Ankeny Students Shine in Letters About Literature Contest

From Ankeny Schools

Several Ankeny students showcased their writing skills and received recognition for their abilities in the 2013 Letters About Literature contest, sponsored by the Iowa Center for the Book. 

Students submitted reflective writing books that have changed their view of the world or of themselves. Students respond to the work they have read by exploring the personal relationship between themselves, the author, and the book's characters or themes.

Prairie Trail Elementary fourth grader Ethan Rognes was named the Second Place Winner in Level 1, and was recognized at a celebration Friday in Des Moines. 

Many other Ankeny students were named finalists or semifinalists.

Letters can be written about works from any genre, fiction or nonfiction, by authors from the present or the past.  Students can write about a book, short story, poem, or speech.  No matter what the subject of the work, however, the letter should show the impact it had on the student.

All letters are submitted to the national Letters About Literature office.  Letters from participating states are read by national judges. Semifinalists' letters are returned to the state sponsors.  In Iowa, a panel of judges for each level of competition reads the semifinalists' letters and chooses first, second, and third place winners, as well as three honorable mentions. 

More than 100 judges across the country read the letters. Judges include authors, publishers, librarians, and educators from all 50 states. The first two rounds of reading by national judges determine which letters advance to state-level judging. First-place state winners in each level are then returned to the national office where a panel of judges assess the state winners to select six national finalists, two per competition level.

Entries are submitted to the national office in early January. Iowa winners are announced in March; national winners are announced in April. Prizes are given at both the state and national levels.

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