Letters About Literature contest kicks off

An annual national competition encouraging students to write about a favorite or influential book is under way, and Washington is again taking part.

The Letters About Literature contest 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.

“Books inspire kids of all ages,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “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.

The state’s winners will be announced in April. A ceremony to honor the Washington champions, runners-up and honorable mentions will be held at the State Capitol in Olympia later in the spring.

More than 3,200 Washington students went through the judging process in the 2014-15 competition. Nearly 90 schools across the state had entries.

The contest’s other sponsors include the Office of Secretary of State, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the Center for the Book, which is part of the Library of Congress. The State Library is a division of the Office of Secretary of State.

An entry coupon must accompany each letter. Entry coupons and guidelines can be found at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/lal/Letters-About-Literature-2016.aspx. 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.

State judges select each level’s top letter writer, who receives a cash award and advances to the national competition.

This is the 23rd year for the national contest, including the 11th year that the Washington State Library has sponsored it as part of Washington Reads.

For more information about the contest, contact the State Library’s Crystal Lentz at (360) 704-5275 or crystal.lentz@sos.wa.gov.