Shout Mouse Press is dedicated to centering and amplifying the voices of marginalized youth (ages 12+) via writing workshops, book publication, and public speaking opportunities.
The young people we coach are underrepresented—as characters and as creators—within young people's literature, and their perspectives are underheard. By supporting them to write and publish their own books, we pass the pen—and the power.
Our authors write books responding to the urgent needs of young readers: representative, authentic stories that foster community, expand empathy, and educate a more just and inclusive next generation.
“Without Shout Mouse…
I definitely would not have been able to share my thoughts and find a voice. It's helped me to be more confident in myself and be comfortable with who I am.”
— LEYLA, AUTHOR OF I AM THE NIGHT SKY
Our Vision
We believe everyone has a story to tell and the ability to tell it. We believe that by listening to the stories we tell each other—whether true or imagined--we learn empathy, diplomacy, reflection, and grace. We believe everyone deserves and needs to see themselves in the stories they read, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, or ability. We believe this is especially true for those whose voices are too often silenced, from communities who have been historically oppressed and whose stories repressed. We believe that everyone benefits from listening to diverse perspectives on our shared world. Finally, we believe the best way to honor someone is to hear them, and we are passionate about sharing these underheard voices with the world.
Our Impact
130,000+
Books
in circulation
(47 U.S. states and 27+ countries around the world)
23,000+ Inclusive Books Donated
to young readers in need through community collaborations
20+ Book Industry Honors
including Top Prizes and Starred Reviews
$300,000+ Direct Funds
Distributed to authors through Scholarships, Stipends, Honoraria, and Direct Grants
50,000+ audience Members
reached through 250+ Author Talks
National Media Attention
through the Washington Post, NPR, Edutopia, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews.
“This is why I share my story, even though it is painful... When I tell my story, it heals what it is in my past... If you never share [your story], the pain will never leave, it will always be there... [Telling your story] will help you to heal inside, to be who you are, to speak out.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity as an author for people to read from your perspective, because anybody’s voice can be heard. To have the opportunity to have somebody else who you don’t even know be a part of what you’re doing and be believing in you? That’s big. It’s an opportunity you have to catch on to. When I got recognized for my excerpt, I saw that yes, my voice was heard. So now I see that since somebody has recognized me, I want to move forward and to do more with that.”