Letters About Literature (LAL), a national reading and writing promotion program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, invites young readers in grades 4-12 to enter this year’s LAL letter-writing competition. The contest challenges young readers to write a personal letters of reflection to authors that have changed their view of the world.

LAL awards prizes on both the state and national levels in three competition levels: Level 1 for children in grades 4-6; Level 2 for children in grades 7-8; and Level 3 for children in grades 9-12. Six national winners will each receive cash awards and earn the opportunity to nominate a school or community library to receive a $10,000 LAL Reading Promotion grant. Twelve national honor winners will receive cash awards and also will nominate a school or community library for a $1,000 LAL Reading Promotion grant.

Teachers, librarians and parents can download free teaching materials on LAL’s reader response and reflective writing program, including lesson plans, assessment checklists and student writing samples by visiting the LAL website. Submissions must be postmarked by Jan. 6, 2012. State winners will be notified in April 2012 and national winners by May 2012.

For more details, contact Catherine Gourley at (570) 262-7320.