Letters About Literature Writing Contest

Announcements and materials: (NEW)

  guidelines-school-library-2012.pdf

guidelines-individual-2012.pdf

Letters About Literature (LAL) is a state and national writing contest that encourages young readers in grades 4 to 12 to respond to an author through a letter expressing how that author and book changed their worldview and themselves.

This contest not only promotes reading and writing, but it also inspires creativity in young people and encourages them to be life-long readers. It develops critical reading and writing skills that students need to be successful both in their school careers and as adults. Fans of any genre, fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or the classics, are invited to participate, with the chance to receive awards and recognition at the state and national level.

LAL is one of the signature programs of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is implemented by the Maryland Center for the Book at the state level.

DEADLINE FOR 2011-2012 ENTRIES: January 6, 2012

For information on the national program, visit the Web site at www.lettersaboutliterature.org.
Please contact Andrea Lewis at 410-685-6161 or alewis@mdhc.org for more information on the Maryland LAL program.

"For the second year, my students are demonstrating an enthusiasm and effort that surpasses what they usually display. I know this is due to the wonderful opportunity you provide – a chance to write to their favorite author. Authentic communication truly inspires my students! . . . I am confident that this will become a significant memory in my students’ sixth grade experience. How wonderful that it should promote the beauty and the strength of the written word."  - Cynthia Malek, Patterson Mill Middle High School; Bel Air MD 

"This contest gives [students] a chance to practice [letter writing] while also expressing themselves about a work of literature or a particular author that has made an impact on them personally. As a teacher, I benefit from reading the letters because I always learn new things about each student." - Tina Chan, Green Acres School; Rockville, MD