The Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) has launched the 2022-2023 Letters About Literature Texas contest, a program that invites students to respond to authors about how their books or poetry has touched their lives. The contest is open to Texas students in grades 4 through 12.

Students, educators, and families: join the Texas Center for the Book in promoting the joys of reading and writing! Participants select a book, book series, essay, play, poem, short story or speech that has made a lasting impact. They then write a personal letter to the author that reflects how they have been changed, inspired, or motivated by the work they selected. 

In 2023, thanks to the generosity of the Nora Roberts Foundation and the Texas Library and Archives Foundation, contest participants are eligible for enhanced cash prizes. Each winner’s school library will receive a $200 stipend! View the details for cash prizes for students and libraries on the Letters About Literature website. Additionally, state winners will be honored at the 2023 Texas Library Association Conference in Austin.
 
All submissions for the 2022-2023 contest must be submitted through the online platform by 5:00 p.m., Dec. 17, 2022 (Central). A permission form is required for all students who will be younger than 13 on Nov. 4, 2022.

To learn more about the contest, how to submit and to view winning entries from previous years, visit www.tsl.texas.gov/lettersaboutliterature. The site includes a Frequently Asked Questions page, student and teacher submission guidelines, letters from past winners, videos from authors and the official contest rules. Visit the Educator Resources page to get your own printable bookmarks and student handouts, participation certificates, key dates, permission forms and a step-by-step teaching guide featuring writing prompts.

For more information on Texas Center for the Book initiatives, visit www.tsl.texas.gov/centerforthebook or contact TCFB Coordinator Rebekah Manley at tcfb@tsl.texas.gov.