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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

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

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

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

A poem about unrequited love.

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

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student’s manifesto!

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

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.

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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.

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

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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