10.19.17
Who can participate?
All kids residing in Southern California in grades 4-7 or ages 9-12
Parents must verify that the assigned reading material of Please Love Umma is appropriate for the participant. This is a children’s novel for advanced readers with many difficult topics and moderately violent depictions.
Writing topic?
Write an essay on 1-2 chapters in the novel, Please Love Umma. Talk about why these chapters stood out to you, what you’ve learned, how they tie into the story as a whole, and what you think the author is trying to convey.
Writing requirements?
500-750 words. Handwritten (must be legible) or typed.
Parents are required to verify that the participant read the assigned literary material and completed all of the steps of the writing process without any outside help.
Where can I buy a copy of Please Love Umma?
Please Love Umma by Gracie Kim can be purchased online on Amazon or Barnes and Noble websites.
What if I can’t afford to buy the book?
Please email bygraciekim@gmail.com if you cannot afford to purchase a copy. A free copy is not guaranteed but will be mailed out depending on each child’s special circumstances. Please write to us explaining why you cannot afford or gain access to this book and send us the child’s name and mailing address for consideration. We will only reply back if we are mailing a free copy to you.
Is Please Love Umma available in public libraries?
This book is available in select public libraries. Please check with your local children’s librarian to see if they carry a copy.
Illustration requirements?
No illustrations please.
How many entries can a participant submit?
One entry per reader/writer.
When is the contest deadline?
The contest begins October 25, 2017 12am and ends November 25, 2017 4pm. All entries received after the deadline will not be considered.
How do I know I won?
Winners will be announced on this website, social media channels, and via email by November 30, 2017.
What’s the prize?
Five winners will receive:
Public recognition on author Gracie Kim’s website and social media platforms, a twenty dollar gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble, a signed copy of author Gracie Kim’s novel Please Love Umma, and a certificate.
In addition to the prizes above, the 1st place winner will also get to:
Join author Gracie Kim on a free trip to the Museum of Ice Cream in downtown, Los Angeles on Friday, December 15, 2017 in the afternoon. (Only two entry tickets will be provided. Travel/transportation expenses and parking are not covered.). Winner should be local to Los Angeles or able to find safe and reliable transportation and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If the 1st place winner cannot commit to the date for the museum, the tickets will be granted to the 2nd place, and so on and so forth.
Who are the judges for this contest?
Our judges are poets, novelists, essayists, playwrights, screenwriters, editors, and attorneys.
How do I submit my essay?
Once you are ready to submit the essay, please read the 2017 SoCal Youth Writing Contest for Please Love Umma Rules, fill out the four forms below, and email them along with the finished essay and headshot or photograph to bygraciekim@gmail.com anytime during the duration of the contest dates noted above.
Failure to follow instructions will result in disqualification.
2017 SoCal Youth Writing Contest for Please Love Umma Entry Form
By Gracie Kim 