Noblesville Diversity Coalition launches children’s book contest to elevate student voices

Submitted

The Noblesville Diversity Coalition is launching a new children’s book contest that invites six to 12 sixth-grade students who live in Noblesville to share original stories about belonging and what it means to care for one another in community.

The initiative is designed to elevate the voices of young people and encourage creativity, empathy, and imagination through storytelling. Students will be invited to write stories for children that reflect values of humility, courage, respect, and collaboration.

“This contest invites young people to do more than write stories … it invites them to imagine the kind of community they want,” said Marya Patrice Sherron, MFA, Noblesville Diversity Coalition board member and project lead. “When children see their ideas valued, they begin to understand that their voice matters.”

Sherron is a writer, advocate, and founder of KI Productions. The author of four children’s books, she is known for work that uplifts underrepresented voices and supports families, including those impacted by autism. She also serves in multiple community leadership roles focused on disability inclusion, caregiving support, and belonging.

The contest reflects NDC’s broader commitment to building a more welcoming Noblesville by creating opportunities for people of all ages to help shape our community now and in the future.

Contest details, including eligibility, guidelines, and submission deadlines, are available at noblesvillediversitycoalition.org/bookproject.