Calling all young writers! The Atom Learning Young Author Award is in full swing. The theme for 2023 is 'If I were in charge for a day…' and we’ve had tons of incredible entries so far.
Looking for inspiration?
Here are extracts from some of the amazing entries we've had so far.
We love reading each child’s unique take on the theme. Some of these made us laugh, some made us think, and all of them inspired us to see the world in a new way!
From 'Like A Story' by Charlotte
I’m Mary Spark. I’m 10 and last night I got a letter form the council telling me that I was going to be in charge of the library for a day. That day – today.
When I woke up, I was bubbling over with excitement. The library is my absolute FAVOURITE place IN THE WORLD and I was unable to believe that I was in charge of it! I dressed quickly in my best jumper and jeans, slipped on my trainers and dashed out the house, shouting ‘Just going to the library, Mum!’.
As I raced down the road and round the corner, taking the familiar route to the library, I saw a HUGE banner reading ‘WELCOME MARY’ in colourful painted letters. Nothing could dampen my elated mood. Well, apart from the unwelcome appearance of my enemy, Carter McStick, skulking around. When he saw me, he immediately stuck out his tongue, but I DIDN’T CARE! I walked excitedly through the crowds of admirers, who were all chanting ‘MARY, MARY, MARY!’ in loud voices. I grinned from ear to ear as I made my way through the big glass double doors.
From Linh’s story
If I had the power to be in charge of the world, my imagination would run wild! The sky would turn pink, the grass as soft and blue as cotton candy. Fluffy clouds float overhead, smelling like yummy bubblegum. We'd all take a bite, so sweet, like sugary delights!
Nature. It’s beautiful, but sometimes people forget to cherish it. So trees would turn into friendly giants, ready to give the warmest hugs with their long branches. The rivers shimmer like shiny silver, and flowers magically turn into rainbow-colored lollipops that never melt. All animals would join in the fun carefreely, putting on the grandest parade! Elephants twirl umbrellas, monkeys ride unicycles, and penguins tap-dance on the streets. Animals would love and praise me like I'm their hero!
From 'If I Were in Charge for a Single Day' by Louis
If I were in charge for a single day,
I’d have everything my very own way,
Not clean up the dishes, I’d love to play!
I might even ride a horse ‘Neigh!’
Not clean up my room!
I’d fly to the moon,
Talk to aliens on zoom,
And do it till noon!
Don’t disturb me,
I’m watching TV,
All the way until Tea,
We’re having macaroons! Yippee!
I’d bake a cake,
As wide as a lake,
And I’d eat that cake,
Oh, what else could I make?
And I’d get a pet,
Not one, but seven!
They’d all be dogs,
And I’ll name them all Kevin!
But I’m not in charge for a single day,
And I don’t have everything my very own way,
I have to clean the dishes even though I want to play,
And I should go right now, as the dishes are turning grey,
I’m still happy, anyway!
From 'If I Were in Charge for a Day' by Mali
As Mali sat at the breakfast table, eating her cereal, she started brainstorming all the things she would change. First, she would make sure that everyone had access to education, just like Malala Yousafzai fought for. Mali believed that knowledge was power, and every child deserved the chance to learn and grow.
Next, she would create a special day called "Equality Day," where everyone, no matter their differences, would be treated with kindness and respect. Mali had learned about Rosa Parks and how she bravely stood up for equal rights, and she wanted to carry on that spirit of fairness and inclusion.
Finally, as the day came to an end, Mali reflected on her time as the temporary leader of the world. She realised that even though she was only eight years old, she had the power to make a difference. She understood that fighting for equality and using her talents and passions to bring joy to others were essential.
As she fell asleep that night, Mali made a promise to herself. She would continue to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the world, just like her heroes did. And who knows, maybe one day her dreams of equality, creativity, and freedom would become a reality for everyone.
From 'If I Were in Charge for a Day' by Miqdad
"Dear Person,
Congratulations! You have been randomly selected to be in charge of the day. For the next 24 hours, you can decide what happens in the world. You can make any changes you want, as long as they are not harmful or irreversible. You can also undo any changes you make, if you change your mind. To make a change, just say it out loud or write it down. Have fun!
Sincerely, The Day Manager"
You rub your eyes and pinch yourself. Is this a joke? A dream? A prank? You decide to test it out. You say out loud: "I want pancakes for breakfast."
As soon as you say it, you smell something delicious. You get out of bed and walk to the kitchen. There, you see a stack of fluffy pancakes on a plate, with butter and syrup on the side. You also see a note that says: "Enjoy your breakfast! – The Day Manager"
You can't believe it. It worked! You are in charge of the day! You feel a surge of excitement and curiosity. What else can you do? What else do you want?
You decide to have some fun. You say out loud: "I want to fly."
From 'The Wish' by Omaira
“My majesty, are you quite alright?” I sat up sharply and the stiff bones in my body creaked like an ancient door, one that’s not been oiled or used for a very long period. “Where’s my bike?” I demanded, voice so alarmingly regal that I coughed in shock.
“Bike?” a nurse came into view as her face disorientated. “Yes, the young man’s bike is safe. But your chariot is in ruins!”
Jerking, I turned slowly to glance in the mirror. “I’m the king!” I screamed deafeningly.
“Yes” soothed a doctor and another murmured pityingly “He’s gone barmy from the shock!”
. . .
Gulping, I looked tensely down at the eager faces from the podium and opened my dry mouth. “So, hey. I am the King of England and today my new law is that ice cream is compulsory, and free Haribo vending machines will be installed all over the city. Thank you!”
Beaming at the perplexed faces, I jumped down, as satisfied as the cat who got the cream. Spotting my own displeased face in the crowd (I guess it was the King’s face now) I smirked wickedly to bar the sense of loneliness. This country was toppling head first into chaos zone.
From 'If I Were in Charge for a Day' by Serena
If I were in charge for a day
I’d be a giver of free second chances
A provider of new and fresh starts
If I were in charge for a day
I’d help the discriminated the hurt and the lost
The refugees, escapees, the whole lot
For they did not choose to live in a war
You may think them evil and theives
Stealers of jobs, the jobs that we need.
But they’re hurt, and need helping.
So I’d help them till my heart wilts.
. . .
If I were in charge for a day,
I’d give everyone I saw a ticket
To unlock their Trains of Thought.
And if I were in charge for a day,
I’d give everybody a paintbrush or pencil
Because to be in charge is not to be a ruler,
It is to be a writer, a thinker, a fighter of beliefs.
A philosopher, an artist, a dealer of losses and griefs.
To be a ruler is to be a creator,
To make the world better,
And make worlds of your own, too.
But I am not a ruler,
I am a writer.
From 'Cat Life' by Ryan
If I was in charge for a day, I would become a cat to witness what it was like as a cat and experience chasing flies and also being out in the wild to roam about. I wanted to discover how cats see in the dark.
Saturday morning, when I woke up, I extended my hand out to reach the clock, but in place for my hand, I had a paw instead! I sprung out of bed and I was amazed by how high I could jump. A few seconds later, I realised I was a cat! I leapt off my bed and I went downstairs like a flash of lightning without brushing my teeth, changing and all that other stuff. For the first time, I experienced eating cat food and it was scrumptious!
I hopped outside and explored the garden. Even though I knew what it was like, it was different from a cat's view. I vaulted over a fence into my neighbour's house. As I wandered around sniffing all the plants, I was getting quite dirty already, so I dived into our neighbours pool, but I had forgotten that cat's HATE water. Immediately, the water stung me like a thousand bees. As quick as a cheetah being hunted down, I leapt out onto the grass, hissing furiously.
