The South Dakota Humanities Council announces the annual Letters About Literature reading-writing competition, sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress and Target Stores.

To enter, readers write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre-- fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic, explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. This innovative program combines reading, writing and creative thinking.

There are three competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4-6; Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III, grades 9-12. The first three places in each level receive a prize, including a savings bond, certificate and participation book. The top winner in each level is awarded a Target gift card and represents South Dakota in the national competition, where they can win money for their school.

For more information, contact the South Dakota Humanities Council (michelle.madsen@sdstate.edu) or visit http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/letters.html.

The entry deadline is December 14, 2007.