Michael Andorf Memorial

Poetry Contest

Attention budding poets! In recognition of National Poetry Month, Dog-Eared Books is offering a youth poetry contest sponsored by the Be Rare Initiative of Ames! 

Be Rare promotes social and emotional health in youth through creative outlets and empowers them to become leaders in the community. Their poetry contest is funded by the memorial of Michael Andorf, who passed away in 2022. A former employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation, Andorf described himself as a “pondering poet and riverbank philosopher,” with poems published in 125 books. 

Youth in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit their original poetry during the month of April, and the Andorf family, in partnership with the Be Rare Initiative, will select a contest winner in each of the following age categories: Kindergarten – 5th Grade, 6th – 8th Grades, 9th – 12th Grades. Each winner will receive a $50 Dog-Eared Books gift card and a book of poetry.