Create, submit and be celebrated
Every young poet receives recognition, with selected entries published on our website.
100% free entry
Submit your poem without paying an entry fee.
Certificate for everyone
Every participant receives a digital certificate.
Website publishing
Selected entries will be published on our website.
Roots & Rhythms
Every person is shaped by the people, places, memories, and traditions that make them who they are. Write a poem that celebrates your roots, experiences, culture, family, or community. Share the sights, sounds, feelings, and stories that connect you to where you come from and make your journey unique.
Every person has a story shaped by their roots. Write a poem that celebrates your family, culture, memories, traditions, or community, and share the experiences that make you who you are.
Themes:
Ages 5-8
My Special Place
Write a poem about a place, person, or memory that makes you feel happy and at home.
25-120 Words
Ages 9-11
Where I Belong
Celebrate the people, traditions, or experiences that make you who you are.
50-120 Words
Ages 12-14
My Roots, My Story
Explore the memories, culture, family, or community that have shaped your journey.
50-120 Words
Ages 15-18
Echoes of My Origins
Reflect on how your heritage, experiences, and connections influence your identity and future.
50-120 Words
Entries must be original and written by the participant. Any use of AI/Reference will disqualify them from participation in any competition.
Awards to Win!
Compete, create, and celebrate the art of poetry! Win Awards Too!
A premier platform for kids to showcase their poetry talent through exciting competitions and win Awards.
Little Verse Explorers
5-8 Years
Nurturing the rhythm, rhyme, and imagination of our youngest poetic dreamers.
- Tiny Rhyme Award
- Little Lyric Award
- Sparkling Stanza Star
Rising Rhythm Poets
9-11 Years
Celebrating young poets discovering their voice and learning to shape words into magic.
- Budding Bard Award
- Creative Cadence Award
- Young Verse Visionary
Aspiring Poetic Voices
12-14 Years
Recognizing the depth, emotion, and growing artistry of emerging poets.
- Stanza Storyteller Award
- Expressive Echo Award
- Poetic Pathfinder
Masterful Verse Makers
15-18 Years
Honoring the confidence, craft, and powerful expression of tomorrow’s literary voices.
- Golden Quill Laureate
- Verse Virtuoso Award
- Young Poet Luminary
Submission Guidelines:
📝 Word Limit:
Maximum 120 words
🌍 Eligibility:
Open to young poets from across the US (5-18 years).
📚 Language:
Entries must be written in English.
💡 Originality Matters:
Only original poems created by the participant will be accepted. Plagiarized or AI-generated entries will be disqualified.
👤 One Entry Per Participant:
Please submit only one poem per participant.
📄 Submission Format:
Upload your poem in Word format only.
🏆 Judging Criteria:
Creativity • Originality • Emotional Expression • Relevance to Theme
🌟 Publication Opportunity:
Selected poems may be featured in our magazine, website, and social media platforms with full credit to the poet.
📅 Share your roots through poetry and let your story, culture, and experiences inspire others!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this competition free to enter?
Yes. Entry is free for eligible participants.
Who can participate?
Young poets ages 5-18 years across the United States can participate.
What should the poem be about?
Poem should explore the people, places, languages, memories, or traditions that have shaped you.
What file formats are accepted?
Poems submitted in PDF format only.
Will every participant receive a certificate?
Yes. Every participant receives a certificate for participating.
Will selected entries be published?
Selected entries will be published on our website with credit to the poet.
