OLYMPIA- Washington students have just a few more weeks to get their entries in to the national Letters About Literature competition.

The annual competition, sponsored by the Library of Congress' Center for the Book, is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4 through 12. Students are encouraged to write about a favorite or influential book, according to a statement from the Washington Secretary of State office.

In the contest, readers write letters to their favorite authors- living or dead- to explain how a particular book by that author changed their view of the world or themselves. They can write about works of fiction, nonfiction or poetry.

Entries in Spanish will be accepted and translated for judges. The contest is also open to homeschooled students.

"Books inspire kids and open new worlds to them, and that's what this contest is all about," said Secretary of State Kim Wyman in the statement. "I encourage all students to read because it's so fundamental to learning and it gives them a strong foundation to succeed in school and life. Letters About Literature allows kids to think about how a favorite book touches them and then put their thoughts and feelings into words."

State librarian Rand Simmons said he hopes more kids enter the contest this year. The Washington State Library is a co-sponsor of the contest.

"We're very pleased that the contest has grown in popularity over the past decade," Simmons said. "It's amazing how books can touch students and help them view the world in a different way."

The contest is split in three levels- Level 1 for grades 4-6, Level 2 for grades 7-8 and Level 3 for grades 9-12. The deadline for high school entries has already passed.

All entries for Levels 1 and 2 must be postmarked by Jan. 15. An entry coupon must accompany each letter (entry coupons and guidelines can be found on the Secretary of State's website.)

Entries can be mailed to: Letters About Literature Contest, Competition Level (indicate Level 1 or 2), P.O. Box 5308 Woodbridge, Va. 22194.

More than 4,000 Washington students entered last year's competition. Nearly 100 schools across the state had entries.

State judges will select a winner from each level, who will receive a cash award and advance to the national competition.

State winners will be announced in April. There will be a ceremony to honor the Washington winners, runners-up and honorable mention at the Washington State Capitol.

For more information, visit www.sos.wa.gov or call 360-704-5275.