826 Boston is partnering with the City of Boston to add youth-written stories to the Story Stops project!
Story Stops are an exciting new way for children and families to experience reading all around the City of Boston. These interactive, place-based literacy installations pair engaging stories with Boston landmarks, activities, and neighborhoods, turning the city into a storybook!
Each Story Stop features a short, themed story that is specifically written with text that supports early readers as they build foundational reading skills. Whether it’s a tale set in Moakley Park, Boston Public Market, or in one of the city’s many gardens, each story connects literacy to the lived experiences of Boston’s children and their communities.
Details:
Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026
Max Word Count: 1,000 words
Your Audience: Young children and their families who live in Boston AND those who are visiting our city!
The Writing Prompt: The Landmark With a Story
Choose a well-known landmark in our city—such as a bridge, a library, a park, a monument, a piece of art, a museum, a neighborhood restaurant, a community center, or a famous building. This landmark will be an important part of your story.
Your Task: Write a story where this landmark plays a major role. It can be:
The main setting where everything happens, OR
A character that influences the plot (but does not need to speak or be personified—its design, history, or mystery can “act” in the story).
Think About:
Why is this landmark important to your characters?
What special history or feature does it have that shapes the events of your story?
Does something unexpected happen there—an adventure, a discovery, a challenge, a mystery, or a moment of connection?
Use sensory details to show what it feels like to be at this landmark, and let its history or meaning guide the direction of your story.
Submissions will be considered for publication in an 826 Boston-produced book AND for inclusion in the digital City of Boston Story Stops project.
FAQs
Is there a minimum word count? There’s not a formal minimum, but we imagine you’ll need at least 250 words to develop your story.
Can stories be written in languages beside English? Yes!
Who will decide what pieces are chosen for the Story Stops project? Representatives from the City of Boston
Who will decide what pieces are chosen for the 826 Boston publication? Representatives from 826 Boston
When will selections be made? Summer 2026
Can I submit an illustration to accompany my story? Yes!
Can I use an AI tool – like Gemini or ChatGPT – to help me write my story? Your mind is incredibly creative and your story needs to be your own. For that reason, please refrain from using AI tools (like ChatGPT or Gemini) to write your story for you. If you get stumped along the way or need support revising and editing your draft, bring it to an 826 Boston team member and we’ll work with you to finalize your submission!
Good luck!
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