When I was a kid, I loved books more than almost anything. They filled my waking moments, and shaped the person I was to become. I read constantly, obsessively, so much so that when I got in trouble, I was grounded from BOOKS.

What’s changed? Well, not my love of reading! But now that I’m an author, I have been on the receiving end of some of the most glorious, heart-breaking, truth-filled and touching letters from young readers, telling me how my books have shaped their lives. It’s one of the great gifts of writing, and I am so grateful for every reader who reaches out.

And now I’m grateful to have a small part in promoting the Letters About Literature program, hosted by the Texas Center for the Book and the Library of Congress. Books have the power to change lives, and this contest for young readers might change the life of someone you know as well… if you share it with the teachers, librarians, and kids you know.

Here is my short video about the contest, and a written description of the program, from the Texas Center for the Book’s website:

Has a book brought you to laughter, tears or changed your life? Write a letter to the author for your chance to win $100 and a trip to the 2017 Texas Library Association Conference. National winners receive $1,000 and travel assistance to the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. The contest is brought to you by the The Library of Congress and the Texas Center for the Book.