2026 theme:
An Eye for the World: What Do you See?
Poetry begins with noticing.
What do you see in the world around you? What moments, details, or experiences stand out—and what do they mean to you?
2026 Anne Bradstreet Poetry Contest Links
Theme Prompts
Prompts to help kids in grades: K-2, Grade 3-5, and Middle School.
Contest Rules
Read all the contest rules and submission dates.
The Towns’ History
History of the towns of Andover and North Andover.
Awards Ceremony
Dates and what to expect for the Awards Ceremony on May 3rd.
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet
Learn about Anne Bradstreet
ABOUT THE CONTEST
Founded in 2021, the Anne Bradstreet Poetry Contest is an annual celebration of poetry, voice, and creative expression in North Andover and the surrounding communities. Organized by the North Andover Poet Laureate Committee, the contest takes place each year from late winter through spring and concludes with a public poetry celebration on the North Andover Common. We are proud to continue a tradition rooted in the town’s literary history while creating space for writers of all ages and experience levels to share their work and be heard.
