Contests

New Poetry Contest: Hiding

In this Cricket, it seems like everyone has something to hide! A talented tortoise conceals her human form in “The Tortoise Bride.” In “Three Aunties,” trolls disguise themselves to help a princess trick a mean queen. Shiko in “The Lonely Girl” discovers something—or rather someone—hiding in her new house. For this month’s contest, everybuggy would love to read your best poem about hiding.

Will you write about a hidden talent or secret superpower? A secret identity or a hidden message? Maybe you’ll explore struggling to cover up a sad situation like how Sarah in “The Spook House” hides where she lives from her classmates or Gillian in “A New and Distant Star” hides from her family that she did not get a part in the school play. You could rhyme about aliens, ghosts, or shapeshifters lurking among us or magical creatures, sorcerers, or royalty in disguise. You might be inspired by a turtle hiding in its shell or another animal using camouflage to hide in plain sight.

Whatever you decide, all the bugs in Cricket Country just can’t hide their excitement to read your wonderful words. They’ll be sticking close to the mailbox in hopes that you don’t hide your poetic talent. Proudly share your best poem—of 24 lines or fewer, please—about hiding.

  • (Show Rules)
    Here are the only rules: (Hide Rules)

    1. Your contest entry must be your very own original work. Ideas and words should not be copied.

    2. Your entry must be signed by your parent or guardian, stating that it is your own work, that no help was given, and that Cricket has permission to publish it in the magazine and on our website. 

    3. Be sure to include your name, age, and full address on your entry.

    4. Only one entry per person, please.

    5. Your entry must be received by May 30, 2024.

    6. Email entries to cricket@cricketmedia.com.

    7. We will publish winning entries in the October 2024 issue and on the Cricket website.