STATEWIDE READING AND WRITING CONTEST

Letters About Literature in Illinois is a statewide reading and writing promotion. Students in grades 4 – 12 are invited to read a book of their choice, reflect on it, and write a personal letter to its author explaining the impact this work had on them. The program also dovetails with state and national learning standards.

Students can enter individually or through school, library, and youth organizations. There are three writing levels based on the student’s grade in school:

Level I - Grades 4 - 6

Level II - Grade 7 & 8

Level III - Grades 9 - 12.

There is one winning letter selected per Level. Winners receive a cash prize and a plaque from the Illinois Secretary of State. Teachers of the winners receive a certificate and a cash prize for the school to purchase books for the school library.

Runners Up from each Level receive certificates.

HOW TO ENTER

Written submissions will be accepted for all ages until the entry deadline of December 15, 2022. Attach a completed entry form to each entry and send via US Mail or Email.

• Mail to:

Letters About Literature

Competition Level (Indicate Level 1, 2 or 3 on the envelope)

Illinois Center for the Book

300 South Second Street

Springfield, IL 62701

• EMAIL to:

islcomps@ilsos.gov

*in the subject line include: LAL, Competition Level (1, 2 or 3), School Name and City

State winners will be formally announced in May 2023.