Contests

New Poetry contest: Out Of This World

In this issue of Cricket, everybuggy’s heads are in the clouds. For this month’s contest, we want to read your best poem about something that is out of this world.

Will your poem take place in outer space, on Earth looking up at the stars, or in an otherworldly imaginary land? You might rhyme about launching a model rocket, like in “Winning” or landing a real spacecraft on the Moon, like in “Old Cricket Says.” You could boldly announce the discovery (or false discovery) of a new planet, like in “Showdown at Separation Point.” Perhaps you’ll describe the magic of an ancient sky, like in “Why the Sky Is Far Away.” Or you might reimagine how a normal activity will be different in the future, like Antrik trying to get his license in “The Flying Test.” You could even explore a secret world hidden in the simplest of places, like in “Between the Pages” and “Her Hands That Held the Stars.” The sky’s the limit!

Whether your poem is scientific or fantastical and fueled by facts or high hopes, everybuggy in Cricket Country will have their eyes on the skies (and the mailbox), waiting to be transported by your best poem—of 24 lines or fewer, please—that is totally out of this world.

  • 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 February 25, 2025.

    6. Email entries to cricket@cricketmedia.com.

    7. We will publish winning entries in the May/June 2025 issue and on the Cricket website.