One of our office’s favorite contests for schoolkids is under way.

The Letters About Literature competition encourages students to write letters to their favorite authors, living or dead, and explain how a particular book by the author changed their view of the world or themselves. The contest, co-sponsored by the Washington State Library, is for schoolchildren and homeschooled students in grades 4-12.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman:

“Books inspire kids of all ages. A good book can make them think and look at the world in a different way.  Letters About Literature allows students to consider how a favorite book touches them and then put their thoughts into words. I’m impressed with the number of incredible, heartwarming letters produced over the years, and I look forward to reading students’ letters in this year’s contest.

“I encourage all kids to read because it’s so fundamental to learning and it gives them a strong foundation to succeed in school and life.”

Students enter by writing a personal letter to an author, explaining how his or her work shaped the students’ perspective on the world or themselves. Students can write about works of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. They cannot write about music lyrics. Entries in Spanish are welcome and will be translated for the Washington state judges.

Letter writers compete at three levels: Level 1 for grades 4-6; Level 2 for grades 7-8; and Level 3 for grades 9-12. Entrants must be at least 9 years old. One letter from each level from each state is entered into the national competition. Entries will be accepted starting Nov. 2. There are two deadlines for this year’s contest: All Level 3 entries must be postmarked by Dec. 4. All entries for Levels 1 and 2 must be postmarked by Jan. 11, 2016.

An entry coupon must accompany each letter. Entry coupons and guidelines can be found here. Completed forms should be stapled to the last page of the letter.

Entries should be mailed to:
Letters About Literature Contest
Competition Level (Indicate Level 1, 2 or 3)
c/o C. Gourley, Project Manager
81 Oliver St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705

For more information about the contest, contact the State Library’s Crystal Lentz at (360) 704-5275 or [email protected].