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LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE

Letters About Literature is a national reading contest for students sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in cooperation with the Illinois Center for the Book and other participating state centers for the book.

The program invites 4th - 10th grade students to read a book of their choosing, reflect on it and write a letter to the author explaining how the book changed their life of view of the world.

The are three levels of competition - Level I for grades 4 - 6, Level II for grades 7 - 8, and Level III for grades 9 - 10. One winner will be selected for each level and receive a $100 award. Teachers of the winning students receive a $100 award to purchase materials for their school library. Winners and teachers are invited to an award ceremony in Springfield. State winners' letters are forwarded for national judging. One national winner for each level will receive $1,000 and one second place national winner for each level will receive $150.

Students can enter Letters About Literature through their schools, youth programs, libraries or individually. If you have questions or want to be included on the mailing list, please contact Bonnie Matheis at the Illinois Center for the Book at Bonnie Matheis.

Information about the 2014 Program

Information about the 2014 program will be available in August 2013.

Information about the 2013 Program

Information about the 2012 Program

Information about the 2011 Program

Information about the 2010 Program

Information about the 2009 Program

Information about the 2008 Program

Information about the 2007 Program

Information about previous Program Winners