 250th birthday.

9th–12th Grade (200–800 words) TEKS: English I - IV 10.D

Prompt: Write a letter to America for its 250th birthday.

Students may apply online. Winners will be notified by Friday, September 18, 2026.

The top prize is $200 in each of the four age divisions, and students who win first place will be featured as student authors during the book festival Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026!