By the young writers of Shout Mouse Press

★ “A simply exceptional collection” — School Library Journal (Starred Review)

“Encouraging examples of the power of language.” — Kirkus Reviews

"These poems...prove that personal expression can be one of the most powerful tools in the fight against injustice." — Booklist

"The poems and essays in Stubborn Roots have changed me in ways I was unprepared for. The profundity of their observations of the world, and of themselves, left me in awe. This is a special book filled with special writers." —Clint Smith, author of How the Word is Passed

This powerful anthology illuminates today’s activist experience through the poetry and essays of our most vital and essential youth.

Through compelling poetry, 18 young writers of color plant their resistance in the soil of our uncertain future. They tackle disparities across lines of gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, ableism and fatphobia, immigration and the environment, and more. Their poems are accompanied by portraits of each poet (by cover artist Sobia Ahmad) along with first-person essays on what liberation means to them. 

Diverse voices and styles shine throughout Stubborn Roots, providing personal and cultural context to ongoing conversations about change in the United States. Tender and green, vulnerable and wondrous, this singular book of poems serves as an urgent call to the transformative power of art and is a must-have for young readers looking to develop their connection to social justice.

Foreword by Camonghne Felix, author of Let the Poets Govern.

• ISBN: 9781950807901

• Age: 12+

• Page Count: 220

• Coming Fall 2026

The teen authors of Reach Incorporated know the power of seeing themselves represented on the page. That’s why they set out to write stories that are inclusive and affirming of all lived experiences. This collection features characters with disabilities in stories with themes of independence, friendship, and embracing differences. The books in this collection are designed for children ages 4-8 but can be enjoyed by folks of all ages.

by Makiya, Mikala, and Dartavius of Reach Incorporated

Madison is a first-grader who can’t sit still. She wants to make her teacher like her, but she also wants to jump and scream and play tag with her imaginary best friend, Alex. When Madison accidentally lets her class pet bunny out of its cage during recess, she will have to get creative and form unlikely friendships - and not just imaginary ones - if she wants to prove to her class that a hyperactive little girl can still be responsible.

• ISBN: 978-1945434082

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 520L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

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 Abreona, Darrin, Rochelle, and Temil of Reach Incorporated

Closing Day is coming to the animal shelter, and “All Dogs Must Go.” Spanky, who was born with just three legs, is both excited and terrified: Does this mean he will finally be adopted? Spanky’s abandonment as a pup have left him with a deep desire to be loved, and his worries sometimes make him feel hopeless. While Pepper the mean chihuahua tries to tear him down, Dorothy the friendly pit bull tries to cheer him up. Can she help Spanky learn to be his own lovable self and finally get adopted?

• ISBN: 978-1945434013

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 530L

• Page Count: 46

• Published: Fall 2016