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10th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards

Illinois Humanities, in collaboration with Brooks Permissions, the Poetry Foundation, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, recently unveiled the winners of the 10th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards. This celebrated competition honors talented poets from grades K-12 throughout Illinois and continues to highlight the importance of poetry in understanding our world and the voices of younger generations.

In 2026, the awards recognize 26 young poets, in addition to 13 honorable mentions, representing diverse communities across the state. Notable cities include Chicago, Peoria, Oswego, and Skokie. This year, the program saw an impressive 1,063 submissions from 186 schools, marking the highest participation since Illinois Humanities revitalized the awards in 2017, extending a legacy originated by Gwendolyn Brooks in 1969.

The essence of the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards lies in amplifying youth voices and stories. Each year, young poets contribute their insights and experiences through their verses, providing a glimpse into their perspectives on family, identity, heritage, belonging, and the natural world. Their work not only reflects personal experiences but also illustrates how this generation interacts with their environment and emotions.

Gabrielle H. Lyon, the Executive Director of Illinois Humanities, emphasizes the value of these young voices: "Gwendolyn Brooks understood that young people have something meaningful to convey, and that adults must take the time to listen. Ten years after the revival, these award-winning poets continue to inspire, challenge perceptions, and remind us of the potential that arises when we provide youth with the platform to express themselves."

The competition runs from January to May each year, inviting Illinois students from K-12 to submit their works. Winners are rewarded with monetary prizes, a feature in an annual chapbook, and the chance to present their poetry during the official awards ceremony.

This year's winners will celebrate their achievements at the 10th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards Ceremony on September 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts in Chicago. The event promises to be a significant gathering, celebrating creativity and the important contributions of young poets to the literary world.

To delve deeper into the awards and to view the complete list of winners of 2026, visit Illinois Humanities Events.

The 2026 Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Award Winners

KINDERGARTEN
"Happy Birthday, Mom!" by Evelyn Lee, Chicago
"In the City" by Louise McDonald, Frankfort
Honorable Mention: "Special Time" by Emi Lee-Saotome, Chicago

FIRST GRADE
"Octopus" by Yimi Li, Chicago
"Violin" by Manshu Wang, Chicago
Honorable Mention: "I Wish" by Gus Crews-Cunningham, Chicago

SECOND GRADE
"The Earth" by Everly Kipp, Chicago
"Brighter Than the Sky" by Sanaa Shipley Bey, Peoria
Honorable Mention: "Beautiful Planet" by Caleb Cohen, Chicago

THIRD GRADE
"Black Girl Magic" by Yamila Walker-Martin, Chicago
"The Mystery of Life" by Judah Walters, Chicago
Honorable Mention: "Nope Not Today" by Mariam Fitzgerald, Chicago

FOURTH GRADE
"The Copper Secret" by Nihira Vuppala, Naperville
"My Beautiful Mexico" by Mia Barajas, Chicago
Honorable Mention: "Grassy Melodic Chant" by Henry Darchowsky, Skokie

FIFTH GRADE
"Pa" by Jane Cavanaugh, Chicago
"My trip to Pakistan" by Fatima Syeda, Libertyville
Honorable Mention: "Hurricane" by Youning Wu, Chicago

SIXTH GRADE
"The City" by Jack Shoemaker, Chicago
"Numbers in Place of Names" by Mackenzie Wakeland, Mt. Zion
Honorable Mention: "Unpocketed Questions" by Lizzy Nicolae, Burr Ridge

SEVENTH GRADE
"Bugs in a net" by Daniel Kutcher, Chicago
"Desi Girl In An American World" by Aisha Hashmi, Oswego
Honorable Mention: "Ode to Garbage" by Holiday Boldon, La Grange Park

EIGHTH GRADE
"Empty Shell of a Body" by Jaila Coleman, Chicago
"Standing While The World Burns" by Jackson Best, Skokie
Honorable Mention: "A Familiar Sight" by Katherine Johns, Chicago

NINTH GRADE
"Sometimes" by Raahil Lakha, Skokie
"The Locksmiths" by Addie Mitchell, Aurora
Honorable Mention: "Say it Again" by Vaishnavi Manchala, Oswego

TENTH GRADE
"This Feeling — Again" by Samir Salomov, Aurora
"Never" by Sean Connor, Colfax
Honorable Mention: "Shark Week" by E. Antonow, Chicago

ELEVENTH GRADE
"What We Carry Home" by Lillian O'Donnell, Collinsville
"A Saplings Song" by Samantha Alvarez, Chicago
Honorable Mention: "footnotes" by Leonidas Leigh, Oswego

TWELFTH GRADE
"Blonde" by Hannah O'Keefe, Palatine
"The Flip of a Coin" by Ainsley Laos, Oswego
Honorable Mention: "Triptych for how I open" by Sophia Pan, Lincolnshire

About Illinois Humanities

Illinois Humanities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the humanities through accessible public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that encourage discussion, reflection, and civic engagement across Illinois. They focus on providing enriching experiences for diverse communities, particularly those facing socioeconomic challenges. Founded in 1974, they've become the official state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities, receiving support from various state, federal, and private sources. Visit ilhumanities.org for more information.