BALA BOOKS, Rosebank, Johannesburg (2026)

08/09/2026

Today, UNESCO marks 60 years of International Literacy Day — and this year’s theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” asks a bigger question: who gets to be part of that story?

At Bala, our answer starts with the pen going into a child’s hand and putting the child in the front and centre of their own story. Every Child-Authored™ book we publish is proof that literacy isn’t something done to children, but something they can lead. Written in their own words. In their own mother tongue. By African children whose stories deserve the same shelf space as anyone else’s. Read it. Write it. Live it.

19/03/2024

Bala's Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Rachel McBain-Charles
Legends of the Scout Trails: Unforgettable Adventures Unfold

"Daisy starts her day eagerly anticipating Scout School, where she meets up with her friend Addison to get ready for their first expedition to the Amazon Forest. Miss Torrado sets the stage for their mission, emphasising the forest's diverse ecosystem and the importance of teamwork and adaptability. The students brainstorm strategies for success, such as making a checklist, honing their navigation skills, studying wildlife, and getting physically prepared. The classroom buzzes with excitement as they gear up for the adventure. The Scout class ventures into the Amazon Forest, Led by Miss Torrado, following clues, tackling obstacles, and uncovering the Tree of Secrets. Through collaboration, they locate a hidden chamber and earn their scout badges. This experience nurtures enduring friendships and a profound bond with nature, shaping them into lifelong scouts."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.

Are you ready to become a 'books & music' fairy godparent?
Enrol a child today for Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition 2024.
Entry Forms can be requested via email: [email protected]

19/03/2024

Bala's Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Jessica Smailes
FleshGait

"The narrator recounts a story of going into the woods with their brother and friends despite feeling uncomfortable. They were brought to a national park illegally due to a storm closure. The group embarked on a hike with a planned route to return in time for work. The hikers noticed Elena's odd behaviour during the trek. One hiker suspected something was amiss when Elena lacked a backpack. Urgently, they discussed the situation and rushed to catch up with the group, prompting memories and emotional turmoil. Fast forward: waking up in a hospital room, the narrator grappled with memories of manipulation and loss, questioning who the true monster was in the situation. As the narrator continued to process the events that led to waking up in the hospital room, a mix of emotions flooded their mind. They reflected on the hike in the woods, the stormy weather adding an ominous backdrop to their adventure. The realisation of being in a national park illegally, coupled with Elena's peculiar behaviour, fuelled their sense of unease."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.

Are you ready to become a 'books & music' fairy godparent?
Enrol a child today for Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition 2024.
Entry Forms can be requested via email: [email protected]

19/03/2024

Bala's Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Rebecca Queiros
I Am On The Road

"I wipe the sweat off my bruised lip while on a rugged dirt road, moving away from a life of confinement. The flat plains alter my state of mind, fading memories in the vast emptiness, void of joy or pain. Suddenly, rain interrupts, stirring fear within me."
The individual drives away from a shadowed history, feeling liberated from a prison-like existence. They seek comfort in music, reminiscing about cheerful summers and the open road ahead, anticipating a brighter tomorrow. Reflecting on a frozen spirit leading to a chilling end, they feel suffocated in the car and open the windows to distract themselves. Clutching the wheel tightly, they concentrate on the muddy path ahead to evade emotional distress, underscoring the importance of moving forward. The narrative captures a moment of tranquilly following a turbulent episode. The main character contemplates concealing secrets, embracing optimism, and embarking on a new beginning as they journey towards an uncertain future, leaving their past behind."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.

Are you ready to become a 'books & music' fairy godparent?
Enrol a child today for Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition 2024.
Entry Forms can be requested via email: [email protected]

19/03/2024

Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Oratile Mohlala
What Makes Me… Me?

"Who am I, really? It's a question that rarely crosses my mind. It took me some time to discover what defines me. What makes me unique? Is it my name, my aspirations, my principles, my origins or all of the above? I wish I had understood these aspects of myself sooner rather than later. During my upbringing, I assumed that everyone held me in high regard, but was that truly the case? Were others expected to reciprocate the same feelings I had for them? Could I have been mistaken? How could I have endeared myself to others even more? Why couldn't they embrace me as I am? Is there something different about me, perhaps? And if so, what makes me... me?"

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.

Are you ready to become a 'books & music' fairy godparent?
Enrol a child today for Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition 2024.
Entry Forms can be requested via email: [email protected]

19/03/2024

Bala's Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Tiego Manaka
DITUMELO

"Kanegelo e latela moanegwathwadi go tloga matswalo go fihla bjaneng go fihla letšatšing la gagwe la mathomo sekolong, moo a idibalago gomme a kopana le tiragalo yeo e sa kwešišegego. Tumelo e sa šišinyegego ya mmagwe ke ya bohlokwa kudu go foleng ga gagwe. Kanegelo ye ya Sepedi e tsenelela ka gare ga merero ya lapa, tumelo, le kgakanego."

"The narrative follows the protagonist from birth through childhood to her first day at school, where she faints and encounters a mysterious occurrence. Her mother's unwavering faith is pivotal in her recuperation. This Sepedi tale delves into themes of family, faith, and bewilderment."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.

Are you ready to become a 'books & music' fairy godparent?
Enrol a child today for Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition 2024.
Entry Forms can be requested via email: [email protected]

29/02/2024

Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Yengue & Lukenya Ginga
The Trio: The Forbidden Door

”The story follows Nisha, a student at Phoenix Drop High School, who explores a forbidden room with her friend Alice. Jaylin, a new student, joined them, forming a trio. After a failed attempt to find a key, they accidentally learn about the room from their teacher, Mrs. Jay. They plan to infiltrate the room, discovering that the key is with the principal. In a daring mission, they retrieve the key while facing the principal. The protagonist hides from the principal, finds the missing key, and plans to investigate with friends. They discover a hidden world in the school and encounter ghosts and winter foxes controlled by the principal. The trio confronts the principal, uses sceptres to restore the school and ends the nightmare. They agree to never speak of the event again."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.
To enrol a child in Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition, you can request an entry form via email: [email protected]

29/02/2024

Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Tshepiso Ngwasheng
Life in another body

”The main character witnesses their bully, Anne's, return to school with bruises, prompting concern for her well-being and leading them to gather information from school acquaintances. Despite the risks, the protagonist decides to help Anne after witnessing troubling interactions. A mysterious letter hinting at the bully's connection to the protagonist's family prompts further investigation. Frustration arises from the absence of initials on the letter. While exploring their grandmother's possessions, the protagonist discovers another mysterious letter, causing them to doubt their investigative abilities, recalling an unsuccessful past investigation involving polar bears and penguins. Upon finding the address linked to the bully, Anne, through a postal code, the protagonist resolves to find out more about Anne's school life in hopes of understanding her background better."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.
To enrol a child in Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition, you can request an entry form via email: [email protected]

28/02/2024

Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Stavroula Papaspiridon
Gone Missing

"Aubrie, a teenage girl facing family challenges, copes with her sister's error that results in her dog running away. Seeking solace, she turns to her friend Millie, and they connect through shared experiences while searching for the missing dog, finding comfort in each other's presence. Aubrie's dog, Nova, a cherished gift from her deceased mother, is almost taken by a girl who asserts ownership but the girl's claim is refuted, leading to Aubrie and Nova's reunion. This incident prompts reconciliation with a friend."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.
To enrol a child in Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition, you can request an entry form via email: [email protected]

28/02/2024

Child Authors’ Writing Competition Winner!!!
Child Author: Maisha Maragia
The Story Of The Girl Band

"The story follows Maya, an 18-year-old girl from Livingstone, Zambia, who, along with her friends Lia and Layla, discovers a passion for music. Despite initial parental disapproval, Maya and her friends compose songs that carry messages of empowerment, unity, and love, drawing fans from all walks of life, earning the girls scholarships to study music in the United Kingdom. With each performance, the trio not only conquers stages but also hearts, spreading joy and inspiration wherever they go. As their popularity soars, Maya's parents, initially hesitant about her musical pursuits, witness the passion and dedication their daughter and her friends put into their art. Slowly but surely, they come to understand the importance of supporting their children's dreams, standing proudly in the front row at every concert, cheering them on."

This triumphant wordsmith has earned the opportunity to receive personalised mentorship to refine and perfect their final manuscript. The winner will be granted a publishing contract with Bala, culminating in an exciting book release extravaganza.
To enrol a child in Bala's Child Authors' Writing Competition, you can request an entry form via email: [email protected]

BALA BOOKS

08/09/2026

19/03/2024

19/03/2024

19/03/2024

19/03/2024

19/03/2024

29/02/2024

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28/02/2024

28/02/2024

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