NPR

These High Schoolers Have A Passion For 'Poetry Out Loud'

The Poetry Out Loud contest is kind of like a poetry spelling bee — kids from across the country compete at reciting their chosen poems, and the winner takes home a prize of $20,000.
Mahlana Graham — champion from the U.S. Virgin Islands — recites at this year's Poetry Out Loud competition.

Today nine high school students will compete for the title of National Champion of , a kind of annual spelling bee for poetry. Tens of thousands of teens from across the country faced off in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
A Hidden Danger In Gaza; A Haitian Gang Leader Speaks Up
Even if Israel and Gaza agree to a cease-fire, unexploded ordnance could continue to kill and maim Palestinians in Gaza for years. A Haitian gang leader says he's ready for a long fight.
NPR2 min read
Flash Floods Have Killed More Than 300 People In Afghanistan
Floods from heavy seasonal rains have destroyed over 1,000 houses, the U.N. food agency said. A U.N. official said the floods are a reminder of Afghanistan's vulnerability to the climate crisis.
NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
Federal Prosecutors Request 40-year Sentence For Man Who Attacked Pelosi's Husband
Prosecutors are asking a judge to impose a 40-year prison sentence for the man who broke into ex-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home seeking to hold her hostage and attacked her husband.

Related Books & Audiobooks