2nd Annual CDA Dallas Essay Contest
Eustace, cousin to Lucy and Edmond, finds himself lost on a strange island after being accidentally brought to another world through a painting of a ship. Eustace is too sophisticated for adventures like this, and would much rather spend his time learning how to live and succeed in a modern progressive world. (We know this because as modern progressive people tend to do, he finds a way to work it into every conversation he has.)
But something catches his eye as he explores this strange land:
At the bottom of the cliff a little on his left hand was a low, dark hole — the entrance to a cave perhaps. And out of this two thin wisps of smoke were coming. And the loose stones just beneath the dark hollow were moving just as if something were crawling in the dark behind them.
Something was crawling. Worse still, something was coming out. Edmund or Lucy or you would have recognised it at once, but Eustace had read none of the right books.
Those of you who have also found yourselves lost in the world of Narnia know that Eustace has just stumbled upon a dragon. A few moments later, Eustace finds himself inside the dragon's lair:
Most of us know what we should expect to find in a dragon’s lair, but, as I said before, Eustace had read only the wrong books. They had a lot to say about exports and imports and governments and drains, but they were weak on dragons.
The Second Annual CDA Dallas Essay Contest asks students, faculty, and parents to reflect on what makes a work of fiction one of the right books, one that avoids the accusation of being weak on dragons.
The Prompt
What work of non-biblical fiction should those in your stage of life read if they wish to become wise?
In your essay, propose and defend one work of fiction that you believe all students, teachers, or parents your age ought to read. Convince us that your book is one of the right books to read.
The Categories
Essays will be judged and winners will be selected in each of the following four categories.
Lower Grammar School (PreK - 1)
One paragraph. Students may dictate their paragraph to their parents.
Parents: this in not your time to shine! Enter in our Parent & Faculty category!
Upper Grammar School (2 - 4)
Two-three paragraphs. Students must plan and write their own paragraphs.
Logic School (5-8)
Five paragraphs. Students must plan and write their own paragraphs.
Parents and Faculty
Five paragraphs.
Parents: this is your time to shine!
The Deadline
Start brainstorming now, and use Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks to finalize your essay. All essays are due, via email submission to Rev. Jordan, by Wednesday, January 8th.
Thank you for partnering with us in reading—and encouraging our students to read—the right books. May CDA graduates never be found weak on dragons!
