Pick up your pencils, young Potter-philes. Scholastic announced today that they are sponsoring a national essay contest for kids in conjunction with the Dec. 4 release of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter companion book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The grand prize? An all-expense paid trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, where five winners, each accompanied by an adult, will have tea with Rowling as she conducts a reading of Tales at the National Library of Scotland. (Apparently, 250 other lucky kids will be in attendance as well.)
According to Scholastic, "Fans are asked to write an essay of 200 words or less describing how they have helped others. Because so many kids today are taking interest in helping others in their schools, communities and around the world, the Scholastic contest gives them the opportunity to write about causes they care about and what they’ve done to make a difference."
As my colleague Michael Slezak just emailed to me, the whole thing sounds rather Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-esque, sans chocolate and that whole scary boat tour thing (we only hope). But the message behind the contest is very un-Veruca Salt—since Tales‘ proceeds are going to charity, Scholastic is trying to spread the word of goodwill with the contest. Some of you hardcore Potter fans might not be eligible—you can only submit an essay if you’re between the ages of 8 and 17—but does a party with Rowling sound like your cup of tea?
More on J.K. Rowling:
EW’s 2007 Entertainer of the Year: J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling outs Dumbledore!
Comments (1-9) of 9 Add your comment
I would have said “yes” a year ago, but since Rowling unnecessarily prevented the Harry Potter Lexicon form being published in a huge blow to fans of literature in general (check Wikipedia if you’re unsure of the backstory). Because of that debacle, it makes me wary of how much she really appreciates all that she has received from Harry Potter.
LOL…when I read that, I was like, sounds like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”! Maybe a lucky winner will be selected to be trained to take over her empire?
Actually, the Harry Potter Lexicon did attempt to fault copyright protection. J.K. Rowling was correct to stop the verbatim copying of her work, plus Steven Ark included complete text of two other derivative works rightly created by Rowling. She doesn’t have to offer anything. It certainly will not add more to her already wonderful popularity. Give her credit for creativity and tenacity.
About hp lexicon, she was in her right to battle against them, it’s her work after all.
And about the tea party, I think that really sucks that the age limit. I mean, I started to read the books when they were publish, by 1997 when I was 11. Now Im 22, a bit old but Im part of the generation that grew up with the Harry Potter books, so is anfair that only let kids participated. They have no idea about waiting for the next book, specially the last one after 10 years.
95% of that Lexicon book was lifted directly from her text and provieded little to no critical analysis or original content. It was basically a verbatim rearrangement of her facts. She had every right to pursue the lawsuit.
I think it’s great she’s doing this. I love that she likes to stay involved with her fans.
Paula, seriously? All HP fans would love to go to the reading (I am 35 and would love to go), but it is a children’s writing contest. Sponsored by Scholastic, a children’s book publisher. It is open to a certain age of kids (could you really see such a contest opened to adults? Cue the Bill Gates/Warren Buffet essays about their volunteer efforts-should smoke the pennies for unicef entries). If it makes you feel better, my seven year old (who love HP) cannot submit an entry either. Newsflash that will be useful down the road…Life Is Not Fair.
Hey! I’m a HUGE HP fan and I am definitely joining this contest. It’s my dream to meet J.K. Rowling and I hope it comes true =] It’s a good thing I’m 13 and not over 17. ^.^
Where do I send it to? What address or e-mail? The URL link says page not found when I click it! Please help =)
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