Well, often it's the unique perspective. For example, if a story focuses on a student's journey to overcome a rare disability while still excelling in academics and extracurriculars, it stands out. It's something different from the usual high school stories.
The impact on the community or the school itself is a big factor. If a feature story is about a high school sports team that through their success brought the whole school together and increased school spirit, it can be award - winning. It shows how the story has a far - reaching positive effect on those around it. Also, the way the story is told matters. If it has great writing, engaging characters (the students in this case), and a clear and powerful message, it will be more likely to stand out among other high school feature stories.
One important aspect is authenticity. Award - winning high school feature stories are usually based on real experiences and emotions of the students. For instance, a story about a student who lost a parent but found strength in their high school friends and teachers and went on to achieve great things in school. This kind of real - life story with all its raw emotions and the message of hope and resilience is what can make it stand out and be recognized with an award.
Originality. A unique concept or plot that no one has seen before can make a short story award - winning. For example, if it presents a new take on an old theme.
Sure. One award - winning high school feature story could be about a high school's environmental club that led a successful campaign to make the school more sustainable. They got students involved in recycling initiatives, reducing waste, and even managed to get the school to install solar panels. This story won an award for its positive impact on the school community and the environment.
Well - developed characters are crucial. In an award winning time travel novel, the characters need to be relatable and complex. They should grow and change as a result of their time - traveling experiences. For instance, in 'The Time Traveler's Wife', the characters' relationship evolves in such an interesting way due to the time - traveling element.
Well - written award - winning Harry Potter fanfiction often has great character development. For example, they might expand on a minor character from the original books and make them fully - fleshed out. They also usually have an engaging plot that can be either a new adventure in the wizarding world or a different take on an existing story.
They often deal with relevant and relatable themes for teenagers like friendship, love, and coming - of - age. For example, 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green.
Often, they have relatable characters. For example, in 'The Fault in Our Stars', Hazel and Augustus are teenagers dealing with love and mortality, which many high school students can empathize with. So, characters that high schoolers can see themselves in is a key characteristic.
Unique themes. For example, a book might deal with a rarely explored aspect of human nature like in 'Interpreter of Maladies' which looks at the often unspoken feelings of immigrants.
The depth of the themes. Bridport Prize winning short stories usually deal with profound topics such as mortality, identity, and the human condition. The writers explore these themes in a nuanced and thought - provoking way. They also use beautiful and evocative language that draws the reader into the story, making it a truly immersive experience. For instance, they might describe a character's inner turmoil with such precision that the reader can almost feel it themselves. And the well - crafted plots, with unexpected twists and turns, keep the readers on their toes.
The creativity. These short stories often present ideas that are fresh and unexpected. They can make you see the world of fantasy in a new light.
One thing that makes Fahrenheit 451 stand out is its powerful message. It warns against the dangers of a society that suppresses knowledge. In high school, most novels don't have such a strong and relevant message about the importance of books and free thinking.