2009-02-11

A new children’s writing contest, open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, invites children to discover the joy of literature by writing their own stories.

The goal of The Youth Literature Festival Writing Contest is to encourage writing and self-expression and reward effort, said Violet Harris, associate dean for academic affairs in the University of Illinois College of Education, which is sponsoring the contest along with the University Library and WILL Public Media.

“We hope the contest will be a valuable class assignment for students at school, but also one that some children will initiate themselves and work on at home,” she said.

Illinois women’s basketball coach Jolette Law is the spokesperson for the contest. Every child will be recognized for his or her participation with a Certificate of Achievement signed by coach Law. The first, second and third place winners in each grade will receive prizes. All children who enter will be invited to a young authors’ celebration in May.

Entries must be postmarked by March 9. Original works of fiction, nonfiction, graphic novel, drama, personal essay or poetry/spoken word are eligible. Rules and entry forms are available by visiting the Youth Literature Festival Web site at youthlitfest.ed.uiuc.edu/contest , sending an email to youthlitfest@ed.uiuc.edu , or calling the Writing Contest Hotline, 217-244-0708.

Do you have a story you’d like added to the Library News & Events? If so, please contact Heather Murphy ( hmurphy@illinois.edu ).