A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.

A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.

This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.

A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.

This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.

In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."

In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.

A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.

A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.

Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.

A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.

A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.

A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.

The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.

A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.

This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.

A beautiful ode to home and self.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.

In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.

This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.

A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.

In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.

A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.

Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people

A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.

A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.

A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.

Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.

A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.

A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.

A student shares how they've uplifted their community.

This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.

A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.

This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.

A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.

In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.

In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.

A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.

A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.

In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.

A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.

This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.

A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.

A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.

Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.

This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.

A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.

Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.

A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.

In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.

This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.

This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

A student writes to a grandmother she never met.

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.

Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.

A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.

A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.

The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.

A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.

A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.

One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.

A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!

A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.

A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.

In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.

Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.

A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.

Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”