.jpg/:/cr=t:2.83%25,l:2.83%25,w:94.34%25,h:94.34%25/rs=w:1775,h:1000,cg:true,m)
John Locke Global Essay Prize 2026
Quade Kelley, Shortlisted (Politics)
Q: Is democracy in crisis?
Original Essay:
"What They Burn First
Censorship, Algorithmic Capture, and the Democratic Crisis of the Unread Mind "
Shortlist from 100,227 contestants representing 183 countries
This essay has evolved from 2 years of historical research, and personal experiences as a civic leader and national literacy advocate. It was originally titled
Though the Flames: Bibliocide
The History of Book Censorship, Banning, Burning and the Indestructible Power of Stories in Illuminating Cultural Narratives and Human Experience.
Quade presents on the historical trajectory of censorship that is currently peaking in the USA.
Testimonials
MORGAN'S MESSAGE
ATHLETES FOR HOPE
MORGAN'S MESSAGE
"Quade is a force of positive change who lifts up others as he climbs. He leads with the efficiency of a seasoned executive and the empathy of a dedicated teammate. Whether in mental health, equity in athletics, or reading-driven educational reform, he leads with integrity and the unwavering belief that youth voices are not only important
"Quade is a force of positive change who lifts up others as he climbs. He leads with the efficiency of a seasoned executive and the empathy of a dedicated teammate. Whether in mental health, equity in athletics, or reading-driven educational reform, he leads with integrity and the unwavering belief that youth voices are not only important.
They are essential."
- Clare Kehoe
Co-Founder & Director of Education
KEVIN LOVE FUND
ATHLETES FOR HOPE
MORGAN'S MESSAGE
"I have not encountered anyone quite like Quade. I have described him as a rising star, the rare student who operates not just above his age, but above the expectations of his entire field. More importantly, he uses that capacity entirely in service of others. In a generation of students who want to make a difference someday, Quade is making one today."
- Sara Hahn
Co-Director of Education
ATHLETES FOR HOPE
ATHLETES FOR HOPE
BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
"He is a book finder and a vision maker. The way literature reaches a child emotionally is the very foundation of his psychological thesis for Reading Athlete. The stories will connect children to the people who shared them, and that is a deeply personal and foundational gift."
- Joy Le Couteur
Director of Athlete Engagement
BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Quade is a true innovator. He was a founding member and developed our Young Ambassador's program beyond all expectations. He is constantly thinking about ways to promote young voices nationally and internationally.
In 2025, he was instrumental in founding the inaugural Youth Choice Award for the Children's Book Committee, leading the org
Quade is a true innovator. He was a founding member and developed our Young Ambassador's program beyond all expectations. He is constantly thinking about ways to promote young voices nationally and internationally.
In 2025, he was instrumental in founding the inaugural Youth Choice Award for the Children's Book Committee, leading the organization, communication and implementation of this innovative development. His participation in other award communities, including the SLJ Mock Newbery in 2024, 2025 and 2026 has greatly enhanced the process the Young Ambassadors went through to develop the robust criteria for this new CBC Award. Some of our members were delighted to meet Quade at the 2024 and 2026 American Library Association Conference and to witness how luminaries of the literary community welcomed him with open arms.
During his time with us, he shared more deeply how his encounters with bullying because of his love of reading, and his neurodivergence and love of sport have been instrumental in inspiring him to share with his peers his love of reading and show young people how teenagers can be agents of change. He has overcome personal challenges and used books, mental health advocacy, and community service to find his leadership voice.
We firmly believe that, because of his voice, more young people will be motivated to read.
We support Quade in all his endeavors and are profoundly grateful to him for all he has done and continues to do for the Children's Book Committee and readers nationally and internationally.
- Dr. Cythia Weill
Director, Center for Children's Literature
Bank Street College of Education
CITY OF ENCINITAS
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
Quade’s leadership has redefined the Youth Commission. Upon joining as a high school freshman, he proactively addressed a lack of diversity and engagement by recruiting a more inclusive cohort of peers, leading to his rapid election as Vice Chair and, ultimately, Chair. He successfully dismantled a culture of apathy and replaced it with
Quade’s leadership has redefined the Youth Commission. Upon joining as a high school freshman, he proactively addressed a lack of diversity and engagement by recruiting a more inclusive cohort of peers, leading to his rapid election as Vice Chair and, ultimately, Chair. He successfully dismantled a culture of apathy and replaced it with a standard of active service, mentoring his fellow commissioners to reach their full potential.
Today, under his leadership, the commission is the most dynamic and activated in its history. His effectiveness has earned him a seat at the table with the Mayor and City Council, where he is requested to execute special projects that benefit the entire Encinitas community.
Quade’s leadership style is defined by a commitment to lifting others up. He has developed a profound understanding of the ecosystem between elected officials and city staff, recognizing that while technological innovation can assist with organization, nothing replaces the hard work of showing up. Quade leads with a "listen-first" framework.
Quade views challenges as catalysts for innovation rather than obstacles. He brings a kind, multi-disciplinary perspective to every room he enters. Quade is a builder of
bridges and a cultivator of talent; I recommend him with the highest degree of confidence.
- Margaret Hamer
Former Manager, City of Encinitas
Director, City of Vista Recreation & Community Services Director
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
ENCINITAS/ AMKUSA JAPAN SISTER CITY DIPLOMAT
Quade is not just a youth leader—he is a catalyst for change. In addition to his civic leadership, Quade represented the City of Encinitas as one of three youth delegates in our Sister City Exchange Program with Amakusa, Japan.
Acting as an ambassador of cultural diplomacy, he built international connections that continue to shape his inc
Quade is not just a youth leader—he is a catalyst for change. In addition to his civic leadership, Quade represented the City of Encinitas as one of three youth delegates in our Sister City Exchange Program with Amakusa, Japan.
Acting as an ambassador of cultural diplomacy, he built international connections that continue to shape his inclusive approach to Leadership, he has since spoken at city meetings, collaborated on youth-led cultural projects, and helped ensure our parks and programs reflect the global community we serve.
Quade’s story is also one of perseverance. Navigating challenges associated with neurodiversity, he has emerged as a strong advocate for belonging and inclusion. Through his personal journey, he recognized the transformative power of books and sport to foster confidence, connection, and resilience—an insight that inspired his “Reading Athlete” project. This innovative initiative fuses athletic identity with a love for reading, offering a pathway for student-athletes to strengthen their minds alongside their bodies. He has already garnered the attention of professional athletes, educators, and civic leaders eager to support and scale this work.
Quade's impact is quantifiable, he is the most active youth volunteer in our department's recent history. This year the City nominated Quade for, and he received, state recognition as a Champion of the Community by the California Parks and Recreation Society. But what numbers cannot fully capture is Quade's heart-his sincere belief that every young person deserves a place to play, a reason to read, and a chance to be heard. His approach blends creativity with compassion, leadership with humility.
- Nicole White
Former City of Encinitas, Supervisor of Special Events & Projects