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Big Story Challenge: Runners-up

Published Date: 13 Apr 2021

Check out the runners-up stories from our Big Story Challenge, in association with ITV Signed Stories! Here you can read extracts from their stories and find out why they entered the competition! 

Sunflower and the Pigeons by Noah

8-11 runner-up

One sunny afternoon Eddie and Izzie were enjoying the warm sunny rays from their aviary which is at the end of a garden underneath a beautiful yew tree.

"Izzie", said Eddie "would you like to hear a joke?" "Of course," said Izzie. "What does a pigeon with sunglasses on say?" "I don't know" said Izzie.

"Coo... man... coo..." Izzie rolled her eyes and smiled.

Suddenly, Eddie turns around and sees a big ball of fluff bounding towards them and says, "OH NO... here comes Sunflower the rabbit, The Troublemaker!"

Sunflower was not impressed with being called a 'Troublemaker'; she also rolled her eyes at Eddie.

Why did you enter the Big Story Challenge?

Noah wanted to join The Big Story Challenge because he likes to make up stories in his spare time, especially about adventures. Noah also enjoys drawing in his spare time, especially doodling. He enjoys writing stories as it makes him feel happy.

Mita and her power hearing aids by Joyce

Runner-up 8-11

The friends are at the park now. Mita is so excited to feed the ducks and starts to jump up and down until she feels a strange movement in her body. “Mita are you alright?” asks Mira. “You look as if you are hovering of the ground a little.” Mita tries to stop herself but she can’t. Does this mean that Mita is about to fly!? “OMG, I can fly!” squeals Mita. “Ummm, could you please come down for a moment?” asks Felicity. “Felicity, I can’t stop myself, I WANT TO COME DOWN!” yells Mita. Will she be able to control herself flying?

Mita is now far too scared to be high up in the sky. Then she spots two ugly bandits creeping up on her friends. “Girls, watch out!” yells Mita from up above. As soon as she said that, a lightning bolt struck out of Sarah’s hand and hit the bandits. “Wow, I never knew I could do that!” gasped Sarah.

Why did you enter the Big Story Challenge?

I decided to enter the Big Story Challenge because I have a great passion for stories, especially ones with pictures. When I write stories it gives me a chance to share my passion and imagination. Books are a bit like toys to me; whenever I am bored I can just pick out a random book to read. National Deaf Children’s Society has done a lot to help deaf children around the world.

That is the reason why I wanted to enter the competition so that I can encourage them and children who have disabilities.

I like everything about drawing and writing, it helps build up my imagination. Comics are something I'd definitely draw in the future. I’d also write a book. They’re much better than any TV series. I've tried making books with proper book covers with some simple paper and tape before. On my first go, it worked!

The Deaf Imagination Experience by Teegan

12-14 runner-up

Once there was a lady called Adrienne who was deaf. One night, as she lay sleeping, she was woken by a light that shone down towards her face. Curious as to where the light was coming from, she looked around and was shocked that she was surrounded by the most extraordinary thing: purple and yellow trees! Confused and feeling strange she got up and began to explore the strange place she found herself in.

Things looked very different, the trees were not like normal trees. As she continued to try and make sense of where she was, she saw the strangest thing. She looked upwards and one of the trees extended its long branches and signed, ‘Hello Adrienne.’ With that Adrienne turned on her heels and ran off as fast as she could. She was petrified of the signing tree.

As she ran, she spotted a village in the distance and decided to go there. As she entered the village, she was approached by a boy who, on further inspection had a long tail and short ears and was in fact a cat!! The boy quickly and confidently introduced himself saying, ‘Hi, my name is Jack and I’m deaf.’ As Adrienne looked around this unfamiliar village, she noticed that everyone was signing. Never before had she been in a signing village where so many people knew sign language!

Why did you enter the Big Story Challenge?

I entered the challenge as I love to make stories and drawing is my favourite hobby. This competition was during school time and I was really excited about it.

I like using my imagination the most and drawing pictures to match my thoughts, this competition was perfect to show my imagination and drawing skills.

I Will Rise by Jumanah

15-18 runner-up

I look behind me, and see a white curtain that is drawn. The smell of fried chips and mashed potatoes tease my fasting tummy.

Ahh, it smells so good.

I look back at the window. I watch the clock through the large window; as the hand of the clock swoops onto 57 past 11. The top half of the window is crystal clear; a wall on the outside shows a huge, round clock; the hand ticking by the numbers that stand still yet noble timekeepers. Through the window, different coloured heads roam free, unencumbered by looming operations.

The bottom half of the window is frosted glass. I drum my fingers gently on the white bed nervously. I wipe my clammy hands on my clothes.

Mum is sitting on a chair that’s leaning against the window; from time to time, she looks at me as we wait.

From the corner of my eye, I see Claire, the nurse, approach the right side of the bed. I turn my head and watched her mouth: ‘’Are you ready?’’ Her mouth drew upwards.

We stood up nodding.

Why did you enter the Big Story Challenge?

I decided to enter the competition because I wanted to share my experience of my cochlear implant journey, and I wanted to tell other deaf people out there, that they are not alone, and to give them something relatable to read. I have only encountered a few authors out there that have written deaf stories, and I want to see more and be one myself. I also entered the competition as I love writing and I could express myself with a measure of anonymity without having to see their reactions. 

I love writing because it’s my passion, and I love writing stories that are meaningful, in the hope that some readers will learn a lesson from my story and to let hearing readers glimpse the lives of non-hearing people and the obstacles they face, the norm for deaf people that hearing people probably don't even need to consider. I love writing as I can write a story that goes my way, and I know what happens next. I’ve always liked drawing things that come from my imagination, although, I am not so confident with my drawing and my art. Drawing helps me illustrate my feelings, and express how I see things, even when others don't see them the way I see them. 

The Data Eater by Umar

15-18 runner-up

Suddenly and quickly, Harry’s eyes started to spin around in circles like a twister. Black, white, green and blue zig-zagging around him taking him into the phone… Harry opened his eyes, and said:

“Where am I?”

He scratched his head and looked around. Harry could see Minecraft characters in front of him that were taller than him! Harry now realised that he had been shrunk to the size of an ant! 

Harry could see a Minecraft spider in black with red eyes. There were also houses in the far distance; Harry needed to be at the houses before nightfall or else there would be a silent but scary night.

Harry had a plan…

Why did you enter the Big Story Challenge?

I decided to join the Big Story Challenge because I wanted to do something new and creative that I have never done before, like entering a writing competition! Making a change to myself since we all had gone through a tough time.

I want to say a big thank you to my Teacher of the Deaf Mrs O’Neil and the National Deaf Children’s Society for giving me this exclusive opportunity. Mostly to Mrs O’Neil for keeping me motivated and giving her time to finish the writing after school hours.

I like being creative and imaginative. When I am writing a story I always feel that I am in that story as the character. Therefore it allows me to get an ideal image of what I am going through in the story.