Junior journalist opportunities
Explore the press opportunities for children and young people in the UK. From press events and festivals to book reviews and competitions, First News helps aspiring reporters gain real journalism experience.
If you are interested in any of the current opportunities below, please email [email protected]. For junior journalist reports, we require 150-200 words and a few hi-res photos of your experience. We welcome reports from everyone, regardless of ability!
We update this page regularly with new opportunities. Last updated: 18/09/26.
Scare us silly with YOUR spooky story!
What? Wimpy kids, listen up – First News has teamed up with the one and only Jeff Kinney to launch a splendidly spooky writing competition!
You know Jeff – he’s the creator of the world-famous Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. He’s just released Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2, a new collection of spooky stories involving Greg Heffley’s best friend Rowley. Now, he wants to read yours!
Here’s how to enter!
Jeff has sent us four spooky story starters (below) to get you going. Choose one from A, B, C or D. Then, take it from there yourself!
Complete a spine-tingling tale in 400 words, and email it in to us at [email protected], with Spooky Story as the subject, by 2 October. We’ll select a shortlist of our favourites and send them to Jeff. He will then pick his favourite.
The winner will bag a signed copy of Spooky Stories 1 and 2, AND we’ll print the winning story for all to see in the 30 October issue of First News!
To enter: email us at [email protected] putting ‘Spooky Story’, in the subject box or visit first.news/comps.
Feature in Your News!
If you want to be a junior journalist for First News and go to cool press events or write about something that you’re passionate about, get in touch by asking a trusted adult to email us at [email protected].
Write a book review and have it featured in First News!
Do you have thoughts on a book you have read recently that you want to share with others? Why not write a book review for us? Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Write 100-120 words on any type of book – chapter books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction… even audiobooks are all welcome! No person, reader type, format or genre is excluded
- Tell us what the book is about, what you most enjoyed about it, how the book made you feel and if you had any favourite parts
- Suggest which type of reader would enjoy it
- A picture of the reader holding the book is welcome, too, but not essential
- You could even submit a review as a whole class
Send all book reviews in to [email protected] or by clicking the button below.