Charles Lafitte Foundation Invites Students to Explore Nonfiction in 2015 Spring Essay Contest

The Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) Kid’s Corner is hosting a special Spring Essay Contest featuring works of nonfiction.

Students in grades 3-12 attending a public or private school in the U.S. are invited to participate in the contest. To enter, students must read a book listed under their corresponding grade level. Then entrants must use their essay to tell CLF the main character’s most important characteristic, which helps them overcome obstacles. Winning essay-writers will receive $1,000 for his or her school library and a Kindle Fire for themselves.

“With students enjoying time off for spring vacation, we hope kids take the opportunity to read, imagine and learn,” said Kyra Citron, director of Kid’s Corner. “We can’t wait to receive many insightful and talented essays from students around the country.”

Reading for grades 3-5 includes:

· The Diary of a Young Girl by Ann Frank

· Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong

Reading for grades 6-8 includes:

· I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

· The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson

Reading for high school students includes:

· Wild by Cheryl Strayed

· Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Since 2012, donations to school libraries from CLF essay contest winners total $18,000.

CLF’s Kid’s Corner strives to encourage kids not only have a voice, but a role in helping better their community. Kid’s Corner is run by kids for kids, placing the power of change directly in their capable hands. Every child is invited to join with CLF and become a grant maker by telling the organization which non-profit organizations are important to them and how CLF can help.

Eligible students must be in grades 3-12 in the 2014-2015 school year. Essays must be typed and emailed to kidscorner@charleslafitte.org by April 17, 2015. More information and essays from previous winners is available at www.charleslafitte.org/kids-corner.