A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.

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

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

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

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

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

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

A poem that celebrates being Latino

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

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.

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

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

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

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

A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.

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

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

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

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

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 student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

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.

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.

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

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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

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

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

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

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

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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.

A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

A poem about unrequited love.

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

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

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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

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

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

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

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

A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.

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

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.

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

A poem about spring!

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

A poem about wanting more from life.

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.

A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.

A student’s manifesto!

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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?

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.

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

A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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