An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

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

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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.

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

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

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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 freshman describes their first day of school on their own.

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

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

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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 poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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

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 celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

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

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

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

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student’s manifesto!

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ 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 personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

A poem about unrequited love.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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.

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

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

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

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem about spring!

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

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

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

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.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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