Be Inspired: Letters About Literature

Young people inspired by writing may want to enter the Letters About Literature contest, now available on the Indiana Center for the Book's website.

The national reading-writing competition, sponsored by the Library of Congress in partnership with Target Stores, calls for entrants to write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre (fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic). Young readers write to an author describing how that author’s work somehow changed the reader’s view of the world or himself/herself. Readers respond to the book they’ve read by exploring the personal relationship between themselves, the author and the book’s characters or themes.

As in previous years, all state semifinalists are invited to attend an annual awards ceremony featuring a notable young adult author. State contest winners will receive a cash award and plaque from the Indiana Center for the Book during a summertime awards ceremony. Top winners also receive a Target GiftCard and advance to the national level competition. National prizes include a $10,000 LAL Reading Promotion Grant for the community or school library of the winner's choice. National winners also receive a $500 Target GiftCard.

Visit lettersaboutliterature.org for contest updates and writing tips. Letters About Literature is open to U.S. residents enrolled as a student in grades 4 -12 during 2011/2012 school year. Entries must be postmarked no later than January 6, 2012 for consideration.