1 . Erica James is the author of 23 best-selling novels. Now, the romance novelist shares the books that shaped her career.

Three Men in a Boat
Jerome K Jerome

This was the initial book that made me laugh out loud. Anything I’d read previously had been school texts. Reading them was like watching paint dry, but suddenly here was something exciting which clearly shows a great many features of human behaviour. From then on, I fell in love with reading.

A Woman of Substance
Barbara Taylor Bradford

I was a mother when I read this novel and was thoroughly swept up in the rags to riches story of Emma Harte. Barbara created a strong sense of family and it sowed a tiny seed within me that I might create my own word though putting pen to paper.

Saint Maybe
Anne Tyler

Saint Maybe is a sad example of how one small mistake can result in tragedy for a family. As always with Anne Tyler, there’s sadness and humor within the pages, but the true strength of this novel lies in the author’s ability to write with sympathy

The Marriage Pact
Michelle Richmond

The Marriage Pact is a psychological thriller, making me be a nicer wife. Jake and Alice are invited to join an exclusive organization called The Pact, which promises to help them have a lasting marriage. I wanted to write a story like it: Great love for life.

1. Which book first made Erica James interested in reading?

A．Three Men in a Boat	B．A Woman of Substance
C．Saint Maybe	D．The Marriage Pact

2. What is special about A Woman of Substance?

A．It is her first book.	B．It makes her more hopeful.
C．It inspires Erica to be a writer.	D．It helps her manage job challenges.

3. What do the listed books have in common?

A．They share a sad tone.	B．They go against textbooks.
C．They are focused on family problems.	D．They are good influences on Erica’s life.

2 . Ray Bradbury Award for Science Fiction & Fantasy

About this award

Sponsored by the Ray Bradbury Foundation, the Ray Bradbury Award for Science Fiction & Fantasy offers $ 1, 000 scholarships for up to six students who use science fiction and fantasy themes in their writing. All students in the U.S. in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) can participate.

What is Science Fiction & Fantasy?

Science Fiction & Fantasy uses supernatural, magical, futuristic, scientific, and technological themes as a key element of the writing. Popular examples of science fiction and fantasy include Ray Bradbury’s classic Fahrenheit 451, as well as more modern fiction series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.

Your voice can imagine alternative worlds or the future of our planet, and in turn, teach us about the present. Even if you are new to writing science fiction and fantasy, this award is for you!

How do I apply?

Enter your work to any category in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. When selecting the category of your work, choose "Ray Bradbury Award for Science Fiction & Fantasy". You will be required to include a personal statement on your work.

What should I write for the personal statement?

Your personal statement should be 50 words or more and answer the following questions:

Why do you think your work falls into the category of science fiction and fantasy?

Why are you specifically interested in using science fiction and fantasy themes, compared to more realistic ones?

Submissions

Submissions open on September 1, 2021 and the deadline is December 1, 2021. Do not base characters or plots on already published works(books, movies, comics, etc.). Works that are novel-length should be submitted to the Novel category.

1. What can we infer about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards?

A．It is a TV program for artists and writers.

B．It is an activity that students can participate in.

C．It is a website containing various award categories.

D．It is a school where students are trained for competitions.

2. What should be included in the personal statement?

A．Why you are interested in science.

B．Why you like science fiction and fantasy.

C．Why you want to be a science fiction writer.

D．Why your work is right for this award category.

3. Which of the following is what you are required to do?

A．Submit your work by December 1.	B．Complete your work on September 1.
C．Complete your work with over 50 words.	D．Submit your work to the Novel category.