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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

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 gratitude and love through sharing food.

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

A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.

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

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

A beautiful ode to home and self.

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

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

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

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

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

A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.

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

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

A student writes to a grandmother she never met.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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

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

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

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.

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

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

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

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

A student shares how they've uplifted their community.

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

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

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

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

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

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

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

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.

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 trans student reflects on their desire to be male.

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

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

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

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 describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.

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

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

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

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