April is National Poetry Month! National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 to remind the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters.
Here at OPL, we always celebrate poetry, but in April we get to really put that on display!
Staff Poetry Picks
Celebrate National Poetry Month
"Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth" -June Jordan
Poetry Recommended by OYPL Poets
OPL's Oakland Youth Poet Laureate poets think these poetry books are great. Do you agree?
Immerse in Verse
Celebrate National Poetry Month at OPL with this list of lyrical YA novels-in-verse.
Poetry Pen Pals
Poetry Pen Pals
Be a part of the project and share a poem!
Learning to Love Poetry
Learning to love poetry
These resource have inspired Oakland Youth Poet Laureates to start writing—and keep writing. We hope they’ll inspire you.
OYPL Awards and Performances
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Performances & 2025 Announcement
Jun 6th | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Oakstop Broadway
Join us for this exciting event to celebrate our 14th Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and all our OYPL poets!
