The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Write a Book in a Day is officially complete for another year, with the final page signed off with the official events ceremony on Thursday 13 November.
The national writing competition has once again rewritten its own records, with highest-ever totals for participation and fundraising.
16,661 writers in 2,290 teams from 569 schools and writing groups tried their hand at creating something great in 2025, with Box Hill High School (VIC), St Andrews College Marayong (NSW) and Brighton Secondary School (VIC) registering the most teams with 45, 38 and 37 respectively.
The Online Library, comprising every book submitted for judging, is now live. You can view it here.
A truly national competition, we had schools from each state and territory participate in Write a Book in a Day, and even some offshore ones! Christmas Island District High School, a long-time participant, managed to take home the National Best Illustrations – Middle category for their outstanding imagery.
“We are simply ecstatic to have seen the competition grow exponentially these last ten years,” says The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Head of Campaigns, Kimberley Chapple.
“Seeing the number of teams double in participation and to have our fundraising increase by 159% is simply astounding. To our Judges, Volunteer Readers, Team Coordinators, Writers and Illustrators, thank you for another incredible year.”
The unheralded $1.23 million raised is the equivalent of what it costs to deliver at least five new clinical trials across Australia, giving up to 150 children access to cutting-edge therapies they otherwise couldn’t receive.
Barker College (NSW) raised the most funds on the school scale, with a total of $44,742. St Catherine’s School Sydney and Sydney Grammar (NSW) ranked second with $30,130.
Al Sadiq College – who feature the Highest Individual Fundraiser, Mohamad D – raised $25,742 to rank third, while also being awarded the Winner of the Primary NSW/ACT Best Book category.
Third-best fundraising team, Arden Green of Arden Anglican College, showcased both their fundraising and illustration skills, taking out the Best Illustrated Book Primary NSW/ ACT and National prizes.
Want to know what makes our highest fundraisers dig deep for kids with cancer? Find out here.
“On behalf of The Kids’ Cancer Project, I’d like to thank each of our fundraisers and sponsors for their collective efforts this Write a Book in a Day,” he says.
“By writing your book, you helped to rewrite childhood cancer survival rates. At The Kids’ Cancer Project, we know fundraising isn’t easy. For you to have raised record totals, all while preparing and then writing your masterpieces, speaks to the brilliance of you all.
“Thank you for your work and we can’t wait to see you again in 2026!”
Regarding prizing, WA’s Rehoboth Christian College had a most memorable year, with two writing groups (one a team of Teachers) victorious on the national stage, taking home the National Best Book – Open and National Best Illustrations – Middle.
Hillcrest Christian College had three winners within their 31 teams, with awards for QLD/NT Best Book Primary for ‘Guardians of Gold’ and two Highly Commended awards within the QLD/NT Middle and Upper School categories for ‘The Night that Christmas Froze’ and ‘Found in the Stars’.
2024 multi-award winner Huntingtower School backed up their efforts in 2025, winning the VIC/ SA/ TAS Middle division with ‘Sketch’ and receiving a Highly Commended VIC/ SA/ TAS in the Upper Best Book category for ‘Stitches and Secrets’.
It was a case of ‘double award delight’ for the likes of Melville Senior High School, Lyndale Secondary College Dandenong, Rehoboth Christian College, Star of the Sea College Brighton and All Saints Anglican School, with each of them recognised by our esteemed judging panel in multiple categories.