Letters About Literature in Illinois

The Illinois Center for the Book/Illinois State Library invites 4th – 12th grade students to participate in Letters About Literature.

What is "Letters About Literature"?

Letters About Literature is an annual statewide reading promotion where Illinois students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to read a book of their choice, reflect on it, and write a personal letter to the author explaining how reading their book changed their life or view of the world. There are three writing levels based on the student’s grade in school: Level I – Grades 4 through 6, Level II – Grade 7 & 8, and Level III – Grades 9 through 12.

One winning letter is selected per Level. Winners receive a cash prize and a plaque from the Illinois Secretary of State. Teachers of the winners receive a certificate and a cash prize for the school to purchase books for the school library. Runners-up from each Level receive certificates.

The entry deadline is December 15, 2024. Winners are announced by the end of May 2025. 

Additional information:

• Entry Form (https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/ldl36.pdf)
• Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/letters-faq.html)

For more information, contact Bonnie Matheis. 
Coordinator, Illinois Center for the Book

Illinois State Library

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias 

Gwendolyn Brooks Building, 300 South Second St.

Springfield, IL 62701

bmatheis@ilsos.gov

217.558.2065