In this collection from dozens of writers, poetry, narratives, and stories speak to the challenges many youth face. The young authors of Our Lives Matter: The Ballou Story Project, write about past events, speak to a brighter future, and talk about being themselves. In a turbulent time, written work helps these teens express themselves in a world where they challenges every day.

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “Through the course of a historic year of civil unrest and the emergence of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement, thirty teen writers from Frank W. Ballou High School in Washington, DC came together to take part in this national conversation about race, inequality, violence, and justice. Through their powerful, personal stories these writers intend to Change the Narrative about youth of color. We are not thugs, they say. We are not victims. We are big sisters and sports stars, academic strivers and everyday heroes. We speak out for justice. We dream big dreams. These writers want more for themselves, more for their community, more for their generation. And they are challenging their readers to listen, and to recognize in each story a common humanity worthy of dignity, support, and respect. This riot of voices must be heard.”