Write Around Portland believes that anyone can be a writer. In that vein, they work with schools, prisons, youth shelters, senior citizen centers, and more. In this anthology, work from youth authors sits comfortably side-by-side with authors of all ages in the Portland community. This especially thick collection includes reflections from a witch, sounds of rain, a child of the sun, pencils, forests, and chili.

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “Write Around Portland celebrates twenty-five years of changing lives through the power of writing. Countless Vibrant Lives features writing by participants in workshops that took place in Spring 2024. Workshop facilitator Arabelle May and author Brian Benson wrote the introductions. In any life—especially one lived in poverty or isolation—there is a vital need for art, community, and joy. You will find all of that and more between the covers of this book.”