Letters About Literature Writing Contest

Letters About Literature (LAL) is a national writing contest for students in grades 4 to 10 sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

LAL encourages young readers to write to the author of a book expressing how that book changed their view of themselves or the world. This contest not only promotes reading and writing, but 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. Photos: Ken Stanek

Maryland winners are honored annually during CityLit Festival at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. An outstanding participating educator is also recognized at the ceremony with the Christine D. Sarbanes Teacher of the Year Award.

Photos by Nick Simko.

Click here to view our 2013 Letters About Literature Winners

Click here to view a list of 2013 Letters About Literature Finalists statewide.

2013 Competition levels:

• Level 1 – Grades 4-6
• Level 2 – Grades 7-8
• Level 3 – Grades 9-10

Educators: Looking for a way to connect Letters About Literature with the Common Core curriculum? These two sample letters, with annotations by the national office, may be useful: a letter from sixth grade student Margaret Lim and eighth grade student Diana Lanni.

Visit lettersaboutliterature.org where you will find more information about the national competition as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Contact Andrea Lewis at 410-685-6161 or alewis@mdhc.org for more information on the Maryland LAL program and the Christine D. Sarbanes Teacher of the Year Award.

LAL is one of the signature programs of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is coordinated locally by the Maryland Center for the Book.

Support Maryland Students via Text Message!

It takes a lot of resources—time, creativity, money, and manpower—to produce Letters About Literature, particularly when more than 2,200 students participate statewide! You can make a difference. Donate $10.00—enough to cover the costs associated with one student—Message & data rates may apply.

Click here for full details.