PORTLAND – More than 1,000 students in Maine discovered how a book could help them learn more about themselves this spring through a writing contest, Letters About Literature.

Letters About Literature is a national program from the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Entrants are asked to write a short letter to an author – living or dead – explaining how that author’s book changed their way of viewing the world and themselves.

The Maine Humanities Council’s Harriet P. Henry Center for the Book with the Maine Humanities Council’s David Royte Fund provide local funding and program support necessary to bring Letters About Literature to Maine.

The contest, open to all fourth- through 12th-graders, offers a chance for young readers to reflect on the work of their favorite authors, think about why reading their work was such an engaging experience, then express those thoughts and feelings.

The following students received first place awards:

Benjamin McKenna, a fourth-grader from Appleton Village School in Appleton, received first place for grades four to six for his letter to Gary Paulson about “The Voyage of the Frog.”

Dana Vigue, a seventh-grader from Lawrence Junior High in Fairfield, received first place for grades seven and eight for her letter to Janet Shaw about her novel “Meet Kaya.”

Michael Weber, a ninth-grader at Edward Little High School in Auburn, received first place for grades nine through 12 for his letter to Alex Sanchez concerning his novel “Rainbow Boys.”

Maine’s winners in each level received cash awards of $100 and a $50 gift card. They will automatically advance to the national competition where two students from each level will be awarded a $500 gift card a $10,000 Reading Promotion Grant to the library of their choice.

Below is a list of local Letters About Literature second place winners, semi-finalists and honorable mentions.

Edward Little High School: Mitch Adams and Myranda Tichy, semi-finalists; Nate Fairchild, second place.

Greene Central School: Alli Woodard and Brandyn Dagneau, semi-finalists.

Harrison Middle School: Ali Merrill, Mitali Desai, Sara Costello, semi-finalists.

Tripp Middle School, Turner: Cassie Griffin, Darby Rose, Josh Bunker, semi-finalists; Lucy Knowlton, honorable mention.