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| Group photo with the 2012 LAL State Winners! |
Letters About Literature is a national reading and writing program of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, presented in partnership with Target and supported locally by RICB.
60,000 young readers from across the country participated, including nearly 800 Rhode Islanders. Students were asked to submit letters describing how an author's work -- novel, non-fiction, poetry -- changed their view of the world or helped them realize something they didn't know about themselves.
With a focus on reader response and reflective writing, one winner and several honorable mentions were chosen in three competition levels, ranging from grades 4 through 12.
I had the chance to read the winning letters beforehand, and heard them read-aloud by the winners at the event. All of the letters had a powerful narrative voice and displayed a talent and wisdom beyond the young writers' years.
It was honor to present the students with their awards, and an inspiration to hear their words. All in all, it was evening I won't soon forget.
Click here to learn more about Letters About Literature and Rhode Island Center for the Book.
Below is a transcript the address I gave to the students, their families, and members of RICB.
by Anika Denise
Rhode Island Center for the Book Annual Meeting and Letters About Literature Awards
Williams Hall Library, Cranston, Rhode Island
June 4, 2012
Good evening, everyone. First, I want to say thank you to the Rhode Island Center for the Book for inviting me here to speak to you tonight. It’s an honor and a privilege. Not to mention, great fun to be spend an evening celebrating reading, writing, and the books that inspire us! So thank you, for including me in the festivities. There's even balloons... it's a party!
Second, I’d like to CONGRATULATE all the winners, honorable mentions in the Letters About Literature Competition.
It takes courage to submit your words, to participate… to put something of yourself out there into the world to be judged. Writers must do this all the time. And it’s never easy.
But, you did. You wrote something compelling and meaningful, and tonight, you’re being recognized and celebrate
3 Comments on What a night!, last added: 6/6/2012
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Fantastic!!! And those kids make you look tall!
Ha! I'm in the front row, with the 4th and 5th graders... that's why I look tall! ;)
Oh dear one, this was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it.