Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing program where students in grades 4–12 are invited to read a book of their choice, 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 participation: Level I for grades 4 – 6, Level II for grades 7 – 8, and Level III for grades 9 – 12. One Illinois winner will be selected for each level and receive a $200 award. Teachers of the winning students receive a $100 award to purchase materials for their school library. Winners and teachers will be invited to an awards ceremony in Springfield. The state winners’ letters are forwarded for national judging. One national winner in each of the three competition levels will receive $1,000 cash award and one national honor in each level will receive a $200 cash award. Letters About Literature supports the National Language Arts and Reading Standards. Students can enter Letters About Literature on their own or through their schools, libraries or youth organizations. The deadline to enter is: December 10, 2013 for Level III and January 10, 2014 for Levels I and II. The entry form and guidelines for Illinois can be accessed here.
For more information about Letters About Literature, access Teacher’s Guides and to find out how Letters About Literature supports National Language Arts and Reading Standards, click here. Questions? Contact Bonnie Matheis, Coordinator of the Illinois Center for the Book at: bmatheis@ilsos.net or 558-2065.
