For the 26th ILB, we once again invite all students grades 3 through 12 to take part in the poetry competition inspired by the festival motto. The 2026 motto is:
You are born with your face turned everywhere
The motto, chosen by ILB guest curator Jeet Thayil, an Indian author, reminds us that we come into the world without fixed labels or prejudices. The quote comes from the Upanishads, the central collection of texts in Hinduism. It can be read as an invitation to maintain – or rediscover – an open-minded outlook: to stay curious, consider different perspectives, and understand diversity as a strength.
We’re excited to see how you explore this idea in your poem: What perspectives would you like to highlight? What does it mean to you to look openly in every direction? Take part and submit your poem – we look forward to hearing your voice!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Send your poem to junges.programm@literaturfestival.com by July 7th.
- You can send your poem in yourself or your teacher or parent can send it in for you.
- Maximum length: 1000 characters excluding spaces
- Language: Whichever you like writing in most!
The prize is free admission to a festival reading for your entire class.