Celebrating its ninth year in Washington, Letters About Literature encourages 4th-12th grade students to write to their favorite authors, living or dead, explaining how their work influenced the student’s view on the world or themselves. Students can write about works of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.

“It’s amazing how books can touch young readers and help them see their world in a new way,” State Librarian Rand Simmons said. “This contest helps students think about books they read and how they influence them. We’ve received many outstanding and thoughtful letters from students since the contest started, and we encourage even more students to take part this year.”

Students compete at three levels: Level 1 for grades 4-6; Level 2 for grades 7-8; and Level 3 for grades 9-12. Entrants must be at least 9 years old.   There are two deadlines for this year’s contest: All Level 3 entries must be postmarked by Dec. 10. All entries for Levels 1 and 2 must be postmarked by Jan. 10, 2014.

State winners will receive a cash award and advance to the national level. One national winner will receive $1,000.

To read some of the winning letters from the past, or to download an entry form, visit http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/lal/Letters-About-Literature-2014.aspx. Entries in Spanish will be accepted and translated for the judges.

Students are encouraged to decorate their entry envelopes as well. The best envelope art will be posted online. You can see last year’s colorful envelopes at http://www.lettersaboutliterature.org.