The Anne Frank Initiative at the University of Iowa, in conjunction with other partners, will mark the 95 anniversary of the publication of Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl with exhibitions and events during the Iowa City Book Festival. As part of this, they are soliciting writing from youth in the Midwest.
Inspired by the poignant diary of Yeva Skalietska, a Ukrainian girl who wrote about her experience fleeing the war in Ukraine in her book, You Don’t Know What War Is, the Initiative invites youth to share their reflections on war, personal struggle, peace, and/or resilience. Whether these things have been experienced firsthand or only through stories, this perspective is valuable and welcomed.
Youth are encouraged to use a variety of different media such as art, painting, music, clay or fabric to create a meaningful piece that shows their voice, and what they wish to tell the world about their chosen struggle and/or themes of peace and resilience.
Select pieces will be considered for display at the Iowa City Public Library during the Book Festival. Submit contributions to the Iowa City Public Library (Attn: Ms. Victoria Fernandez) no later than Friday, Sept. 27 if you would like to be considered.
Written or digital submissions should be emailed to victoria-fernandez@icpl.org and physical pieces can be placed in the Teen room on the second floor of the library. Click here for more information.
