My Oak Tree, My Hope
Nestled within the plains of the Midwest,
Isolated and alone,
Stands a wholesome oak tree.
Her dark, chestnut body hemmed in by the mucky acorns,
Those of which were shed out of sorrow.
Young Writers Project
The Daily Read
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Love and Community
I remember when I fell in love with eagles and oak trees,
with green grass, warm summers, and fireworks.I fell in love with what now is brushwood for a fire
that red white and blue decided to ignite. -
Through the Maze
A wild dream wakes you,
tears you out of
the spiral you are swimming in,
sending you, reeling, into a new reality.
Unknowingly, you are prepared,
Gallery
Spotlight
Vermont Youth Poet Laureate: Submissions Open
Vermont writers: You could become the 2025 Vermont Youth Poet Laureate!
Challenges
Visual Art
Deadline
Self-portrait
Create a self-portrait with distinctive shadows and highlights accenting your features.
Writing
Deadline
Humor
Write a poem or short story whose only purpose is to make the reader laugh. The style of humor you use is up to you: sarcasm, snail jokes, situational irony, etc.
Writing
Deadline
Squishy
What makes you feel squishy inside? A hug from your mom? Your dreamy new crush? Your tattered childhood blankie? A cat cozied up on your lap? Write about that tender-hearted feeling in poetry, prose, or self-reflection.
Writing
Hope & Resilience
Poetry steps in where uncertainty and chaos take root. Poetry lifts us up and moves us forward with determination. Explore these poems of hope and resilience. If you are inspired, share your own.
Writing
Inauguration/MLK Day
Jan. 20 is Inauguration Day. It is also MLK Day, commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Think about that, in terms of the nation's history. Where are we in 2025? Where are we going?
Writing
Sijo Poetry
Try your hand at sijo poetry, a Korean verse form that can tell a complete story in just three short lines.
News & Events
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Writing Workshop Series
Looking for a winter boost? Join YWP intern Alex Bregy for a series of online writing workshops.
Story Elements – Back to the Basics
characters - building your protagonist
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For Teenage Writers
Meet authors and publishing experts. This conference, sponsored by Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, is offered virtually by Zoom (March 1) and in-person at the college (Feb. 22).
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Thank you for your support!
Thank you to everyone who stepped up to support our Annual Appeal! Your donations helped us reach our goal to receive a $10,000 matching grant from our generous anonymous donor!
