English Scholar Writing Centre · Halloween Narrative Contest 2026
Congratulations to all our young writers who submitted imaginative, suspenseful, and original Halloween stories this year. We are proud of the creativity, courage, and developing craft shown by every participant.
First Place · Knock Knock
By Mathew Xu
Mathew’s story turns a familiar Halloween visit into an increasingly frightening mystery. Each knock raises the stakes, especially as the narrator fights to protect his younger sister. The strong momentum and a final chilling reversal make this our first-place selection.
Read Knock Knock and the editorial comments
Second Place · Penny
By Jessie Zhang
Jessie’s story builds a haunting world around the mysterious town of Roseville, a porcelain doll, and a history of disappearances. Its vivid atmosphere, recurring visual clues, and cyclical ending make it an exceptional second-place entry.
Read Penny and the editorial comments
From the Editors
Both winning stories show that compelling horror depends on more than a frightening image. It depends on suspense, thoughtful details, and making readers care what happens next. Knock Knock distinguishes itself with its pacing, immediate stakes, and sharp ending; Penny shines through its atmospheric setting and intricately connected clues. We congratulate both writers and every student who entered.