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.

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

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

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

From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

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

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

A student writes to a grandmother she never met.

A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.

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

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

In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.

A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.

In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.

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

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

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

A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.

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

In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.

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

A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.

Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.

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

In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.

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

A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

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

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.

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.

This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.

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

In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.

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

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

Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.

A beautiful ode to home and self.

A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

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

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

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

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 compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.

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

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

A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.

This poem explores the beauty of friendship.

Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

A celebration of self and exploration of core values.

A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.

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

From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.

A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.

A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.

The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.

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

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

A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.

Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.

A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!

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

A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.

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?

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

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

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

A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.

A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.

In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.

A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.

A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.

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

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

This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.

In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.

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

A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.

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 student shares how they've uplifted their community.

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

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

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

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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

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

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

A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.

A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.

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

In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.

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

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

An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

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

Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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

From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."

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

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.