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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

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

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.

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 rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

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

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

A poem about unrequited love.

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

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.

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

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

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

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

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

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

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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 poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

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

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

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

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

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.

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

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

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.