2023 The Walt Howat Youth Poetry Competition
Poets 7-13 are invited to submit to the 15th annual contest.
2023 Theme: “YOUR FAVORITE BOOK”
Imagine, if you could only have one book, what book would you absolutely, positively want to have with you? What story always seems to bring you joy and discovery? Is it a novel, a biography, or non-fiction? Could it be a book of poetry or a picture book, or even your favorite children’s book? Let us know what book has inspired you so much you just have to write a poem about it!
RULES:
Children ages 7 to 13 (or in 1st -7th grade) may enter. Awards will be given in three groups: ages 7-8, 9- 10, 11-13.
Additional awards will be given for haiku through the Nick Virgilio Haiku Association.Poems must be original works by the submitter AND follow the theme.
Talk about things that are special to you, that make you want to express yourself.
Up to three poems may be submitted by each poet.
Submissions should be emailed to CollingswoodPoetryTent@gmail.com, subject line Youth Poetry Contest entry.
Deadline is Sunday, Sept. 17 at midnight. Entries should include poet’s name, age, grade, and hometown, and the name and email/phone number of an adult (parent/teacher or advisor) who can be contacted with festival information.
If submitting by mail, send to:
BookFest Poetry, c/o Collingswood Library
771 Haddon Ave.
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than Monday, Sept. 18.
Judges will select top poems in each category to be awarded a certificate. Chosen poems will be published online, as a free, downloadable e-booklet. Award-winning poet Anna Evans will host a special reading by poets who win first, second or third place or get honorable mentions at the Collingswood Book Festival, Oct. 7 at 10 AM.