Each August, readers across the country take part in the Sealey Challenge—a joyful commitment to read one book of poetry each day for 31 days. Started by poet Nicole Sealey in 2017, the challenge has become a beloved tradition for poets, teachers, students, and poetry lovers alike.

If you’re thinking about joining in with your students, now is a great time to start planning. Whether you're in a classroom, library, or community program, there are lots of creative, low-pressure ways to make daily poetry feel possible and exciting. 

Start with a Book List Made for K–12 Readers

To help you get started, we created a resource that gathers 31 books from our library perfect for young readers, from elementary to high school. The list includes picture books, novels-in-verse, anthologies, collections, and chapbooks—offering options for a wide range of reading levels, interests, and cultural experiences. Check out the full list here: Sealey Challenge Book Ideas for K–12 Readers.

Whether you use the full list or just a few titles, it’s a great way to introduce students to new voices and help them build a daily poetry rhythm.

Helping Students Join the Challenge

You don’t have to read an entire book every day to participate. Below are a few flexible, student-friendly ideas to help make the Sealey Challenge feel engaging and doable:

Read Together:

• Choose a weekly book and read it as a class over several days.
• Begin or end each day with one poem and a short group discussion.
• Invite students to lead a “Poem of the Day” reading or reflection.

Start a Poetry Exchange:

• Set up a “Sealey Shelf” where students can borrow, trade, or recommend poetry books.
• Create a classroom display featuring rotating poetry titles and student reviews.
• Encourage students to bring in poetry from home or share family/community favorites.

Encourage Quick Writing:

• Use light reflection prompts like: “This poem made me feel…,” “I noticed…,” or “This line stuck with me because…”
• Let students write their own short poems inspired by the day’s reading.
• Pair poems with drawing, collage, or found poetry activities.

Take Poetry Beyond the Classroom

• Share the Sealey Challenge and reading list with families and caregivers.
• Invite students to read to a sibling, parent, or friend and report back on a favorite poem or line.
• Try outdoor reading breaks or group poetry listening sessions during lunch or after school.

Encourage students to explore poetry outside of school, too. Pima County Public Libraries carry many of the books mentioned in our list, along with copies of our annual youth anthologies. Look for our newest titles: Some Nights I’m a Wild Moon (K–5) and I Am Hope, I Am Kindness (6–12).

However You Participate, You’re Doing It Right

The heart of the Sealey Challenge is simple: make space for poetry, every day if you can. Some days that might mean reading an entire book. Other days, it might just be one poem and a moment of reflection. However it looks—it counts.

We hope you and your students will join us in reading along this August. If you do, we’d love to hear what you’re reading and how you're engaging. Tag us or drop us a note—we’re always excited to celebrate poetry with you.

Download the 2025 Challenge Bingo card and play for book giveaways. 

When you’re done, you can download a challenge certificate and request a goal seal.

Happy Sealey, and happy reading!