Announcing the Winners
15th Annual Reading Rainbow
Young Writers & Illustrators Contest

Three hundred children in grades K-3 throughout the state have been busy since January working on their own “canvas of imagination!” These young authors and illustrators sent their creative works to APT for contest judging in late March.

First, second, and third place winners were chosen from each grade, with first-place stories going on to compete in the national contest. There were so many creative entries that the judges commented on how difficult it was to choose. Every young writer/illustrator who participated received a Certificate of Participation signed by Reading Rainbow’s LaVar Burton.

WATCH THE WINNING STORIES ONLINE!

Kindergarten Winners

First Place - Ryan Woods, World Scouts Dog Club, Owens Cross Roads, AL

Second Place - Reagon Neil Carter, The Animal Band, Dothan, AL

Third Place - Evan Nicholas Leary, The Lighthouse, Montgomery, AL

First Grade Winners

First Place -John Paul Sellers, Mr. Sheep Shaved, Cottondale, AL

Second Place - Percy James Pickett, Foods of the Rainbow: Colorful Fruits and Vegetables,Phenix City, AL

Third Place - Claire Blasingame, My Trip to China, Huntsville, AL

Second Grade Winners

First Place: Jordan Hale, Jake Goes to the Barbershop, Hartselle, AL

Second Place: Mark Dyer, Max and Mark, Hanceville, AL

Third Place: Enoch Sparks, Magic Songs, Hazel Green, AL

Third Grade Winners

First Place: Emma Hovanes, Doodle the Poodle, Huntsville, AL

Second Place: Amanda Dennis, Two Inches Tall, Morris, AL

Third Place: Alex Freeburg, The Night Sky, Birmingham, AL

2009 Important Contest Dates
January 1	Alabama Reading Rainbow Contest Opens
March 23	Last Date To Submit Your Story to APT
April 6	Judging Completed and Alabama Winners Announced
April 18	Reading Rainbow Contest Award Ceremony at the Alabama Book Festival, Old Alabama Town, Montgomery.
April 25	First Place Entries submitted to the National Reading Rainbow Contest
May	National Judging Begins
June	National Winners Are Announced
July	National Prizes are presented to winners

Many thanks to all of you who entered, you can view photos from the 2008 winners reading thier stories at the Alabama Book Fair.

Read national winning stories from previous years at the Reading Rainbow Contest Website.

The 2008-09 Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators Contest is an educational outreach initiative of Alabama Public Television. For assistance, contact ndavis@aptv.org..