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August 2023 winners – young writers

In our August competition, we asked for stories featuring a rucksack.

A canvas beige rucksack in the grass on a hillside

Congratulations to the winners of our August competition. Feeling inspired? Have a go at this month's prompt.

Young writers (12–18) winner

Clarisse Marriott, age 15

The rucksack throbs against my back. They said it would hatch but I didn't believe them. Unzipping my bag I catch my first glimpse, eyes sparkling out from the darkness inside. I pick the creature up studying it, a real life dragon hatched inside the depths of my school bag.

Young writers (5–11) winner

Mia Richards, age 7

Suddenly a rucksack was thrust into his hands. “Guard it with your life!” she whispered as she ran off. “What?” This is serious. Straight home. Jack opened the bag carefully. “Oh my!” He closed it. He jumped! There was a loud bang on the door.  Someone eager to get in.