Letters About Literature Writing Contest

The Virginia Center for the Book at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) is sponsoring a writing contest for students in grades four through twelve. Students are invited to write a personal letter to the author of a favorite book and compete for an appearance at the Tenth Annual Festival of the Book, in March 2004, as well as a cash prize. State winners will also be eligible to compete for a trip to Washington for the National Festival of the Book in the fall of 2004.

Students will compete in three levels: Level I, grades 4-6; Level II, grades 7-8; and Level III, grades 9-12. Readers may choose from any genre and time period. All entries must be postmarked by December 6, 2003, and include the entry coupon. Students, teachers, librarians, and parents interested in obtaining copies of the contest guidelines, the required coupon, and the teaching supplement to guide students through the reading-writing process may visit the Center for the Book site at www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook

or contact VFH at www.virginia.edu/vfh. Information is also available by contacting Susan Coleman at (spcoleman@virginia.edu) or 145 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or 434-982-2983 or 434 924-3296.

For further information, please contact Catherine Rosenbaum (crosenba@mail.vak12ed.edu), reading and language arts specialist, Office of Middle Instructional Services, at (804) 225 2665.

PIW/yba