This is the third year of the collaborative Teen Poetry Contest between the Manatee County Public Library System and 805 Lit + Art. Each successive year, the number of entries, the reach across the area, and the beautiful and moving teen poetry only increases. In this issue, you will find poems addressing everything from climate change to gender identity, the secret lives of ants to the joy of jumping in a swimming pool. The range of these poems reflects the diversity and depth of our local youth, and we are honored to celebrate their voices once again. Please, dive in! 

 

Molly Saunders

Teen Librarian

Manatee Libraries