Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy of Connecticut (BCHA) is pleased to announce that two middle school sixth graders, Max and Shia, have been named semi-finalists in the Letters About Literature competition, placing in the Top 10% of Connecticut submissions. Sponsored by UConn’s Neag School of Education, this competition highlights the impact of literature on young readers.
Each year, a reading and writing contest known as ‘Letters About Literature’ is held nationwide. UConn’s Neag School of Education, along with the Connecticut Writing Project and UConn’s Department of English, are the contest’s designated sponsors for the state of Connecticut for the 2024-25 academic year.
Contest judges from Connecticut include current Neag teacher education alumni and students and teacher-consultants of the Connecticut Writing Project from across the state. These judges select the best Letters About Literature submitted by Connecticut students at each of the three competition levels, which are grades 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech, and write a letter to that author (living or dead) about how the text affected them personally. While the competition is held nationwide, letters are judged on the state level. Thousands of students from across the country enter the competition each year.
BCHA’s sixth grader Max’s letter to Elie Wiesel about his book Night reflected on his powerful message of faith and perseverance, writing, “Your book shares your struggle in a concentration camp where millions perished. It taught me that no challenge is too big, even if it seems impossible. Your story will always stay with me, and I will never forget.”
Classmate Shia’s letter to Neal Shusterman about his book Scythe explored personal growth. The letter read in part, “I feel like this book was meant for me. It was one of the most incredible books I’ve ever read, and it made me realize that your experiences can change how you grow.”
These two young writers represent an important reason for why books matter—how they challenge us, shape us, and stay with us forever.
