Moment One by Ian Keteku (Grades 10+)

Ian Keteku is the 2010 World Poetry Slam champion. He uses his voice to inspire messages of peace, action and critical thought. His work follows the lineage of African storytellers by paying homage to the past and exploring our dreams for tomorrow. Ian is also a multimedia artist who often works with video and animation, producing thought-provoking poetic short films. He has produced work for TVO, CBC and Sesame Street. Ian is also a multimedia artist who often works with video and animation, producing thought-provoking poetic short films. He has produced work for TVO, CBC and Sesame Street.

Hereafter By Kevin Young (Grades 7-9)

Kevin Young is the author of many books of poetry, including Night Watch (2025), Stones (2021), a finalist for the T.S. Eliot Prize; Brown (2018); Blue Laws: Selected & Uncollected Poems 1995–2015; and Book of Hours (2014), winner of the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize. Three of Young’s books form what he calls “an American trilogy”: To Repel Ghosts (2001), which explores the paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat; Jelly Roll (2003), a collection of blues poems; and Black Maria (2005), a film noir. His first book of poetry, Most Way Home (1995), was selected for the National Poetry Series by Lucille Clifton, who described the collection as re-creating “an inner history which is compelling and authentic and American.” Young’s other collections of poetry include Ardency: A Chronicle of the Amistad Rebels (2011), winner of the Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award; Dear Darkness (2008); and For the Confederate Dead (2007), winner of the Quill Award in Poetry and the Paterson Award for Sustained Literary Excellence.

New Math By Nikki Grimes (Grades 4-6)

Nikki Grimes was born in Harlem in 1950. At the age of 13, she gave her first poetry reading, at the Countee Cullen Library, a block away from where she was born. As a teenager, she began publishing her poetry, and was mentored by writer James Baldwin. She attended Rutgers University, where she earned her BA in English and African languages, studying with Toni Cade Bambara, Nikki Giovanni, and Miguel Algarín, among others.

Mama-Wata By Grace Nichols (Grades 1-3)

Grace Nichols is a Guyanese-born British poet and novelist whose work explores memory, migration, and Caribbean identity through lyrical language and mythic imagery. Born in Georgetown and later settling in the United Kingdom, she blends Creole rhythms with Standard English to honour oral storytelling traditions. Her celebrated poem Mama-Wata draws on the West African and Caribbean water spirit, presenting the figure as a symbol of femininity, power, and ancestral memory. Through fluid metaphors and sensory detail, Nichols connects the sea to history, displacement, and cultural survival, inviting readers to reclaim heritage and listen to voices carried across generations today worldwide.

In Other Words By Jhumpa Lahiri (Grades 10+)

Jhumpa Lahiri is an acclaimed author known for her exploration of identity, language, and displacement. Born in London to Indian parents and raised in the United States, she has written award-winning fiction that examines the immigrant experience. In In Other Words, Lahiri turns inward, chronicling her decision to write entirely in Italian, a language she adopted later in life. The book is part memoir, part meditation on belonging, creativity, and self-transformation. Through elegant, reflective prose, Lahiri explores how language shapes identity and how writing can become both a refuge and a rebirth.

Intructions for Building a Time Machine By T.S Leonard (Grades 7-9)

T. S. Leonard is a contemporary poet and educator whose work often blends imagination, humor, and emotional insight. His poetry is known for speaking to young readers while exploring complex ideas in accessible ways. In Instructions for Building a Time Machine, Leonard uses playful, step-by-step language to reflect on memory, regret, and the desire to return to meaningful moments from the past. Beneath its imaginative premise, the poem reveals a deep emotional core, reminding readers that time travel is less about machines and more about the power of memory and human connection.

I saw a perfect tree today By Lillian Allen (Grades 4-6)

Lillian Allen is a Jamaican-Canadian poet, educator, and pioneer of dub poetry (a spoken-word form rooted in reggae rhythms and social justice). Her work addresses issues of race, gender, identity, and resistance. Allen is a professor and activist, championing arts education and cultural equity. She uses the blend of performance and politics to inspire change.

Where's My Moon? By Carole Boston Weatherford (Grades 1-3)

Carole Boston Weatherford is an acclaimed American poet and author known for celebrating African American history, culture, and resilience. She has written dozens of award-winning books for children and young adults, often blending lyrical language with powerful historical themes. Her poem “Where’s My Moon?” reflects her signature warmth and imagination, exploring longing, wonder, and a child’s search for comfort and belonging. Through simple yet evocative imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on hope and reassurance. Weatherford’s work continues to inspire young readers while honoring voices and stories often overlooked. It blends emotion, rhythm, and accessibility for classrooms everywhere today.

Minor Detail By Adania Shibli (Grades 10+)

Adania Shibli is a Palestinian author, essayist, and academic born in 1974. She holds a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of East London and divides her time between Jerusalem and Berlin. Her acclaimed work Minor Detail explores memory, violence, and the enduring impact of the past. The narrative juxtaposes a 1949 atrocity—a rape and murder of a Bedouin girl by soldiers—with a modern-day woman’s obsessive journey to uncover its truth. Shibli’s spare, poetic prose evokes haunting reflection on trauma, erasure, and historical injustice.

Remembrance By Meera Dasgupta (Grades 7-9)

Meera Dasgupta is a compassionate and introspective poet whose writing moves between personal history and shared experience. Growing up between cultures, they cultivated a deep sensitivity to memory, language, and belonging. Their poem “Remembrance” reflects this duality, exploring how past moments—joys, losses, and everyday smallness—continue to echo in the present. With graceful yet honest imagery, Meera weaves threads of nostalgia and renewal, reminding readers of the power in remembering both what was lost and what remains. Dasgupta’s work invites quiet reflection and lasting connection.

Freedom Road By Jacqueline Black (Grades 4-6)

Jacqueline Black is a rising poet whose work explores memory, liberation, and cultural identity. Born into a family of storytellers, she grew up listening to histories passed down through generations—stories that shaped her understanding of struggle and hope. Her poem “Freedom Road” draws from this legacy, depicting a journey toward self-determination and collective justice. Through striking imagery and emotional clarity, the poem traces the long path from oppression to empowerment, urging readers to recognize both the wounds of the past and the promise of a freer future. Black continues to use poetry as a voice for change and belonging.

Stand Proud By Jacqueline Black (Grades 1-3)

Jacqueline Black is an emerging poet known for her bold, heartfelt writing about identity, resilience, and community. Raised in a multicultural neighborhood that shaped her love of language, she began writing poetry as a way to speak out against injustice and celebrate the voices often pushed aside. Her poem “Stand Proud” reflects her belief in strength through unity, honoring those who fight for dignity and recognition. With clear, powerful imagery, she invites readers to rise above fear, embrace their differences, and walk forward with pride. Black continues to write, teach, and inspire new storytellers.

Poppy Fields and Cedar Trees By Shagufta Iqbal (Grades 7-9)

Shagufta K. Iqbal is the founder of Kiota Bristol, an award-winning writer, workshop facilitator and Tedx Speaker. She has been described as a poet whose work “leaves you validated but aching – her narratives are important, heart-wrenching and relatable.” Her poetry collection Jam Is For Girls, Girls Get Jam, has been recommended by Nikesh Shukla as “a social political masterclass.” Her poetry film Borders has won several awards and has been screened across international film festivals. She is currently writing her second poetry collection and debut novel.

War Photographer By Carol Ann Duffy (Grades 10+)

Carol Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet known for her clear, compelling voice and exploration of social issues, identity, and memory. As the first female Poet Laureate of the UK, she often highlights overlooked perspectives. One of her most studied poems, War Photographer, reflects her interest in the human cost of conflict. It follows a photographer who returns home to develop images from war zones, confronting trauma, guilt, and society’s detachment from suffering. Through vivid contrasts and powerful imagery, Duffy exposes how violence is consumed and forgotten, showcasing her ability to blend empathy with sharp social commentary.

Sma'knis By William Basque (Grades 4-6)

William Basque is a thoughtful writer and creative thinker whose work reflects a deep appreciation for storytelling, culture, and human experience. Known for his calm insight and imaginative voice, he explores themes of identity, resilience, and tradition throughout his writing. William often draws inspiration from the natural world and the quiet strength found in community. His projects range from poetry and reflective essays to narrative explorations that highlight the importance of memory and meaning. Dedicated to continual growth, he approaches each new piece with curiosity and respect. William’s writing invites readers to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with the world around them.

The Heart of Bravery By Brittany Amell (Grades 1-3)

Brittany Amell is a passionate creator whose work blends imagination, empathy, and resilience. Known for her thoughtful storytelling and artistic versatility, she explores themes of courage, identity, and connection. Brittany’s writing often reflects her belief in the strength found within vulnerability and the beauty of personal growth. Whether crafting poetry, short fiction, or reflective essays, she strives to inspire readers to see their own experiences with fresh perspective. When she’s not writing, Brittany enjoys learning new skills, supporting her community, and finding inspiration in everyday moments. Her work continues to encourage others to embrace authenticity and creativity.

They Trooped the Colours By George Elliott Clarke (Grades 10+)

George Elliott Clarke, a celebrated Canadian poet and playwright, is renowned for his powerful portrayals of Black Canadian history and identity. His poem “And They Trooped in Colours” pays tribute to the bravery and resilience of Black soldiers who fought for freedom and recognition. With Clarke’s signature blend of musical rhythm and vivid imagery, the poem transforms historical narrative into a lyrical celebration of courage and unity. It captures both the pride and pain of a community often overlooked in traditional histories. Through this work, Clarke honors ancestral strength while asserting the enduring presence and dignity of Black Canadians in the nation’s story.

Disasters of War : A Sequel By Margaret Atwood (Grades 7-9)

Margaret Atwood, one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers, is celebrated for her sharp insight into power, humanity, and survival. Her poem “Disasters of War: A Sequel” reflects on the enduring cycles of violence and the moral costs of conflict. Drawing inspiration from historical atrocities and modern warfare, Atwood exposes how humanity’s progress often coexists with its capacity for destruction. Through stark imagery and precise language, she challenges readers to confront complacency and question notions of civilization. Like much of her work, “Disasters of War: A Sequel” merges political awareness with lyrical intensity, reaffirming Atwood’s status as a master of social commentary.

The colour of remembrance By Kari Wang (Grades 4-6)

Kari Wang is a young Chinese Canadian student from Vancouver who gained recognition in 2024 when her poem “The Colour of Remembrance” won the Cam Cathcart Youth Poem of Remembrance Award. Written at age 11, Kari’s poem was read at Vancouver’s Remembrance Day ceremony, where it touched audiences with its simple yet powerful imagery. Using the senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and place—she explored what remembrance means to her generation. By connecting the symbolism of colours and everyday experiences with the memory of veterans and sacrifices, her poem reflects both gratitude and youthful creativity, offering a fresh perspective on remembrance.

Then and Now by Jacqueline Black (Grades 1-3)

Jacqueline Black is a contemporary poet known for her reflective and emotionally resonant writing. Her poem “Then and Now” explores the passage of time and the ways memory shapes identity. Through vivid imagery and gentle rhythm, Black contrasts past innocence with present understanding, capturing the bittersweet nature of growth and change. Her work often centers on themes of nostalgia, resilience, and personal transformation, inviting readers to consider how experiences evolve with perspective. “Then and Now” exemplifies her ability to weave universal emotion with intimate detail, making her a distinctive and thoughtful voice in modern poetry.