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

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

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

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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.

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

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

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 student’s manifesto!

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

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

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

A poem about spring!

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

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

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.

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

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

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

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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.

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A poem about unrequited love.

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.