We applaud everyone who participated in this contest: the 489 young writers - and the educators, parents, and guardians who encourage and inspire them. Special thanks to the teachers and library media specialists who made this contest a school or class project!

Because there were so many excellent entries, it was an especially difficult challenge to choose the winners for this contest. Please know that we enjoyed and appreciated every single entry.

Names of winners are posted below. Prizes were mailed out on April 12, 2008.*

Drum roll...

First Place (a check for $25) goes to Rachael Bennett (grade 7) of Tumwater, Washington.

The following Special Honorable Mentions will receive an autographed copy of Peacebound Trains:

• Heidi Seoul Sloulin (grade 4) - Fort Polk, Louisiana
  (*Note to Heidi: Please send an e-mail to peacebound@gmail.com to confirm your contact details. You left the email field blank in your entry and we have not been able to reach you.)

• Brian Baldwin (grade 7) - Tumwater, Washington

• Taylor Hillen (grade 6) - Skokie, Illinois

An Honorable Mention autographed bookmark goes to:

• Talon Ramey (grade 4) - Monroe, Washington

• Joe Fifield (grade 4) - Freehold, New Jersey

• Britney Kirkpatrick (grade 4) - Federal Way, Washington

• Rowene Coleman (grade 5) - Sierra Vista, Arizona

• Naomi Jean (grade 3) - Clear Lake Shores, Texas

Congratulations to all! :o)