YA Round Table

YA Round Table

Virtual Wordplay is a presentation of St. Catherine University and Star Tribune. This event is in partnership with Ryan Reads (a program of Ryan Companies).

Support the Loft and Our Wordplay Partners

During these difficult times, we’re excited to present all Wordplay events free of charge. We’re grateful to our sponsors for their leadership, but your support is critical too! Help this innovative festival thrive by making a donation in any amount to support the Loft and Wordplay today. 

Plus, show your support for our literary community and featured Wordplay authors by purchasing Wordplay titles from our bookseller partners. Thank you!

Support the Loft and Wordplay Buy Deborah's Book Buy Len's Book Buy Melissa's Book
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Additional Resources

Keep reading & writing at home with these fun and engaging worksheets and creative prompts!

Learn More About Our Authors!

Learn more about our authors and their books at the links below!

About Deborah About Len About Melissa
Write an "I Am" Poem to Explore History

Deborah Wiles writes books about historical events and eras, imagining characters in order to bring these stories to live. Try it yourself to bring your history lessons alive: Think of a historical moment or event, something you've learned about in social studies class. Now, imagine what it would be like to be there. Who are you? How did you get there? What are your feelings and reactions to this historical moment? Use this poem template, courtesy of 826, to create a character and set the scene:

I am

I am (two special characteristics you have)
I wonder (something you are curious about)
I hear (an imaginary sound)
I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (a desire)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I pretend (something you pretend to do)
I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that really bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you very sad)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I understand (something you know is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you actually dream about)
I try (something you really make an effort about)
I hope (something you actually hope for)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)