On May 1, 2024, nine winners of the My Favorite Book competition came together to share their heartfelt letters and receive their well-deserved awards. Their letters were filled with personal anecdotes, profound insights, and heartfelt gratitude for the books that had touched their lives. After each letter was shared, the winners were presented with their awards. 

Thank you to all those who entered letters in the competition. It was an outstanding year.

First-place: Evelyn Johnson, Riverfield Country Day School, Tulsa, for her letter to author R.J. Palacio for White Bird

Second-place: Jasmond Butler, Epic Charter Schools, Del City, for her letter to author Fracaswell Hyman for Mango Delight.

Third-place: Philippa Marie Deacon Wallet, Alcott Middle School, Norman, for her letter to author Jane Yolen for The Devil's Arithmetic.

First-place: Tilley Wilensky, Terra Verde Discovery School, Norman, for her letter to author Lawrence Wright for The End of October.

Second-place: Caleb Bennett, Homeschool, Mustang, for his letter to Rick Riordan for The Lightning Thief.

Third-place: Saray-al Butler, Epic Charter Schools, Del City, for her letter to author Chris Gardner for The Pursuit of Happyness.

First-place: Ashley Barnhardt, New Lima High School, Wewoka, for her letter to Beatrice Sparks for Go Ask Alice.

Second-place: Brooke Weaver, Pawnee High School, Pawnee, for her letter to L.M. Montgomery for Anne of Green Gables.

Third-place: Emma Gavellas, Caney Valley High School, Ramona, for her letter to John Green for The Fault in Our Stars.

The Oklahoma Center for the Book in the Oklahoma Department of Libraries coordinates the My Favorite Book statewide writing competition for students in fourth through twelfth grades. Oklahoma students are eligible to participate in the competition. Students write a letter to the author of a favorite book, book series, short story or essay and explain how the literature or one of the characters impacted their life.

Contest Levels:
Level 1: Grades 4–6
Level 2: Grades 7–8
Level 3: Grades 9–12

Cash Prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each level. 

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

First place winners select their school library or public library to receive a cash prize of $1,000! 

For students younger than 18 years of age, a permission form signed by a parent or legal guardian is required.

Download and print these PDFs to promote the My Favorite Book contest at your library/school or show recognition for those who entered by presenting them with a certificate! All 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? Review FAQs or email info@libraries.ok.gov.