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New poetry book now available
Microchildren, a collection of 53 original poems composed by student authors from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. (NMHC)
The Northern Marianas Humanities Council wishes to announce the publication of Microchildren, a collection of 53 original poems composed by student authors from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
These poems represent the winning entries (first to third places) in the Valentine Sengebau Poetry Competition, an annual CNMI-wide event established by the NMHC in 2004.
The NMHC named the competition in honor of the late Palauan author and long-time Saipan resident Valentine N. Sengebau, who composed dozens of poems on culture and identity in the 1970s.
In 2004, the NMHC published Sengebau’s poetry in a volume titled Microchild to ensure that his literary works would be available to future generations.
That same year, the NMHC established the Sengebau Poetry Competition to strengthen the literary skills of young writers in the CNMI. The competition has two divisions: a junior division for 7th and 8th graders and a senior division open to students in 9th to 12th grades. The competition is held each year in October.
The top-placing poems in Microchildren are from the competition’s first decade from 2004 to 2013. The volume has a foreword written by student competitor Olivia Hirsh and is illustrated with original images produced by local artist Peter Aldan, who is known for his striking graphic prints.
The NMHC will distribute copies of Microchildren to school and public libraries throughout the CNMI. Additionally, the book is available for $10 at the NMHC’s office in Springs Plaza, Gualo Rai.
Contact NMHC staff at 235-4785 for more information. (PR)
