More Odes to Common Things Volume VIII Launch Party

This summer, the young poets of Monarch School are publishing the eighth volume in the More Odes to Common Things book series. Come celebrate these brilliant minds during their book launch party!

Many of the book’s contributing poets will be on hand to read their works aloud, answer questions and sign copies. Attendee will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last.  

This writing project is based on a form popularized by the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Thus far, 150 young poets have been published for the first time through this series and all of their works are included in the library’s permanent collection.

Through their poems, the Monarch poets direct praise to such everyday things as chips, coins and windows as well as to a pitbull, a dragon and Monster Energy, among other things. In addition to adulation, the poems provide glimpses into the lives of these unhoused and economically disadvantaged adolescents in San Diego. The poems describe some of their experienced struggles and traumas alongside the joys and triumphs of their everyday lives.

Refreshments will be provided.