2013 Letters About Literature state champions (from left): Cora Tessaro, Jordyn Tonkinson and Julia Batson.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. This year’s Letters About Literature state champions were inspired by books about eating healthy food, being yourself and standing up for what you believe in, and challenging yourself and trying new things, even when afraid.

The annual literary competition, sponsored by the Washington State Library and the Library of Congress, encourages students to write a letter to the author (living or dead) of a book that has impacted them.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman and the Washington State Library recognized the state champions, second-place runners up and honorable mentions during an awards ceremony in the Legislative Building’s Columbia Room Friday afternoon.

The three state champions with Secretary Wyman in her office.

Here are this year’s Washington champions:

• Cora Tessaro,a fifth grader at Daniel Bagley Elementary School in Seattle, is the Level 1 (grades 4-6) champion. Tessaro wrote her letter to Eric Schlosser about his book Chew on This. An excerpt from Cora’s letter:

Before reading it, I just supposed that food wasn’t very important. All that mattered was getting it, consuming it, and having enough energy for the day. A burger was a burger and fries were fries. Food was…well…food.

After reading your book I learned that hundreds of millions of people eat fast food every day that have no IDEA what they are putting into their bodies, just like how I had no idea how different foods can affect me physically and mentally.

Instead of preventing me from eating fast food, your book inspired me to make healthy, easy food, and teaching others to do the same.

• Julia Batson, a seventh grader at Woodward Middle School on Bainbridge Island, is the Level 2 (grades 7-8) champion. Batson’s letter is to Randa Abdel-Fattah about her book Ten Things I Hate About Me. Here is part of Julia’s letter:

We’ve all heard it before: “be yourself.” Teachers, parents, and counselors constantly bring up these two simple words. But oh, they’re the cause of torment and teasing, the cause of judgment and harsh actions. I used to ask myself, “Is it worth the consequences, letting my true self shine through?” Ten Things I Hate About Me gave me an answer: YES! I realize it’s easiest to just try and blend in, lay low, but when Jamilah decided to play the darbuka at her formal instead of hiding as Jamie, it became clear to me that even though being myself is hard, the people who will admire me for doing so outnumber those who will make fun of me for it. Being myself feels gratifying and rewarding, like I’m finally free of some heavy burden.

• Jordyn Tonkinson, a ninth grader at Hockinson High School in Brush Prairie, is the Level 3 champion (grades 9-10). Tonkinson penned her letter to Garth Stein about his book The Art of Racing in the Rain. Part of Jordyn’s letter:

Through Enzo, I learn that life is all about the ability to race in the rain. Meaning that even when times are hard and the road is slick, you need to push on – no matter how bad you may want to stop. Like a driver, you need to be prepared for the race. Like a racer would put rain tires on his car, you would mentally prepare yourself and make sure you are stable. This results in better handling and control on a wet road. Another thing Enzo taught me was the importance of your pit crew, aka your family and friends. These are the people who you go to when you’re in trouble and can’t fix the problem yourself. They are there for you, waiting for you to reach and ask for help.

The state three champions read their letters aloud before Wyman, First Lady Trudi Inslee, family members and others.

The awards ceremony was covered by TVW, which will have the event available for viewing online and on TV.