2017-2018 Courage in My LifeNational Essay Contest

What does courage mean to you? Share your story for the chance to become a published author and win valuable prizes for you and your school.

One 1st place winner will receive:

  • Your essay published in The Courage of Children, our organization’s annual essay book featuring personal stories of courage written by children in Boston, and in schools as far away as Cambodia and Mozambique.
  • A 2018 Max Warburg Fellow medal, to be presented in your community on a date to be agreed on by school personnel and The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum
  • An Amazon Fire Tablet

If deemed appropriate, runners-up will be recognized for submitting exemplary essays, and have their work published in the 2018 volume of The Courage of Children.

Your language arts teacher will receive:

  • ½ day professional development for the language arts faculty at your school
  • Curriculum kits for our award-winning English Language Arts and character development curriculum featuring such novels as Bridge to Terabithia and Taking Sides
  • An Amazon Fire Tablet

All participating teachers will receive copies of The Courage of Children to share with their students.

Eligibility: All students in grades 5-8 in the United States, outside of Massachusetts, are eligible to enter. One 1st place winner will be awarded, as well as runner-up distinctions for exemplary essays.

Entry rules:

  • All essays must be the original work of the student.
  • Each essay must be accompanied by an official entry form and a permission form. Both documents are available on our website (
  • We will accept only one (1) entry per student.
  • Please submit essays and required forms toThe Max Warburg Courage Curriculum by email to our office atwith Essay Contest in the subject line, or mail to The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum, 263 Huntington Avenue #366, Boston MA 02115.

Criteria: Successful essays will be written in the student’s individual voice and represent his or her understanding of the nature of courage, while describing a moment when the student demonstrated or witnessed courage. Essays will be judged by an experienced volunteer panel. Essays must e typed and should not exceed two pages.

Deadline: All entries must be postmarked by Friday, February2, 2018.

For more information, please visit our website, or

contact our offices at The Max Warburg Courage Curriculum:

617-373-7399 or