In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.

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

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

A poem about spring!

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A poem that celebrates being Latino

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.

A memoir about finding true friendship.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

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

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

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

An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.

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

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

A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!

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?

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

In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

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

A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

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

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

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

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

A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.

An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.

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

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.

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

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.

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

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

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

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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

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

A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.

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 peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

A poem about unrequited love.

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

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

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.

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.

This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.

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

A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

A poem about wanting more from life.

Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.

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

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

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

An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.

In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.

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

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

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

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

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.

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

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

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

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

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

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!

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

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

A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!

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.

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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 letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!