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

Authors: Araceli, Edith & Juliana

Illustrator: Shurjo Mukhi

Toddlers will love this fun chanting book celebrating Central America!

From swimming in the sea in Panama to smelling abuela’s cafecito in Costa Rica, there are so many things to love about Central America! This fun and rhythmic book, inspired by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, was written by young mothers who wanted to celebrate their Central American heritage with their children. The sweet sayings, fun sounds, and charming collages in a bilingual children’s book will make little ones clap, smile, and learn about the world.

• ISBN:978-1-950807-51-2

• Age: 1-3

• Lexile: AD130L

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 22

• Originally Published: Nov 15, 2022

by Danya, Joseph, and Samaria of Reach Incorporated

Danya, Joseph, and Samaria were inspired by their experience of being in lockdown with family: both the joys and the challenges. Shayla loves to draw and be creative. But during the shutdown, she's having a hard time finding a place to do what she loves. Her big, multigenerational family seems to always be in the way. Mom and dad are video-chatting. Her brothers and sisters are doing schoolwork. And her little cousins are making messes all over the place. Frustrated, Shayla goes to her Aunties for help. Will she be able to figure out how to make space for herself in a very crowded house?

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

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-13-0

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2020

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

by Talik, Synia, Jada, and Temil of Reach Incorporated

Tyrell loves his neighborhood -- the park with the swing set, the library with the puppet shows, the restaurant with the star-shaped spaghetti. But the neighborhood has been changing a lot lately, and one day Tyrell comes home to learn that his building has been bought and everyone must move. It seems like the worst news ever, but Tyrell’s cousin Breonna has a plan for making the most of it. How can Tyrell learn how to move on and be OK?

This heartfelt story about dealing with change is both sweet and smart, coming from teen authors who know the realities of handling transitions -- and about changing neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-95-2

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 510L

• 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 Abreona, Kairon, and Cassandra of Reach Incorporated

Every year on the first day of school, Carla’s friends show up wearing the coolest new shoes. But not Carla -- her mom always buys her the Same Lame Boring Plain sneakers. And this year is no different. This time, though, Carla won’t settle for more of the same. With a little advice from her older cousin Josh, a few experiments, and a whole lot of creativity, Carla decides to take a chance and do her own thing. But what will her classmates think of her creation?

• ISBN: 978-1945434068

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 550L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

By the Teen Writers of Beacon House

• 2017 INDIES Winner for Young Author (17 and Under)

• 2018 Top Fiction Winner - In the Margins Book Awards

• Named "10 Books to Read After The Hate U Give" by School Library Journal.

Meet Tajon.

Tajon is sixteen and black. He's tall and skinny, and he has dreadlocks. Tajon works hard and tries his best to be good. He does O.K. in school. He has plans. He's determined.

Tajon is the kind of son who cares about his family. He's the kind of brother who stands up for his sister. He's the kind of kid who dreams big dreams to get himself and those he loves up and out of the hood.

Tajon is the one who gets shot.

• ISBN: 978-0996927451

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: HL600L

• Page Count: 230

• Published: 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