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. Flip to a page at random in The Whole Root and you may find poetry on identity, a letter to a dear friend, desires to be a jelly donut, or reflections from a birdwatcher.

— Simon Traub-Epstein, International Library of Young Authors

From the publisher: “The Whole Root features writing by participants in workshops that took place in Fall 2023. Author Kate Ristau and Write Around Portland board member Kate Rood wrote the introductions. The sharing of these stories enriches the lives of writers and readers alike. 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 this and more inside the covers of this book.”