The Ballou We Know
The Ballou We Know
Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.
This book, the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, was initiated by these young people in response to a challenging year for the community. They wanted to illuminate the Ballou not often represented in the media--one full of love, hard work, and transformation. They set their mission: to change the story about their school and the people who call it home. To combat stereotypes and assumptions. To motivate the next generation to persevere, and to believe in themselves, no matter what.
Most importantly, these young people wanted to speak for themselves, not to be spoken about. They remind us that there are many sides to every story, and that all voices should be valued and heard. “This is our last line of defense,” they write. “These are our stories. This is the Ballou We Know.”
The Ballou We Know is the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, a program that provides a platform for these students to tell their own stories and act as leaders in their community. Learn more.
ISBN: 978-1945434914
Age: 12+
Lexile: 760L
Page Count: 72
Published: 2018
Get it in a Set
Ebook
Meet the Authors
As young students of color at Frank W. Ballou High School in Southeast D.C., Ballou authors wanted to combat dangerous single stories told by outsiders about their community and ensure their own voices were heard. Through the Ballou Story Project, SMP teaching artists coach Ballou juniors and seniors to write their memoirs, which are then published by Shout Mouse and/or used by students in their college applications. Their voices highlight the dedication, perseverance, heart, and joy of their community, and their books are used as platforms for change. Through Author Talks, book donations, and book sales, the voices of Ballou Story Project authors have reached students and educators across the region and country. Proceeds from Ballou titles support new authors and fund scholarships for Ballou graduates.
