A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.

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

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.

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

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

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

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

A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.

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

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

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

In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.

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

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

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

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

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.

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

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.

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

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

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.

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

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

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

Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.

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

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

A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.

Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.

A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.

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

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."

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

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

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

This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.

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

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

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

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

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

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.

In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.

A smile isn’t always what it seems.

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

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.

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

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

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.

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

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

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

This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.

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

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

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

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

In this personal narrative, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.

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

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

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

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

A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.

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

This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.

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

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

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.

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