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

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

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

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

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

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

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition

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 story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

A poem about unrequited love.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A memoir about finding true friendship.

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

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

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

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

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

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem about spring!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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

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

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

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.

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

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

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

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

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

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

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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

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

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

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