National Poetry Month Community Read
To celebrate National Poetry Month, we are hosting a community read of Ink Knows No Borders: Poems of the Immigrant and Refugee Experience, edited by Patrice Vecchione and Alyssa Raymond. With authenticity, integrity, and insight, this collection of poems addresses the many issues confronting first- and second- generation young adult immigrants and refugees, such as cultural and language differences, homesickness, social exclusion, human rights, racism, stereotyping, and questions of identity. Poems by Elizabeth Acevedo, Erika L. Sánchez, Samira Ahmed, Chen Chen, Ocean Vuong, Fatimah Asghar, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Bao Phi, Kaveh Akbar, Hala Alyan, and Ada Limón, among others, encourage readers to honor their roots as well as explore new paths, offering empathy and hope for those who are struggling to overcome discrimination. Many of the struggles immigrant and refugee teens face head-on are also experienced by young people everywhere as they contend with isolation, self-doubt, confusion, and emotional dislocation.
Read the Book
Find Ink Knows No Borders in our catalog
Download the Ink Knows No Borders epub file to read on your device
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Events
Poetry Workshops for Teens and Adults
Charlotte Hall Library
Tuesday, April 14
Teen Session: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Register for the Teen Poetry Workshop
Adult Session: 6 – 7 p.m.
Register for the Adult Poetry Workshop
We will examine selections from Ink Knows No Borders, edited by Patrice Vecchione and Alyssa Raymond, and use those poems as a catalyst for exploring the immigrant and refugee experience through poetry. Participants are encouraged to reflect and write based on their own experiences, opinions, and beliefs. Selections will be read and reflection will be facilitated by Dr. José R. Ballesteros, Professor of International Languages and Cultures and Interim Co-director of Equity Programming at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. All are welcome! No previous poetry experience is necessary; we will all leave with a draft, ideas, and inspiration for future poems.
