Young poets published
Well done to all who entered the Kindness Poetry competition, part of the Spine Festival 2023. There were three winners – Pravan, Matilda and Kyan – and their poems appear in Spin! 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry, edited by Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Ruthine Burton. You can read their poems at tinyurl.com/ TWJ-Kindness24 too. Here’s what they said:
“I paused for one second before jumping like a wild kangaroo when I heard I was a winner of the competition. I loved Pravan and Mattie’s poems too; poems that make me feel like I’m looking inside someone’s soul. Spin! is a kaleidoscope of fascinating thoughts, answering questions I didn’t realise I had.” Kyan
“It’s a great feeling to express myself through poetry, especially to share the importance of friendship and kindness. I am lucky to have great friends and have always really appreciated their support when I’m down or worried. I hope my poem will remind others that they are not alone.” Matilda
“Being part of the competition was such a joy. Immediately, I knew I wanted to write about my younger sister, and the words came to me quickly. Having Joseph Coelho choose my poem for Spin! was a very proud moment, and hearing my classmates cheer and chant my name, when they found out, made me feel like a celebrity!” Pravan
What have you been up to lately? Which books have you enjoyed reading? What have you made? Have you written a poem or drawn a picture that you’d like to see published on this page? Whatever you have to show or tell us, get in touch at hello@theweekjunior.co.uk