Future, Dream, Us, History, Time, World, Idea, Friendship, Fear, Fantasy, Infinity, Journey, Help, Memory, Joy, Adventure, Magic, Boredom, Courage, Wishes, Memories, Space, Silence, Nature, Past, Spirit, Play, Love, Nostalgia, Freedom, Beginning, Cheerfulness, Truth, Strength, Choice, Path, Emotion, Anger, End, Roots, Secrets, Bonds: these are the words that inspired the first 13 editions of the contest and will define the next one.
14 years, 42 words, 67 jurors, 117 winners, 1,147 stories published in the anthologies, over 22,000 participants, and over 22,000 stories received, read, and shortlisted for final evaluation by each edition’s jury — composed of Italian authors, journalists, and publishing professionals. Over the years, the contest has seen ever-growing participation, receiving stories from primary, middle, and high school students across all 20 Italian regions. The winning students have been awarded at international festivals in Novara, at the Turin International Book Fair, and at Milan Central Station. With the pandemic, it became necessary to move online with live social media broadcasts — which actually turned into an opportunity to reach young people all over Italy and ensure maximum participation in the moment the finalists wait for, as it can seal a small or great dream.
The future of the contest is still waiting to be discovered: the young writers will craft its story, fearless in letting their imagination take flight, digging into memory, giving voice to magic, revealing unspoken wishes, breaking through silences, with the freedom that only the printed word can give, with the joy of lightheartedness and the power of emotion. This year, they will set out to discover their roots, attempt to unveil secrets, and tell stories of the most beautiful bonds — or perhaps speak to us of something entirely different: the 3 words offer free rein to the imagination of every age group.
Because that is what happens: three words, a pen, and a blank page—or a keyboard and a monitor—allow these young people to share a part of themselves with us: their everyday lives, their fears and their dreams, what makes them laugh and what frightens them, their vision of the future. Having the opportunity to see the world through their eyes is a precious gift, one we have learned never to take for granted. For 14 years, we gave them three words. They gave us back millions.
