We will kick off our Youth Poetry Contest on World Poetry Day with food, games, crafts, and a reading and workshop with Kateri Kosek. Kateri will briefly read from her book The Forest Revealed, which poetically illuminates the feats and fragilities of the flora, fauna, and everything in between that calls the Northern forest home. Twelve large watercolor paintings by Maine artist Jada Fitch take viewers month by month, tree by tree through life in the forest, making the book a delight for all ages.
Then, by using the natural world as inspiration, participants will use a step-by-step writing prompt to compose their own epistolary (letter) poems to a creature of their choosing.
Youth Poetry Contest Theme: What Brings You Joy?
Accepting submissions March 21 – April 18, 2026. Youth in grades 3 – 12 eligible to enter. Three age categories. First place winners will earn a prize! Contest guidelines and submission form coming soon. Winners will be announced April 25, 2026 at our Poetry Celebration!