The Library of Congress is sponsoring a summer essay contest encouraging rising fifth- and sixth-grade students to reflect on a book that has made a personal impact on their lives.

Parkland Community Library, South Whitehall, is participating.

The "A Book That Shaped Me" summer writing contest will award prizes and top winners will be invited to present their essays during a special presentation at the Library of Congress National Book Festival Sept. 21 and 22 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Students entering fifth and sixth grades in the fall of 2013 are eligible.

Essays should be one page in length and must be submitted with an entry form in person at participating public libraries. Entry deadline is Aug. 12.

Parkland Library's Youth Services librarian will provide guidance to students preparing essays for entry.

There will be prizes for five finalists and one winner per state, and three overall grand prize winners.

Submission forms are available at Parkland Library.