Our Lives Matter
Our Lives Matter
2015 INDIEFAB Finalist: YA Nonfiction Book of the Year
2015 INDIEFAB Finalist: Child Author Book of the Year
Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.
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.
ISBN: 978-0692455388
Age: 12+
Lexile: 820L
Page Count: 88
Published: 2015
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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.
Recognition & Impact
We're excited that poet and AU professor Kyle Dargan is writing the Foreword for this collection. Watch his smart and compassionate take on life East of the River, why he chooses to live there, and how poetry can offer solace, create empathy.
