2026 STATEWIDE WINNERS
Meet the final champions of the S.C. Children’s Book Challenge
Individual Division
The Day That Power Took a Vacation
By Stella Grace Burroughs, Fairfield Magnet School for Math and Science
Sponsored by Fairfield Electric Cooperative
Group Division
Job Shadowing a Lineman
By Lawson Cannon, Knowlton Carter, Wayde Ingram and Rayvon Kersey, Walker Gamble Elementary, Turbeville
Sponsored by Santee Electric Cooperative
Thank you, young authors
Since 2017, fourth- and fifth-graders across South Carolina have written and illustrated books about energy and the electric cooperatives that serve their communities. The Children’s Book Challenge concluded with the 2025-26 school year, but the lesson resources, writing guides and every winning book remain here, free for teachers and families to use.
Students can work alone or in teams of two to four to create:
- An electronic book using the online book creator, StoryJumper. This web-based platform allows students to write and illustrate their stories using laptops, tablets, or other devices. They can also upload their own artwork.
- Or, a physical paper book using this printable template. After you create drafts using the template, students then create a colorful final copy.
Digital Book Option
Educators and teachers have the option of using the free digital platform StoryJumper to create their books.
Teachers should sign up for a free account and become familiar with the options available and functions. StoryJumper provides detailed guidance for educators.
- Accounts can be created as parent, teacher or teacher administrator under account settings
- Create your student(s) account (watch tutorial); For group books (2-4 students) create a joint account
Here are a few more tutorial videos to help with creating a book in StoryJumper
Paper Book Option
Students can create and submit paper versions of their books.
- To get started, download the printable template for draft versions.
- All pictures must be drawn inside the boxes.
- Hand-drawn pictures can also be scanned and uploaded to StoryJumper for digital submissions.
PLAN YOUR LESSON
Books may be fiction or nonfiction.
Students are encouraged to collaborate with their classmates to plan the following elements: characters, challenges, motivation, setting, obstacles, climax, and resolution.
Keep your original artwork throughout the process of working with StoryJumper.
Want some inspiration?
No matter the theme or the medium, students from across South Carolina have created some outstanding stories through the Children’s Book Challenge. There’s been peril, adventure, heroes, talking windmills, electric eels and much more. Check out the digital editions of our previous winners or find one in your school library.
Connect With Your Co-op
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives are local, member-owned and committed to the communities they serve. Find the co-op in your area.
