"A Book That Shaped Me" Summer Writing Contest Aims to Foster Literacy and Personal Growth Among Young Readers

Strategic Insights -

The Library of Congress recently announced the winners of its "A Book That Shaped Me" Summer Writing Contest, a program designed to encourage young readers to reflect on the books that have made a significant impact on their lives. The contest, which took place in the Mid-Atlantic region, attracted over 200 entries from rising fifth- and sixth-graders, showcasing a vibrant and diverse group of young writers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "A Book That Shaped Me" Summer Writing Contest is a program that encourages young readers to reflect on the books that have made a personal impact in their lives, with the goal of fostering literacy and personal growth.
  • The contest took place in the Mid-Atlantic region and attracted over 200 entries from rising fifth- and sixth-graders, with five finalists per state selected for the first round of judging.
  • The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and members of the Library of Congress staff conducted the initial judging round, while a panel assembled by the Library of Congress, including educators, children's authors, and Library of Congress staff, selected the state and grand-prize winners.
  • The Grand-Prize winners, including Alexia De Costa from Virginia, Allison Templeton from Pennsylvania, and Maria Lemma from Maryland, will receive additional gift-card prizes and will read their essays during the "A Book That Shaped Me" presentation at the Library of Congress National Book Festival on September 5, 2015.
  • The National Book Festival will gather 175 authors for readers of all ages to offer talks, Q&A, and book-signings, and will be presented free of charge at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 young writers submitted essays to the "A Book That Shaped Me" Summer Writing Contest.
  • Five finalists per state were selected for the first round of judging.
  • The grand-prize winners will receive gift-card prizes totaling $450 ($200, $150, and $100 for first, second, and third place, respectively).

Sources:

  • The Library of Congress, "A Book That Shaped Me" Summer Writing Contest, loc.gov/bookfest/kids-teachers/booksthatshape/
  • The Library of Congress, National Book Festival, loc.gov/bookfest/
  • The Library of Congress, Library of Congress National Book Festival schedule, loc.gov/bookfest/schedule/