Scope First-Line Contest

Thanks to everyone who entered!

The First-Line Contest entries poured in last fall—we received more than 5,000 lines for author Roland Smith to choose from. It was a tough call, but Roland finally picked a winner: 13-year-old Madeline Polhill from Bloomsburg, PA. Inspired by Madeline’s line, Roland wrote the awesome story “Welcome to Anywhere” for the May 14 issue of Scope.

Check out these terrific ideas from our 10 runners-up. And thank you to everyone who entered for making this an AMAZING year for the First-Line Contest!

WINNER:

Peering through the window, I caught a glimpse of some piles of old Halloween costumes, three giant plastic flamingos, and a life-size sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Madeline P., Bloomsburg, PA

RUNNERS UP:

Sometimes you shouldn’t keep a promise.
Alyssa D., Vestal, NY

I opened the cellar door, and there was a box; I prayed it was empty, but I knew it probably wouldn’t be.
Austin H., Berea, KY

She’s been dead for three years, and that’s not even her biggest problem.
Brian D., Portland, IN

Every day is normal until I wake up.
Bryce W., Terre Haute, IN

That day the earth spun a little differently.
Hayden S., Medford, NJ

I remember when nobody believed this story, but now it’s all anybody talks about.
Kathryn I., Farmington, MO

I left twenty dollars and two quarters on the park bench and walked away.
Kieran M., Ellicott City, MD

I was close to being thrown off a cliff; for most people this would be scary, but for me it was just a regular day.
Logan E., Cainsville, MO

It all started on a day when a lie became the truth.
Olivia E., Villa Park, IL

We were shocked when we drove into town, but it wasn’t because of what we saw—it was because of what we didn’t see.
Regina O., Eau Claire, WI