As the days shorten and goblins fill the night skies, it’s time once again for the incredible Susanna Hill’s
Annual HALLOWEENSIE CONTEST!!!!!
aahhhrrrooooOOOOO!!!!
The Contest: write a 100-word Halloween story appropriate for children (title not included in the 100 words), using the words costume, dark, and haunt. Check out the many other wonderful entries linked to or posted on Susanna’s blog. Without further ado:
Leila’s First Halloween (99 words)
Tears puddle in Leila’s dark eyes. Tomorrow is the Halloween costume parade at her new school.
“Costumes cost money,” Mama sighs. “I can’t buy something you wear once for this strange holiday. Any extra money must be sent to our sisters and brothers in Aleppo.”
Halloween haunts Leila’s thoughts. A stomach ache? Mama never lets her miss school. A costume from Teacher’s bin? Her classmates will laugh.
“I know!” she cries, grabbing a navy pullover and red leggings.
As her classmates don costumes, Leila asks Teacher for 50 stars and white tape.
“I’m an American now, an American flag!”
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Gotta love a creative character!
Nice job on a “true” story.
Thanks!
I love her ingenuity! Well done! Good luck with the contest!
Thanks, Jilane!
Pulled on those heartstrings. Such a sweet story.
Thank you, Jen!
Oh my, Patricia…this is WONDERFUL! It tugs at the heart…this can be a picture book story…add some layers and you are good to go. 🙂 😉
Thank you, Vivian! Your feedback means so much.
I agree with Vivian. Tugs at the heart.
Very creative costume idea! Great story too.
Thank you, Traci!
Moving story! You’ve done a lot with 100 words. Happy Halloween!
Thanks, Gabi!
I agree with Vivian, add a few more layers and you have a winning picture book!
Thank you, Leslie. I do plan to add to this, as I think it’s a situation & character that will resonate.
Like the others I think you have a diverse story picture book on your hands. Lucky you!! WE need diverse books and kids need to see themselves in their books.
I think you have done a super job creating a great story in just one hundred words with a beginning middle and end. And created something worth while. I can’t wait to see what you do with it. 🙂
Thank you! These comments are spurring me on to keep working on this one!
Great job, I love the patriotic spirit too. Regarding your response to Clarbojahn, I think you should keep working on it. If you haven’t yet, check out weneeddiversebooks (dot) org. I think you’re on to something with your story.
Thank you, Chris, for your encouragement. I do know the website & can envision a story of this sort furthering that cause.
Wonderfully inventive and patriotic. Way to go! Good luck 🙂
Thanks, Christie!
Ooh, nicely done, Patricia! You told such a lovely, clever story in so few words! Thanks so much for joining in the Halloweensie fun!
The thanks is all mine, Susanna, for all the work you do to make this happen. I so enjoyed writing this story & reading the other entries – who knew that one holiday with three must-use words could give rise to so much wonderful writing – all under 100 words. You surely deserve loads of chocolate in your treat bag!
Oh that’s lovely! Nice story and Happy Halloween!
Love this story with a creative character 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks, Charlotte!