SINA has partnered with Hartford Public Library (HPL) for a REACH Book Author Contest. It’s a great opportunity for students in grades K-5 to write and illustrate their own story with the theme of Earth Day. Entries are due April 30, 2022.
10 books will be displayed at HPL Park Library @ the Lyric local author’s shelf. Winning entries will receive a professionally printed copy of their book and get acknowledged at an awards ceremony. Please read the contest guidelines below for more information.
Click here to download the Contest Entry Form.
Spread the word, download and share the flyer (english y español)
Click here to download storyboard templates.
Click here to download book templates.
SINA REACH Book Author Contest Guidelines
Eligibility: The REACH Book Contest is open to all students enrolled in grades K-5.
Layout:
- The fiction piece must incorporate the theme of Earth Day.
Earth Day is a day that was created to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Book topics can include but not limited to using less energy, pollution of the ocean, climate change, recycling, picking up trash, gardening, and saving the animals, plants, and trees.
- One book entry per team.
Entries can be submitted by individuals, teams (up to 4 students) and classrooms. Classrooms can submit one book with teacher’s name and list the students’ names of those who helped with the illustrations and story line on a separate sheet. - Stories may be written in English, Bilingual, and/or Spanish.
- Each submission must include one page of art for each page of text.
- Both text and art must be solely created by the students.
Typed text is preferred, but not required. - Each book must be between 10 and 20 pages with the maximum of 5 lines per page.
The cover, dedication, authors’ names, and back pages do not count towards this number. The back and dedication pages are optional. - All pages must be numbered.
- All pages must be submitted on 8 ½” x 11″ paper.
- An entry form must be submitted with each book entry. Click here to download the entry from.
- At the discretion of the SINA REACH Committee, all submissions may be published on the SINA’s website.
Submission Guidelines: Entries must be mailed to or dropped off at the Hartford Public Library Park Library @ the Lyric by April 30, 2022. Submissions must include the entry form (click here to download form). Entries will not be returned.
Mail or Drop off to:
Hartford Public Library
Park Branch @ The Lyric
603 Park Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Contest Dates: The deadline for the SINA REACH book contest is April 30, 2022. Entries received after April 30, 2022 will not be considered. The contest opens March 14, 2022.
Selection: Entries will be judged on originality and creativity. Judges will know the identities of the entries after the judging is completed and the winners are selected.
Prizes: Ten books will be selected and turned into a paperback copy displayed at the Hartford Public Library, Park Street Branch @the Lyric – “New Local Author Shelf” In addition, a copy the printed book will be given to the winner’s team to take home/ or display in the classroom. All winners will be honored in an awards ceremony in June.
Decisions: The panel of judges consists of members of the REACH Committee, Hartford Public Library staff, and invited judges. All decisions made by the judges are final.
Notification: Winners will be announced in May and will be notified by phone or email. Winners will be asked to complete a press release from by each student participant legal guardian. Names of the winners will appear on the SINA website and in other publicity pieces, including, but not limited to electronic announcements, press releases, and news articles.
Questions: Feel free to contact Linda Torres at 860-493-1618 or Nancy Mendez at 860-695-7501 with any questions regarding the REACH Book Author Contest.