Writing Contest for Students

A great book can inspire, comfort, challenge, or change the way we see the world.

The My Favorite Book writing contest gives Oklahoma students in grades 4–12 the chance to share how a favorite book, series, or story has made a difference in their lives.

To enter, students write a letter to the author sharing why the book, series, or story matters to them. Rather than simply summarizing the plot, students should focus on their own experience as a reader. They might write about how the story inspired them, challenged their thinking, helped them through a difficult time, or gave them a new perspective.

Students, start thinking about the book you’d choose. Teachers, librarians, and families, share the contest with a young reader you know!

Contest Dates

Contest Opens: September 15, 2026
Entry Deadline: December 15, 2026

Eligibility

Open to Oklahoma students in grades 4–12.
Entries must be original letters written by the student.
Letters should be 400–800 words.
Students under age 18 must submit a parent/guardian permission form with their entry.

Contest Divisions & Prizes

There are three grade-based divisions in the contest:

Division 1: Grades 4–6
Division 2: Grades 7–8
Division 3: Grades 9–12

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each level:

First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100

First place winners will also select a school library or public library to receive a $1,000 gift!

Before You Begin

Have the following information and files ready before beginning the online submission form:

Student’s name and grade
School name, or indicate Homeschool if applicable
Student’s home address, including city and ZIP code
School/homeschool teacher’s email address and phone number
Parent/guardian’s email address and phone number
Name of the author the student is writing to
Completed Entry/Letter ready to upload
Signed Permission Form ready to upload (if student is under 18)

Having these items ready before you begin will make the submission process quick and easy.

Submit Entries

The contest opens September 15, 2026! Entry links for each grade division will be posted on this page at that time. Until then, students can start thinking about the book, series, or story they want to write about and begin working on their letter.