April 17, 2007

The Michigan Center for the Book today announced the three state winners of Letters About Literature, a national writing contest in which young readers wrote letters to authors, living or dead, describing how the authors' work changed the students' way of thinking.

Michigan winners, who will each receive a $50 Target gift card, are:

• Level 1 (grades 4-6) - Nick Leto, of Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms, who wrote to author Gary Paulsen about the book Hatchet.
   
• Level 2 (grades 7 and 8) - Eric Shahly, of Sashabaw Middle School in Clarkston, who wrote to author Frank Herbert about the book Dune.
   
• Level 3 (grades 9-12) - B.J. Hunt, of Athens High School in Troy, who wrote to author Sharon M. Draper about the book Tears of a Tiger.
  

In addition, each winner's school library will receive a $300 donation for the purchase of materials. Funding for these donations is provided solely by the National Center for the Book in partnership with Target.

"The thoughtful and heartfelt letters we received showed a real passion for reading and talent for writing among Michigan students," said Michigan Center for the Book Coordinator Karren Reish. "Research shows that children who read, write better and that children who write, read more. We're pleased to take part in this program that encourages young people to develop both of these key skills, as well as a love for literature."

Sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in partnership with Target, the Letters About Literature contest focuses on reader response and reflective writing. Six national finalists and their parents will travel to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Target, where the finalists will read their letters during the National Book Festival in the fall of 2007. The national winners also receive a $500 Target gift card.

Target sponsors Letters About Literature as part of its national reading initiative, "Ready. Sit. Read!," aimed at fostering a love of reading among children at an early age. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

The Center for the Book was established in 1977 as a public-private partnership to use the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. For information about its activities and national reading promotion networks, visit www.loc.gov/cfbook.

The Michigan Center for the Book (MCFB) organizes Letters about Literature at the state level. A program of the Library of Michigan and the center's affiliates, MCFB aims to promote an awareness of books, reading, literacy, authors and Michigan's rich literary heritage. New affiliates are welcome. For more information about the Michigan Center for the Book and its programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mcfb.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).