Louder Than a Bomb 2012

Series produced by WBEZ

Series image

Just in time for National Poetry Month, Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) presents the latest series of studio recordings featuring finalists from the 2012 Louder Than a Bomb Teen Poetry Festival and Competition.

Founded in 2001, the annual "Louder Than A Bomb" teen poetry slam engages schools and community organizations from all over the Chicago area. This friendly competition gathers the best and brightest young writers (age 13-19) from throughout the region with the winners going on to represent Chicago at the national level. Each year since 2005, WBEZ has invited competition Finalists into our studios to record their work.

We present to you 24 new pieces (all right around 3 minutes), exploring themes of race and identity, religion, sexuality, teachers, self-improvement, the power of youth voices, national and international affairs. Enjoy!


24 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Washing Delicates by Kristen Turner
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Kristen Turner
Poet Kristen Turner, 17, is a senior at Kenwood Academy. This is the second year she has represented her school at Louder Than a Bomb, which advanc...

  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:50
51 Stars by Ashley Gonzalez
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Ashley Gonzalez
Poet Ashley Gonzalez, 18, is a senior at Northside College Prep. This is the second year she has represented her school at Louder Than a Bomb, whi...

  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:53
Hallelujah the Saviors are Here by Rachel Smith
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet Rachel Smith
Poet Rachel Smith, 18, is a senior and a member of Epic Sound, the Kenwood Academy Slam Poetry Team. This is her second year participating in Loud...

Bought by YouthCast


  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:24
  • Purchases: 1
Dear First Grade Teacher by AJ Tran
From: WBEZ
Series: Louder Than a Bomb 2012
Caption: Poet AJ Tran
Poet AJ Tran, 18, is a senior at Northside College Prep. This is the second year she has represented her school at Louder Than a Bomb, which advan...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Mar 27, 2012
  • Length: 02:38
  • Purchases: 1