We are excited to say that the New Mexico State Library is doing a letter writing contest. The submissions can be sent in November 1st. The deadline is December 30th, but we encourage students to start writing now.
Students are being asked to write a letter to their favorite author or the author of a work that changed their worldview. This is not a fan letter or a summary but a conversation on how the work affected them. This must include personal evidence. What part of the work stood out and how did it change the student’s life specifically?
The students can write about most works like song lyrics, poems, books, speeches and more. As long as the student has a connection to the work. The letter needs to have the date, a greeting, a body, a salutation and a signature of the students first name only. Students that are in the fourth grade must write three hundred words, all other grades must write four hundred. No submission may go over eight hundred words.
This contest is aimed at students who are in the fourth grade through the twelfth grade. Students will be separated into three groups. Level one will be grades fourth through sixth. Level two is seventh and eighth grade. Level three is ninth through twelfth. Awards will be given out to the top scores in each group. The winners’ work will be published and they will be asked to read their letter before a ceremony.
The contest is for New Mexican students only.
This is a fantastic chance to talk about a book that changed your life. Maybe it made things easier or put something new into view or many different things. Sharpen your skills and maybe win an award/prize.
For more information visit the contest website at lettersaboutliterature.nmculture.org .
