National writing contest accepting submissions

Press release

“Letters About Literature is a brilliant way to bring literature and self-reflection together. Writing a letter about a book that has changed your life is more than just a submission to a contest – it’s a way to share what you’ve learned with the world,” writes Maya Mau, one of last year’s national Letters About Literature winners.

Every year, tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature, engaging more as readers, and creating a conversation about ideas, feelings, and perspectives. With just over 30 days left to enter, Montana students are encouraged to submit letters about life-changing books for cash prizes. Lesson guides for teachers who wish to have their students participate are available through the Montana Center for the Book.

Online submissions will be accepted until Jan. 11 at http://read.gov/letters/. State winners receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place in three grade levels. First-place winners advance to the national competition for a chance to win $2,000 and national recognition.

Letters About Literature is made possible by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, with additional support from gifts to the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Montana Center for the Book, a program of Humanities Montana.