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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

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

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

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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

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

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

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

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

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

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

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

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

A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.

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

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

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

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

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

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

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

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 sports poem about the losing blues.

Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

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

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

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

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

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

A poem about spring!

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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.

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

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

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

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

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

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

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

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

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

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

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.

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

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

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

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

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

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

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

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.

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

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

A poem about unrequited love.

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

In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.

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

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

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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