Six essays were selected from submissions in our 2024 Freedom to Read Georgia contests.  Congratulations to our exemplary essay authors from Webb Bridge Middle School : Alexandra Fadeeva, Anukth Gasikanti, Amelia Laake, Aanya Nagar, Akshan Srivastava, and Ashrith Thatiparthi.

Exemplary Essays Linked Here

Congratulations also to the many students whose essays were recognized as merit level entries! We appreciate the efforts of all who submitted their projects to our contest and hope you will participate again next year!

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The Freedom to Read Georgia student essay contest provides an opportunity for  Georgia K-12 students to share their opinions on and feelings about having a wide range of choices in reading.  The contest is managed by members of Georgia Library Media Association and Georgia  Council of Teachers of English.   Essays will be judged on a modified version of the Georgia Student Media Festival rubric.  Judging is held for exemplary, merit, and participant designations for elementary, middle, and high school contest levels. Forms and project prompts are posted on National Let Freedom Read Day (9/28/24) for the 2024 contests. 

Resources to Support Your Essay Development (and Inspire You!)

Links to our pages on news and opinions on censorship - local, regional, national, and international - may help you expand your own ideas and opinions. 

Resources linked below provide background information & position statements on reader's rights and the First Amendment:

American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement 

American Library Association Intellectual Freedom and Censorship FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

National Coalition Against Censorship The First Amendment in Schools

National Council of Teachers of English The Students’ Right to Read

Exemplary Level Essays 2023

Exemplary Level Essays 2022

Exemplary Level Essays 2021