A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

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

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

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

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

A poem about unrequited love.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

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

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

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

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?

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

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

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A poem that celebrates being Latino

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

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

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

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 student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

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

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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

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

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

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

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 sports poem about the losing blues.

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

A poem about spring!

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

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

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

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

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

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.

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

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

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

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.