Karl Nova CLiPPA Winner 2018

June 25, 2018

Poet Karl Nova has won the CLiPPA 2018 for his debut collection, Rhythm and Poetry, published by Caboodle Books.

Grace Nichols, Poet and Chair of the CLiPPA 2018 judges said of the winning book: “This book really stood out for me with its refreshing use of the rap genre, its musicality, its immediacy and thoughtful reflections on the creative process. Karl Nova’s poems ring true with a sincere charm that children and young people can relate to and that may inspire their own writing.”

Rising Stars by Ruth Awolola, Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Abigail Cook, Jay Hulme and Amina Jama, published by Otter-Barry Books, was highly commended.

Rhythm and Poetry is Karl’s first published book. His poems are drawn from his extensive work as a poetry educator and the many workshops he holds in schools. His work encourages children to see poetry in the everyday, explores its musicality and demonstrates the currency and significance of rap as an art form, especially for young people.

Once again the award ceremony took place on the Olivier at the National Theatre and featured performances by the shortlisted poems and by children, who had been shadowing the prize.

You can see films of all the shortlisted poets on our website.