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

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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

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

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

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

A celebration of self and exploration of core values.

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

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

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

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

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

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

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

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

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

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.