Foreword by Elizabeth Acevedo. Edited by Sasa Aakil and Kathy Crutcher.

by the Young Writers of Shout Mouse Press

For ten years, Shout Mouse Press has championed the voices of young writers, publishing their authentic and necessary stories. Now, this landmark anthology of youth writing celebrates a decade of storytelling—and invites readers to pick up their pens and write the path ahead.

Spanning memoir, poetry, fiction, comics, and children’s literature, Bright Before Us, Like a Flame is more than a retrospective—it’s a creative writing resource and a call to action. Taking its title from Langston Hughes’ poem “Youth,” this collection ignites both hope for the future and the power to shape it. Through stories of immigration, identity, social justice, and resilience, young authors confront today’s most urgent topics with insight and empathy. Their words challenge, inspire, and invite readers to add their own voices to the conversation.

What’s Inside:

✅ A diverse collection of youth-authored memoirs, poetry, fiction, comics, and children’s literature, featuring underrepresented voices.
✅ Creative writing prompts and behind-the-scenes insights to inspire students and emerging writers to tell their own stories.
✅ Intergenerational conversations with award-winning guest authors, exploring the role of storytelling in social change.
✅ Discussion questions for middle and high school classrooms, book clubs, and creative writing workshops.

At a time of uncertainty and urgent global challenges, these young authors remind us: Words have power. Stories create change. And the future is yours to write.

Perfect for:

📖 Aspiring young writers looking for inspiration, mentorship, and creative guidance.
🎓 Educators and librarians seeking an engaging, diverse, and inclusive classroom writing resource for middle and high school students.
🎁 Readers who believe in the power of storytelling to spark dialogue and transform communities.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-82-6

• Age: 12+

• Page Count: 304

By the young writers of Shout Mouse Press

“…a balm for loneliness and validation amid an increasingly hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ Americans…” —Booklife

“The Light Looks Like Me is meaningful, moving, and often surprising as it explores different experiences of queer love.”—IndieReader

“Powerful, affirming, and important reading for young people and the adults in their lives.”—Kirkus Reviews

Amidst a fraught regime where assaults on queer and trans rights are leveraged for political clout, the voices of queer youth are more important than ever. In this anthology, 28 DC-area writers aged 13-24 share their thoughts, feelings and vulnerability through poems, stories, comics, and art exploring love in all its forms. Running the gamut from self-love, to romance, and the love they show to their family, friends, and community, their work will resonate with readers of all ages. With authors representing varied sexualities and gender identities, as well as diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, this tender anthology offers hope and validation to queer young people and cultivates greater understanding in supportive allies. Foreword by award-winning YA author Malinda Lo.

This project was created in partnership with The DC Center for the LGBT Community, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, SMYAL, and Split This Rock.

Educational Curriculum Available:

Discussion Guide created by nelle mills

Zine Workbook created by nelle mills

• ISBN: 9781950807833

• Age: 12+

• Page Count: 192

• Published: 2025

por London, Riley, and Shirelle of Reach Incorporated

Un niño sensible de piel oscura se enfrenta a un mundo de masculinidad tóxica. ¿Cómo puede Aaron expresar sus emociones cuando todos a su alrededor le dicen que «se porte como un hombre»?

Este motivador libro ilustrado explora los efectos perjudiciales de la masculinidad tóxica en nuestra cultura y en las comunidades de color, y cómo afecta a los niños más sensibles. Aaron es extrovertido, divertido y un genio del kickball. También es compasivo y bondadoso, y ofrece su tiempo para leerles libros a los ancianos en la residencia de ancianos de su vecindario. Es un gran chico, pero tiene un problema: todos lo llaman llorón. Cuando sus amigos hacen trampa en Fortnoche, llora de la rabia. Cuando ve a su amigo Tayshawn lastimar a un perro del vecindario, llora por empatía. Y cuando echa de menos a su hermano mayor, Sergio, que está en la universidad, llora de soledad. Su padre, sus amigos y sus compañeros de clase le dicen que «llorar es cosa de niñas». ¿Cómo puede Aaron aprender a valorar sus sentimientos y a cultivar su sensibilidad en un mundo que le dice «pórtate como un hombre»?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-05-5

• edad: 4-9

• lexile: 510L

• páginas: 38

• publicado originalmente 2019

• fecha de publicación 15 October 2024

• “Poignant and powerful . . . the students write with fresh power about loss, about the failures of the system around them, and how to decide when, how and where they should speak out.” —Publishers Weekly

• “Our young people are asking that we sit with them, that we listen to them, and that we see their lives in all of their complexity. The stories in What It Cost Us must be read. They must be remembered." —Clint Smith, author of How the Word is Passed: Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

• “Authentic and sincere.” —Kirkus Reviews

• “A momentous account of a time we must remember.” —Wendy Wan-Long Shang, author of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao

Foreword by Candice Iloh

In this collaborative novel, ten diverse young writers from Washington, DC recreate the historic year 2020 from their perspectives, through fictional stories inspired by their own lived experiences. Told chronologically from the onset of the pandemic to the insurrection of January 6th, their stories of change and resilience are accompanied by maps, social media, original artwork, and real-life headlines to create an immersive experience of an unprecedented coming of age. 

You’ll meet Faiza, a Muslim high school student, who struggles to celebrate Ramadan during the worst of the COVID-19 shutdowns. You’ll protest with Roman, the only Black student in his class, whose relationships are challenged in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. You’ll face the fraught 2020 election with Dennis, a young Nigerian immigrant, as he questions a democracy that seems to count him out. 

By examining the shards of this shattered year, these authors explore “what it cost us” through stories that both acknowledge loss and celebrate what got us through.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-55-0

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 780L

• Page Count: 329

• Published: Spring 2023

Authors: Tseganesh Chala, Joy Ugwu

Illustrator: Joy Ingram

In Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma, authors Joy and Tseganesh wanted to write a book about the challenges--and the beauty!--of having a multicultural identity. Joy-Grace is a fashionista, and this week is her school’s culture day. She wants to bring in a garment to reflect her background, but there’s only one problem: her family is from Nigeria, Jamaica, AND Ethiopia! Will Joy-Grace be able to find the perfect dress to celebrate all of who she is in time for culture day?

En Joy-Grace y el dilema del vestido, las autoras Joy y Tseganesh quisieron escribir un libro sobre las dificultades —y la belleza— de tener una identidad multicultural. Joy-Grace es una fashionista, y esta semana es el día de la cultura en su escuela. Quiere llevar un vestido que refleje sus raíces, pero solo hay un problema: su familia es de Nigeria, Jamaica y Etiopía. ¿Podrá Joy-Grace encontrar el vestido perfecto a tiempo para celebrar todas sus culturas?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-39-0

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: AD570L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2021

by Diarou, Riley, and Anthony of Reach Incorporated

Anthony, Diarou, and Riley wanted to write a story, inspired by co-author Diarou, about immigrating to the U.S. and forging friendships despite differences in language. Diarou is starting her first week in a new school, in a new country, speaking a new language... and she feels completely alone. She moved to the U.S. from Guinea over the summer and is determined to make friends, but with her limited English, she's having trouble communicating with her classmates. Just when she thinks she might be on her own, she meets another new student who’s struggling too. Can Diarou find a way to connect across language barriers to make a true friend?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-11-6

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 530L

• Page Count: 36

• Published: Fall 2020

by London, Riley, and Shirelle of Reach Incorporated

Aaron is outgoing and funny and a whiz at kickball. He’s also compassionate and kind, reading books at the old folks home down H street. Basically, he’s pretty great. But he’s got a problem: everyone calls him a Crybaby.

When his friends cheat at Forknife, he cries out of anger.
When he sees his friend Tayshawn hurt a neighborhood dog, he cries out of empathy.
And when misses his oldest brother, Sage, who’s away at college, he cries out of loneliness.
His dad, his friends, and his classmates tell him to “Leave that crying for the girls.”
How can Aaron learn to value his feelings and nurture his sensitivity in a world telling him to “Man up”?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

Man Up! is included in the DC Kids Book Gift Set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-05-5

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 510L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2019

by the teen artists and writers of Next Wave Muslim Initiative

With a foreword by award-winning author Hena Khan

• “Captivating and uplifting.” — Starred review in Kirkus Reviews + named a Best Book of 2019

• “Get it soon… It would be difficult to ignore or forget these voices.” — Rich in Color Reviews

• Included on the “2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List for Ages 0-18”

During an era characterized by both hijabi fashion models and enduring post-9/11 stereotypes, ten Muslim American teenagers came together to explore what it means to be young and Muslim in America today. These teens represent the tremendous diversity within the American Muslim community, and their book, like them, contains multitudes. Bilal writes about being a Muslim rocker. Noor reflects about speaking in multiple tongues. Samaa creates her own cartoon Kabob Squad. Ayah responds to online hate. Through poems, essays, artwork, and stories, these young people aim to show their true selves, to build connection, and to create more inclusive and welcoming communities for all.

• ISBN: 978-1945434938

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 830L

• Page Count: 192

• Published: 2019

Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.

This book, the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, was initiated by these young people in response to a challenging year for the community. They wanted to illuminate the Ballou not often represented in the media--one full of love, hard work, and transformation. They set their mission: to change the story about their school and the people who call it home. To combat stereotypes and assumptions. To motivate the next generation to persevere, and to believe in themselves, no matter what.

Most importantly, these young people wanted to speak for themselves, not to be spoken about. They remind us that there are many sides to every story, and that all voices should be valued and heard. “This is our last line of defense,” they write. “These are our stories. This is the Ballou We Know.”

The Ballou We Know is the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, a program that provides a platform for these students to tell their own stories and act as leaders in their community. Learn more.

• ISBN: 978-1945434914

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 760L

• Page Count: 72

• Published: 2018

by De’Asia, India, Essence and Malik of Reach Incorporated

Rahim loves his dog Mumbo, and Mumbo loves himself some Mumbo sauce. :-) The two are best friends, but lately Rahim has been getting frustrated by all the chores that come along with taking care of a dog -- especially the ones that get in the way of him playing basketball. On the day before his big tournament, Rahim’s dad makes him take Mumbo out, but he’s running late for practice, so he tries to multi-task… and when practice is over, Mumbo is gone. Can Rahim figure out how to find his beloved dog AND play in the big game?

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-96-9

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 490L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2018

by the Latino Youth Leadership Council of LAYC

With a foreword by Newbery Medal-winning author Meg Medina

• Winner of the 2019 'In the Margins' Top Nonfiction award and 2020 International Latino Book Awards

• “Spotlighting underrepresented voices, this work is highly recommended for all communities in their efforts to promote empathetic, inclusive discussions around immigration.” — Starred review in School Library Journal!

• "Enlightening and inspiring #ownvoices accounts by young activists." – Kirkus Review.

During a time of heated immigration debate and unrest, this book is an opportunity to hear directly from youth who are often in the headlines but whose stories don’t get told in full. Sixteen young people from the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) in Washington, D.C. came together to tell their own stories of immigration and transformation in comics form. The result is this side-by-side bilingual collection of graphic memoirs that not only builds connections across language, but also breaks down barriers and expands hope.

***

En tiempos de inquietud y acalorados debates sobre la inmigración, este libro representa una oportunidad para escuchar directamente a los jóvenes quienes suelen ocupar los titulares en la prensa, pero cuyas historias no se alcanzan a narrar por completo. Dieciséis jóvenes del Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) en Washington, D.C. se unieron para contar sus propias historias de inmigración y de transformación en formato de cómic. El resultado es esta colección de memorias gráficas bilingüe, que no sólo construye conexiones entre los idiomas, sino que también elimina barreras y abre un espacio a la esperanza.

• ISBN: 978-1945434921

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 720L

• Page Count: 320

• Published: 2018

by Ashley, De’Asia, and Romel of Reach Incorporated

It’s Amaya’s first month at a new school in a new state, and she's too scared to speak. Amaya has a stutter. At her old school she got bullied for how she talked, but she had finally just started making friends. And then her mom got a new job and moved them to DC, where she had to start all over again! Now Amaya is mad at her mom and scared at school. The only friend she shares her feelings with is her dog, Journey, who can talk back! If Amaya doesn’t start speaking soon, she’ll keep getting in trouble and will never make friends. Can Journey and her classmates help Amaya find her voice?

• ISBN: 978-1945434051

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 500L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

by R.E.L., Taijah, and Nasseem of Reach Incorporated

Lions rule the savanna kingdom and are taught to hate hyenas, who compete for the same resources. Then Mya the Lion and Asia the Hyena both get caught by a trapper and have to work together to escape. When they return home, they have to deal with protests and a face-off between their two species, and Mya has to make a tough decision: Should she rest easy in her lion power or speak up for her new hyena friend?

• ISBN: 978-1945434044

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2016

by Rochelle, Destiney, and Nasseem of Reach Incorporated

An elementary school is moved to a new planet while Earth is under construction. But even their cool new home might not be enough to make up for their awful second grade teacher, Ms. Moody. The students will have to be inventive and work together to stop Ms. Moody and salvage their second grade year-- and learn something about themselves in the process.

• ISBN: 978-0996927420

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2015