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Not only will Houston's first youth poet laureate get a book deal, they'll also have guidance by someone who really knows about Houston – and poetry. "Robin Davidson, who is the poet laureate of Houston, will be the mentor to the Houston youth poet laureate and the book will come out at the end of the year," says Writers in the Schools' Robin Reagler. They're partnering with Houston Public Library for the program.
Applicants must live in Houston, be between the ages of 14 and 19, and submit five original poems. One of the poems needs to be Houston-themed, but the others can focus on activism, community engagement, and any other subjects that matter to the writer.
"This person will get a public platform," Reagler says. "A lot of people will be listening to what this person has to say. And so I feel like it's an opportunity to really change the world with words. And that, ideally, is what we're all about."
Other application requirements include a resume detailing academic and personal accomplishments and a statement of intent. The deadline is October 4th.
