Book Bonanza poster winners announced

Valley Life editor

A Houston Middle School student and a homeschool student from Anchorage are being featured on posters for the annual Book Bonanza after winning the poster contest.

Lacey Ashlock, who will be in the seventh grade at Houston Middle School next year, shared the honor with Anchorage second-grader Agnes Evangelina Thompson. It was the first time organizers have picked to winners for the contest.

Both girls received $20 and their artwork will appear on the posters promoting the event.

"Normally we pick one winner, but this year we decided on two," Audrey Leighton said.

The Book Bonanza brings together authors, illustrators and publishers each year. This year's theme is "Discover Treasure Troves in Books." The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Cottonwood Creek Mall.

There is also a poetry contest and treasure map contest. The poetry contest is open to youth and adults. Poets must use the Book Bonanza's theme, but can use any style of writing. Poems must be mailed by Oct. 8, and prizes will be given to the top poet in the adult, high school, 6-8 grade, 3-5 grade and K-2 grade divisions.

Young readers can participate in the treasure map contest.

Only original art will be accepted, and prizes will be given for a variety of age groups. All items must be mailed to Book Bonanza, 567 Westcove Drive, Wasilla, AK, 99654.

For more information, interested people can call Leighton at 373-6994.