Letters About Literature

Has a book ever touched your life in a special way? Have you ever read anything that deeply affected you? Have you ever wanted to write a letter to a famous author? Now is your chance! Enter the Letters About Literature letter writing contest presented by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target and sponsored by The Rhode Island Center for the Book. You must be at least 9 years old to enter and the deadline is December 6, 2008. There are three levels of competition: Level 1 - grades 4 - 6, Level 2 - grades 7 & 8, and Level 3 - grades 9 - 12. Here's what you have to do:

• Select a fiction or nonfiction book, short story, poem, essay, or speech that you have read and about which you have strong feelings.
• Write a letter to the author of no less than 100 words and no more than 400 words telling them how their work has affected you. Think of it as a conversation with the author - don't summarize the plot or simply flatter them.
• Submit your letter by December 6th!

For official rules and information on how to submit your letter, go to www.loc.gov/letters.

First place winners will receive a $50 gift card to a local bookstore and a $50 Target GiftCard. The first place winners in each state will then advance for national judging.

For more information, visit the children's desk at the Newport Public Library, and take a look at the official Letters About Literature flyer.

Good luck!