The Beast is a collection of poems from young authors across the country ages 8-18 about beloved family pets, mythical beasts from storybooks, and local creatures resting outside our window—all relationships that offer the opportunity to reflect on the world we live in, and the world we wish to live in.

The poems are all inspired by a writing prompt from Ada Limón, 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, in which she reminded students, “Paying attention to animals that are around us … is a good way to remember that we are animals too.” With a foreword by Charlotte Yeung, 2023 National Youth Poet Laureate finalist, this publication invites young writers everywhere to notice the beasts around and within them.

The poems in this youth anthology are so striking and inspiring that they make my fingers itch for a pen.

Charlotte Yeung, 2023 National Youth Poet Laureate finalist

This student-authored anthology includes full-color illustrations and the original 826 Digital Spark from Ada Limón. Presented by 826 National, all proceeds of this book supports free publishing opportunities and writing resources programs for young writers and educators across the country.