Have you ever read a book that moved you so much, that you thought about writing to the author to share your thoughts? If so, this contest is for you!
Letters About Literature is an annual national reading and writing program that invites students to read a book, poem, or play of their choice and write a letter to the author about how the work changed their life or view of the world. Students can enter on their own or through their schools, libraries, or other youth organizations.
There are three levels of participation: Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8 and Level III for grades 9-12. One Illinois winner will be selected for each level and receive a $200 cash award. Teachers/Librarians of the winning students will receive a $100 cash award to purchase materials for their school/public library. Winners and teachers/librarians will be invited to an awards ceremony in Springfield. The state winners’ letters will be forwarded for national judging.
Below you will find the 2018 entry form and guidelines for Illinois. Other information about the program is available at the Letters About Literature page of the Illinois Center for the Book website (http://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/center_for_the_book/letters.html) including:
- Guidelines and Entry Coupon
- Letters About Literature Supports Common Core Standards
- Letters About Literature Support National Language Arts and Reading Standards
- Teaching Guide
- Past Winning Letters
*Please Note: The entry deadline for the 2018 competition is one date this year vs being split for the younger students and older students as in the recent past. This moves up the deadline for the younger grades. The date is December 9, 2017