Presented by Leah T. Williams
The IslandReadsChallenge
A Literary Competition for the Youth of St. Kitts and Nevis
Submissions open November 1 · Close November 30, 2026
Register NowWhy This Exists
This is not a reading test.
It is an invitation. For the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis to pick up a book, see something of themselves in it, and share what they found — on camera, in their own words, with their own voice.
Three of the four books are set in the Caribbean. The author is from St. Kitts. The prize goes to a student from the federation. Every part of this competition is rooted in home.
The most creative video wins $250 USD, awarded in person in St. Kitts and Nevis during the Christmas and Carnival season.
Choose Your Book
Four books. One voice. Your choice.
Sweet Like Sugar Cane
A coming-of-age story set in St. Kitts exploring identity, belonging, and the sweetness of home.
Neither Out Far Nor In Deep
A story of growing up between two worlds, Caribbean roots and the pull of elsewhere.
Where the Guava Tree Stands
A lyrical tale rooted in Caribbean landscape, family, and the ground beneath your feet.
Where Is Noemi?
One sister goes missing. The other sets out to find her, but risks exposing her sister's secrets and discovers far more than she bargained for. The real question isn't where is Noemi — it's who is Noemi.
How to Enter
Six steps. One video. Your shot at $250.
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1
Register & get your books
Registration is required to enter. Fill out the quick form below with your name, school, and Instagram or TikTok handle — you'll get an email with codes for all four ebooks immediately, so you can read whichever title (or titles) you like. Already own a book? Register anyway — it's how you get counted as an entrant. Want the audiobook instead? Reply to your confirmation email to request a Spotify code while supplies last.
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2
Follow @kittiwriter1
Follow Leah T. Williams on Instagram or TikTok. You must be following to be eligible to win.
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3
Read your book
Read at your own pace throughout November. You can enter with more than one book — one entry per title, up to four entries total.
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4
Film your video
Record a 60 to 90 second video answering the two questions below. Start by stating your name, school, and which book you read. Use whatever device you have — phone, tablet, or camera.
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5
Post it
Upload your video to your own Instagram or TikTok feed. Tag @kittiwriter1 and use the hashtag #kittiwriter1. Keep the video public for the duration of the competition.
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6
The community votes
Leah T. Williams selects 3 to 5 finalists in early December. The community votes on the finalist videos. Final decision rests with Leah T. Williams. Winner announced after December 19, 2026.
The two questions your video must answer
- "What moment in this book felt like it could have happened right here at home?"
- "What would you say to the author about this story?"
Eligibility
Who can enter
No purchase necessary
Register to Enter
Registration is required to enter the competition. Fill out the form below with your name, school, and Instagram or TikTok handle, and you'll get an email with codes for all four ebooks instantly. Already own one of the books? You are still eligible — the free codes are there to make participation accessible, not required.
Filling out the form registers you for the competition and gets you your book codes. To officially enter, you still need to post your video on Instagram or TikTok, tag @kittiwriter1, and use #kittiwriter1.
Spotify audiobook codes are also available for three of the four titles. Reply to your confirmation email to request one while supplies last.
Ebooks delivered via Smashwords. Spotify codes sent manually while supplies last. No physical books provided.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I have to register?
Yes. Registering is how we know you're participating, and it's how you get your free book codes. It only takes a minute — just your name, school, and Instagram or TikTok handle.
Do I have to buy the book?
No. Complete the registration form above and you will earn your codes for all four ebooks by email immediately. Spotify audiobook codes are also available for three of the four titles while supplies last — reply to your confirmation email to request one. If you already own a book you are still eligible to enter.
What does the video need to look like?
It needs to look like you. 60 to 90 seconds, answering the two questions, recorded on whatever device you have — phone, tablet, or camera. Start by saying your name, school, and which book you read. This is judged on creativity and authenticity, not production quality.
Can I enter with more than one book?
Yes. You can submit one video per book, giving you up to four entries total. Each video must be posted separately with the tag and hashtag.
How does the voting work?
Leah T. Williams selects 3 to 5 finalists in early December and shares them publicly. The community votes on those videos. Final decision rests with Leah T. Williams.
When and how is the prize awarded?
The winner is announced after December 19, 2026. The $250 USD prize is awarded in person in St. Kitts and Nevis during the Christmas and Carnival season.
What if I already own one of the books?
You are still eligible to enter. The free book codes are offered to make participation accessible — owning a copy already does not disqualify you.
I don't see my question here.
Email kittiwriter1@gmail.com and Leah will get back to you.
The Island Reads Challenge is open to enrolled high school students in Forms 1 through 5 in St. Kitts and Nevis only. Entrant must complete the registration form to be eligible to win. One entry per book, maximum four entries per person. Winner must verify enrollment upon request. If a winner cannot be verified, the prize will be awarded to the next selected finalist. Free books are provided in digital format only, ebook via Smashwords and audiobook via Spotify while supplies last. No physical books are provided. Entrant must follow @kittiwriter1 on Instagram or TikTok to be eligible to win. Videos must remain public for the duration of the competition. Final judging decision rests solely with Leah T. Williams. This competition is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Instagram or TikTok.