Library of Michigan - Letters about Literature

Letters about Literature

The Michigan Center for the Book and the Library of Michigan participate in the annual Letters about Literature program from the Library of Congress. This national reading-writing contest invites readers in grades 4 through 12 to write letters to authors of books that have changed their lives. This program gives students the opportunity to reflect deeply on a book. As readers, they come to understand how literature is more than assignment, but also a life changing experience.

Lois Lowry's letter perfectly describes how books affected her throughout her childhood.

2014 Timeline: For the 2014 program, we will send materials to libraries and schools in September. The 2014 letters will be due in two waves, which is new this year. Level III entries have a deadline of December 10, 2013 and Level I and II entries have a deadline of January 10, 2014. The state and national winners will be announced in May 2014.

2014 Entry Form & Materials

2014 Letters about Literature Entry Coupon - Entry Form for Schools, Libraries or Individuals.
Letters about Literature FAQ and Rules
Letters about Literature and Common Core State Standards
Sample Press Release for schools or libraries with a with a student winner.

2013 RESULTS

State Level I winner (grades 4-6) - Kathleen Carroll of Grosse Pointe Farms ($250 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Grant to Brownell Middle School Library Media Center), who wrote to author Joan Bauer about the book Almost Home.
State Level II winner (grades 7-8) - Austin Langlinais of Mattawan ($250 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Grant to Mattawan Middle School Library Media Center), who wrote to Harper Lee about the book To Kill a Mockingbird.
State Level III winner (grades 9-10) - Ana Mohr of Traverse City ($250 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Grant to Traverse City Central High School Library Media Center), who wrote to author Shannon Hale about the book Forest Born.