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 Chase, Kevin, Khalil, and Josiah of Beacon House

Over the course of a historic year characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, and widespread social reckoning, four Black middle school boys from Beacon House in Washington, DC came together virtually, to dream. Pushing up against the hardship of current events, these new authors decided to create a collection of imaginative stories that share messages they believe the world needs to hear today about resilience, self-expression, and staying true to your dreams.

In this collection, you will meet Kobe, a teenage basketball player grappling with the death of his role model; Zim, a sword-wielding orphan on a quest to save his grandmother’s life; Ava, a cyborg girl who just wants to be normal; and Brandon, a boy struggling to choose between his passion and his family. This motley crew of heroes all learn to decipher their changing worlds, carrying with them necessary guidance for readers on how they can process their own. Artfully illustrated, and written in both poetry and prose, this book has something for every type of reader.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-37-6

• Age: 9+

• Lexile: 590L

• Page Count: 120

• Published: Fall 2021

by Daveena , Geralyn, Jocktavious, Shatiya of Reach Incorporated

Daveena, Geralyn, Jocktavious, and Shatyia wanted to create a story that both speaks to the history of racial injustice, and honors the young people who are (and have been) fighting for change. They wanted to create a story that said the names of those who we have lost to police brutality. For this reason, they named the protagonist "Breonna" after Breonna Taylor. Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?

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

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-07-9

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 570L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2020

by Camal, Japan, and Dameona of Reach Incorporated

Camal, Japan, and Dameona are good kids, but struggling students. They’ve decided homework is pointless, and they’d rather just play their video game. One night when the kids refuse to stop playing, they are sucked into the world of The Pharaohs, where now they must complete challenges in their weakest subjects in school to make it out. Characters (and readers!) must solve hieroglyphic word puzzles, find their way through science-related mazes, and complete math mysteries on their path to earning their Pharaoh crowns and returning to the real world. Can they challenge themselves and learn to ask for help in time to make it out of the game?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-06-2

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: GN530L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: 2019