Celebrating the 2026 My Favorite Book Contest Winners
The My Favorite Book Contest recognizes outstanding student readers across Oklahoma who share personal connections to the books that matter most to them. Through the contest, students write letters to the authors of their favorite book, series, or story, reflecting not only on the story itself, but on how reading impacted their lives.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries proudly recognized the winners of the 2026 My Favorite Book contest during the ceremony and letter reading held May 13 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This year’s contest received 436 entries across three divisions, highlighting strong participation from students statewide.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries extends its congratulations to all student winners, and thanks the teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers who encouraged and supported these young readers and writers throughout the contest process.
Front row: Georgena Weaver, Jinlin Chen, Daniel Atkinson, and Abigail Bannister; back row: Anna Corfidi, Nuam Kiim, Sophia Laubach, Relic Foster, and Paxton Miller.
Special thanks also to the Oklahoma legislators who helped make the day memorable by attending the ceremony, supporting students from their communities, and presenting signed legislative citations in recognition of the students’ achievements.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries also thanks the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book for providing the student prize awards and helping support this year’s contest and celebration.
Congratulations as well to the libraries selected by this year’s first-place winners to receive $1,000 donations: Shiloh Christian School Library, Bixby Middle School Library, and Harding Fine Arts Academy Library.
Read the winning letters linked below to discover the books and stories that inspired students across Oklahoma.
List of Winners
Division I
First Place
Relic Foster
Shiloh Christian School
Letter to Jeff Kinney for Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Second Place
Daniel Atkinson
Owasso Public Schools
Letter to John Hendrickson for Life on Delay
Third Place
Jinlin Chen
Jenks Public Schools
Letter to Kelly Yang for Front Desk
Division II
First Place
Anna Corfidi
Bixby Public Schools
Letter to John David Anderson for Posted
Second Place
Sophia Laubach
Oologah-Talala Public Schools
Letter to Shirley Jackson for The Lottery
Third Place
Nuam Kiim
Bixby Public Schools
Letter to Deb J. J. Lee for In Limbo
Division III
First Place
Georgena Weaver
Harding Fine Arts Academy
Letter to Daniel Kraus for Whalefall
Second Place
Paxton Miller
Edmond Public Schools
Letter to Elie Wiesel for Night
Third Place
Abigail Bannister
Marlow Public Schools
Letter to Sylvia Plath for The Bell Jar
About the Contest
Through the My Favorite Book Contest, students are invited to write a personal letter to the author of their favorite book, series, or story. Letters go beyond plot summaries to focus on the student’s personal connection to the reading experience and the impact the writing had on them.
The My Favorite Book Contest typically opens in the fall and closes in December each year. If you’re interested in participating in a future contest, sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive updates, deadlines, and program announcements.
Eligibility
- Open to Oklahoma students in grades 4–12.
- Entries must be original letters written by the student.
- Letters should be 400–800 words.
- Students under age 18 must submit a parent/guardian permission form with their entry.
Contest Divisions & Prizes
There are three grade-based divisions in the contest:
- Division 1: Grades 4–6
- Division 2: Grades 7–8
- Division 3: Grades 9–12
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each level:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $250
- Third Place: $100
First place winners also select a school library or public library to receive a $1,000 cash prize!
Promotional Items
Printables below are designed for letter-sized paper (8.5 X 11 inches).
Sponsors
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.
Contact Information
Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.
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