About 1,500 works from Belarus and Russia were sent to the open competition of literary works for children and youth "The Book to me is the book in me".
The acceptance of applications for the open competition of literary works for children and youth "The Book to me is the book in me", which is conducted by the Synodal Department of the Belarusian Orthodox Church for cooperation with secular educational institutions together with the Union of Writers of Belarus and the publishing house "Pedagogical Press", has ended.
This year, 1,457 works were sent to the organizing committee of the competition, which is twice as many as in 2023. Among them are 49 scripts in the Drama category, 397 works in the Small Prose category and 1011 poems in the Poetry category.
Age of participants: from preschoolers to pensioners. Professional writers sent their works, including members of the Unions of Writers of Belarus and Russia, journalists, teachers, cultural figures, students and students, workers in various fields of professional activity: from employees of large industrial enterprises to trade, catering and gas stations.
In 2024, the geography of participants also expanded: in addition to all regions of Belarus, numerous Russian regions were added.
The names of the winners will be determined by the jury within a month.
The awarding of the laureates will take place at the Plenary Session of the Belarusian Christmas Educational Readings on November 28, 2024 at the National Library of Belarus.
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The open competition of literary works for children and youth "The Book to me is the book in me" has been held annually since 2022. Everyone is invited to participate, without age restriction – professional writers, aspiring authors, schoolchildren, students, etc. 
The contest accepts thematic literary works aimed at transmitting to the younger generation such spiritual and moral values as faith, piety, sacrifice, kindness of soul, compassion, mercy, kindness, non-condemnation, generosity, generosity, prudence, prudence, courage, courage, friendliness, compliance, hard work, diligence, dedication, responsibility, honesty, loyalty, and the like.
Literary works should be designed for children and youth from 2 to 17 years of age: preschool age (2-5 years); elementary school (6-9 years); middle school (10-13 years); high school (14-17 years).