A YOUNG writer has won a national prize to see his story published.
Seven-year-old Sebastian Dechamps, from Bexley, will see his story about “how to keep your environment clean” feature in a new book.
His work, World Tragedy, tells the tale of a robot dog and a new type of plague.
“I wrote my story because of the Covid pandemic,” said Sebastian, who attends a school in Bexley.
“I also learnt about the bubonic plague at school, which gave me the idea about the plague 1.112 being spread by fleas. The idea for Basil the cyborg dog came from my favourite toy.”
Sebastian topped the Key Stage One category, taking one of just 17 prizes from over 1,200 entries.
Students from school age to sixth form were challenged by learning company Pearson, to write a story or poem about the future to feature in My Twist on a Tale: Our Tomorrow.
READ MORE: Five-strong shortlist announced for BBC Young Writers’ Award
Children’s author Cathy Cassidy, who judged the Key Stage One category, said: “Sebastian’s story was exceptional. His use of English and narrative for a year two child is fantastic. Some lovely ideas and humour too.”
The book is launched alongside new research, which suggests fluent reading tops the list of skills that will give students the best chance of accessing a wide range of careers.
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