It is with great joy and deep gratitude that we introduce three incredible resources that will transform your classrooms and nurture the hearts and minds of your students. These books—90 Ways of Community: Nurturing Safe and Inclusive Classrooms Writing One Poem at a Time, Words That Mend: The Transformative Power of Writing Poetry for Teachers, Students, and Community Wellbeing, and Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, & Fiction for Grades 7-12—are now available to you for free, thanks to the collective wisdom and generosity of a vibrant community of poets and educators from Ethical ELA and Open OkState Book Publications.
90 Ways of Community: Nurturing Safe and Inclusive Classrooms Writing One Poem at a Time is more than just a book; it’s a journey. This resource guides teachers through a year-long exploration of poetry, helping to create a classroom environment where every student feels seen, valued, and heard. With each chapter starting with a heartfelt “Dear Teacher” letter, you’ll find not just lessons, but support and inspiration to integrate poetry into your daily teaching practices. The thematic clusters of prompts will inspire creativity and foster deep connections among students, making poetry a powerful tool for learning and growth in your classroom.
Words That Mend: The Transformative Power of Writing Poetry for Teachers, Students, and Community Wellbeing is a testament to the healing power of words. In this book, educators share their personal stories of trauma, resilience, and hope, offering practical ways to incorporate poetry writing into your teaching practice. This book is an invitation to process the challenges of life through the written word, to find solace, and to rediscover hope. Whether you are a seasoned poet or new to the craft, you will find in these pages the tools and inspiration to make poetry a vital part of your teaching and personal life.
Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, & Fiction for Grades 7-12 is a vibrant collection of literature that celebrates the diverse experiences of contemporary youth. Organized around themes of identity, love, justice, and the future, these short texts are designed to spark deep conversations in your classroom. With contributions from acclaimed young adult authors, flash fiction writers, and teacher-poets, Just YA offers a treasure trove of contemporary texts that will resonate with your students and inspire them to share their own stories.
These books would not have been possible without the contributions of the many poets from Ethical ELA who poured their hearts into these pages. Their words and experiences have created something truly special—a gift to teachers and students alike. We are profoundly grateful to these authors for their generosity, their wisdom, and their commitment to the teaching profession. Their work reminds us that poetry is not just a form of expression, but a bridge to understanding, healing, and connection.
To the poets who shared their voices in these collections: thank you. Your contributions are a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of poetry. You have given us tools to build more inclusive, empathetic, and connected classrooms. Your work will inspire countless teachers and students, creating ripples of impact that will extend far beyond the classroom walls.
As we release these resources, we invite all educators to download them, explore their pages, and bring the magic of poetry into your classrooms. Whether you’re looking to create a daily writing practice, support your students through difficult times, or simply introduce them to the beauty of contemporary literature, these books offer something for everyone.
Thank you for your dedication to your students and your craft. We hope these resources inspire you as much as they have inspired us, and we look forward to seeing the incredible ways you will bring them to life in your classrooms
Here is a link to a Google doc with all of the reviews and links.
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Sarah, you are a trail-blazer! Thanks to your wisdom and imagination, there are three new poetry books in the world – free resources for teachers and students. It was a tremendous joy to work with you and Mo on the book 90 Ways of Community; I am excited to read Words That Heal and Just YA. These books will spread the beautiful practice of poetry writing to classrooms everywhere. On behalf of learners of all ages, thank you!