Announcing the 2026 My Favorite Book Contest Winners

The My Favorite Book Contest recognizes outstanding student readers across Oklahoma who share their personal connections to the books that matter most to them. Through the contest, students write letters to the authors of their favorite book, series, or story—reflecting not just on the plot, but on how the writing impacted their lives.

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 My Favorite Book Contest. This year’s contest received 436 entries across three divisions, highlighting strong participation from students statewide.

Winners will be honored during the My Favorite Book Awards and letter reading at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, May 13.

Entries were submitted across three divisions:
Division 1 (Grades 4–6), Division 2 (Grades 7–8), and Division 3 (Grades 9–12).

First Place
Relic Foster
Shiloh Christian School
Letter to Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Second Place
Daniel Atkinson
Owasso Public Schools
Letter to John Hendrickson for Life on Delay

Third Place
Jinlin Chen
Jenks Public Schools
Letter to Kelly Yang for Front Desk

First Place
Anna Corfidi
Bixby Public Schools
Letter to John David Anderson for Posted

Second Place
Sophia Laubach
Oologah-Talala Public Schools
Letter to Shirley Jackson for The Lottery

Third Place
Nuam Kiim
Bixby Public Schools
Letter to Deb J. J. Lee for In Limbo

First Place
Georgena Weaver
Harding Fine Arts Academy
Letter to Daniel Kraus for Whalefall

Second Place
Paxton Miller
Edmond Public Schools
Letter to Elie Wiesel for Night

Third Place
Abigail Bannister
Marlow Public Schools
Letter to Sylvia Plath for The Bell Jar

Through the My Favorite Book Contest, students are invited to write a personal letter to the author of their favorite book, series, or story. Letters go beyond plot summaries to focus on the student’s personal connection to the reading experience and the impact the writing had on them.

The My Favorite Book Contest typically opens in the fall and closes in December each year. If you’re interested in participating in a future contest, sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive updates, deadlines, and program announcements.

• 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.

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 also select a school library or public library to receive a $1,000 cash prize!

Printables below are designed for letter-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).

The Oklahoma Center for the Book (OCB) in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is organized to focus attention on the vital role of books and reading in our lives. The Center promotes the past, current, and future works of Oklahoma authors; promotes the literary heritage of the state; and encourages reading for pleasure by Oklahomans of all ages.

Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.