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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student writes to a grandmother she never met.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.

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

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

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

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

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

A beautiful ode to home and self.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

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

A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

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

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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