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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

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.

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

A poem about spring!

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

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

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

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.

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

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

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

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

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

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

A student’s manifesto!

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

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

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

A poem about unrequited love.

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

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

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

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

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…