About the Book
A flagship anthology that ignites youth voice and inspires classroom writing. Great for educators, librarians, and champions of diverse story-telling, this captivating book says: The future is yours to write!
For 10 years Shout Mouse Press has published books by young people, and in that decade we've fallen in love with their stories, their honesty, and their courage. Are you a writer like them? If not, we know you could be.
This anthology features standout youth-authored pieces from across our 60+ books-memoir, poetry, fiction, comics, and picture books-that speak with heart and clarity about topics that shape our lives at every stage: family, friendship, identity, justice, belonging, and more.
But this isn't just a greatest-hits collection. Alongside these pieces, you'll find simple writing prompts, fun behind-the-scenes details insights, and insightful conversations with some of our favorite authors that show how rewarding and powerful it is to tell your truth.
Whether you've got a story ready or just a feeling in your gut-we hope this book gives you the spark to begin.
Featuring contributions from award-winning authors in conversation with young voices. Safia Elhillo, Robin Ha, Candice Iloh, Tony Keith, Jr., Nicole Lynn Lewis, José Olivarez, Clint Smith
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.
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.
About the Author :
Sasa Aakil is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and the 2021 Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate. A potter, painter, poet, printmaker, and bassist, she lives and works near Washington, DC. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and on WTOP for her role in the 2020 "A Man Was Lynched Yesterday" project. She has won numerous writing awards and performed at the Kennedy Center's "What's Going On" festival in 2023. Sasa is the founder of the "If All the Trees Were Pens" Open Mic and recently published her first chapbook, "the culmination of all my despair and the music that saves me." She earned her BFA from Howard University in 2024. ELIZABETH ACEVEDO was the 2022 Young People's Poet Laureate and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. She is also the author of With the Fire on High-which was named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal-and Clap When You Land, which was a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor book and a Kirkus finalist. She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Acevedo has been a fellow of Cave Canem, Cantomundo, and a participant in the Callaloo Writer's Workshops. She is a National Poetry Slam Champion, and resides in Washington, DC with her family. Kathy Crutcher has mentored young writers since 2003, driven by a belief in the power of story to build a more just and inclusive next generation. Since founding Shout Mouse Press in 2014, she has helped publish 500+ youth authors and 60+ books. For her work in diversity, inclusion, and narrative change, she received Duke University's 2021 Changemaker Award in Social Justice. Kathy holds a BA from Duke and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. Originally from Cincinnati, she has made DC her home since 2009, where she lives with her family and dreams big dreams for Shout Mouse and its authors.
Review :
"Compelling voices share their truths and invite teens to answer back." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Powerhouse anthology highlighting the works of diverse young writers." -- Booklife
"This book is a gift! Bright Before Us Like a Flame is a celebration of the autonomy of youth. The anthology serves as both an examination of young people's interior lives and an invitation to readers interested in knowing the awe of self-expression." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds
"This collection is as unique and special as Shout Mouse Press itself, and a gorgeous celebration of a decade of storytelling excellence. In its pages you'll find a showcase of poetry, comics, illustrations, essays, and stories written by young people-plus an insider look into the creative process, advice from seasoned experts, writing prompts, and more. An inspiring choice for young readers, and anyone searching for a creative spark to share their story." -- Hena Khan, Asian/Pacific American Award-winning author of Amina's Song
"In current times where cynicism and fear are ever-present, these fresh voices are a reminder of hope and strength." -- Amina Luqman-Dawson, Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Winning Author of Freewater
"Deeply uplifting, empowering, and poignant, Bright Before Us, Like a Flame is the book I wish I had as a teen. With excellent writing prompts and passionate stories of pain, resilience and hope, this book is a call to arms for marginalized youth everywhere to write what feels true to their heart, and will inspire teen writers for generations to come." -- "Ebony LaDelle, author of Love Radio
"A lovingly curated collection of art and writing to inspire even the weariest hearts." -- Wendy Shang, author of The Secret Battle of Evan Pao
"Heart, truth, and light radiate throughout the pages of Bright Before Us, Like a Flame. The stories are honest and unapologetic, unafraid to be exactly what they need to be and say all they need to say. These stories are witnesses to the authors' truths, imaginations, and experiences, shining light on the many facets-both heart-wrenching and joy-filled-that make up their lives." -- Leah Henderson, author of The Courage of the Little Hummingbird
