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.

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

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

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

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

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

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

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

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

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 poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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