Nora Kadar’s work was described as “a brilliant story of discovery” reports Egle Rameikaite

A Barnet student has won a top prize for a short story in a national competition organised by a major publisher.

Twelve-year-old Nora Kadar has been selected as the London winner with her story Smile – which features a transgender teenager preparing for a disco.

The competition, launched by the digital media learning company Pearson, encouraged children and young people between the ages of 4 and 19 to write about issues or people they feel are being left out by literature.

Nora, who attends Wren Academy in Finchley said: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to have this kind of opportunity!”

Nora’s work was chosen alongside 17 other stories and poems written by children across the country.

Author Jemma Wallace, who judged the London category, said: “Nora’s story immediately intrigued me as a reader. The tension building was well-paced and when the character began to realise their own changes, I felt as though I was experiencing the realisation along with them. Well done for a brilliant story of discovery, Nora – I loved the use of such a positive ending. Smile!”

Danny Cuttell, Head of Secondary English at Pearson said: “Nora should be extremely proud of the story she has written. Our judges loved the way it was crafted. We felt real empathy for the tale’s main character, and the major life experiences they were going through.’’

’’We were thrilled at the brilliant standard of entries to My Twist on a Tale this year, and feel honoured to share this provocative, gripping, reflective collection of talent with a national audience. Everyone who submitted a piece should be very proud of their creation.”

All 18 winning entries compiled in a digital book can be found on Pearson’s website.

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