Letters About Literature

Letters About Literature is a writing contest for young readers, ranging from fourth grade all the way up to tenth grade. Students in eighth grade are placed in the Level Two category, along with seventh graders.

Here's the deal, straight from the flyer:
"Take the Letters About Literature writing challenge! Write a personal letter to an author you admire, an author of a book (fiction or nonfiction) that inspired you. Your letter must be personal but persuasive, explaining just how the author's work changed your view of yourself or your world."

Here's how to enter:

• First, determine your competition level. As eighth graders, we're in Level 2.
• Second, select and reflect. Choose a book that has impacted you in some way. Consider specific ways that the book helped to change the way you think or view the world.
• Third, write a persuasive letter stating your opinion and supporting that opinion with specific details. Don't write a fan letter, and don't summarize the book. Tell the author how the book affected you and why it did so.
• Fourth, submit your letter by Friday, January 11, 2013, using the required entry coupon.

"Are there awards?" you ask. Yes, there are. Again, straight from their flyer: "Each participating state center has its own panel of judges who select the top letters in the state. State winners will receive a cash award and advance to the national level judging. A panel of national judges for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will select one national winner per competition level to receive a $1000 cash award. The judges will also select one second place winner on each competition level to receive a $150 cash award."

If you're interested in this letter writing contest, then I'm excited. You should be. We read so much, that every eighth grade student should be able to write a letter to an author. If you do write a letter, I'll give you extra credit! And, more importantly, I'll help you submit the letter into the contest, so we can work towards you winning $1000! I have further information about the contest, and the website has tons of information, so ask if you have any questions or if you want help.