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Kleiman Creative Writing Contest Awards for 2023

Kendallville Public Library recently wrapped up its 25th Annual Kleiman Creative writing contest!
First through third place winners and creative awards were announced during an Awards Ceremony at the Community Learning Center on Thursday, April 20. Over 220 students entered books for the contest in the categories of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel and Poetry. Books were judged, printed as books (just like this newsletter!) and returned to the students during the awards ceremony.


The first place winners are listed below. They each received a $50 gift card and will have their books placed in the KPL collection for all to read!

4th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Tips for Cat Owners by Shaylin Newhall, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: Cupcake the Unicorn Joins the NBA by Maddy White, Avilla
  • Poetry: Search the Sea with Me by Aubrey Kammerer, Wayne Center
  • Graphic Novel: Dragon Travel by Ember Capps, Wayne Center

5th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: The Start of the American Revolution by Zachary Starry, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: The Grumpy Yeti by Regan Haney, Wayne Center
  • Poetry: You are My Sunshine by Grace Moran, Wayne Center
  • Graphic Novel: Art the Sushi Ninja Against the Evil Eggrolls by Wesley Blume, Avilla

6th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: ABCs of Sign Language by Lucy Warner, St. Mary
  • Fiction: I Think I've Gone Crazy by Kyndra M. Krontz, ENMS
  • Poetry: How Unfortunate by Tatum Prast-Groh, Oak Farm Montessori


Second place winners:

4th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Madison Molargik, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: Brett Brinker, St. Mary's
  • Poetry: Colton Pontius, Wayne Center
  • Graphic Novel: CC Knox, Wayne Center

5th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Paiton Woods, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: Elijah Mason, Wayne Center
  • Poetry: Bree Messer, Wayne Center
  • Graphic Novel: Alexiana Arellano, Avilla

6th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Charles Brinker, St. Mary
  • Fiction: Elin Ziegler, home school
  • Poetry: Annalyse Zollman, Oak Farm

Third place winners:

4th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Leeham Modert, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: Delaney Mullins, St. Mary's
  • Poetry: Harper Diehm, Avilla
  • Graphic Novel: Leah Rouch, Wayne Center

5th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Kendahl Inman, Wayne Center
  • Fiction: Kalyn Ekovich, St. Mary's
  • Poetry: Serenity Hayden, St. John
  • Graphic Novel: Zane Pankop, Wayne Center

6th Grade:

  • Non-Fiction: Ally Lazoff, St. Mary
  • Fiction: Bryce Shultz, ENMS
  • Poetry: Olivia Naibauer, ENMS

The full powerpoint can be found here.

David Kleiman, son of Isadore and Pearl Kleiman, who started the contest in his parents' honor, continues to be involved today, along with his own children and grandchildren. The library is grateful for their continued support. The Kleiman family attended the contest and told the audience a bit about the history of their family and how they were inspired to create the contest.


We were also honored to listen to author, Margaret Peterson Haddix tell us about her career and encourage the young authors! All participants of the contest got to stay for a yummy dinner of Don Chico's after the ceremony.