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 poem about globe-sized dreams.

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 creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.

A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.

A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.

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

In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.

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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

A poem about living in the space between two cultures.

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.

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

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

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

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

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

A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow

A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.

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.

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.

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

A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.

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

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

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

A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.

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

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

This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.

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

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.

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

In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!

A poem that celebrates being Latino

A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.

In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!

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 poem about spring!

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.

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

A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.

A poem about unrequited love.

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.

A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.

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

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

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

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

A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.

An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.

A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!

An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!

This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!

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

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.

A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.

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

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

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

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

A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.

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

A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.

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

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

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

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

A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

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

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

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.

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 series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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 compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

A poem about becoming a dancer.

A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.

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

In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!

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

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

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

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

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

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

The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.

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

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

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