Our Stories, Our Voices

OUR STORIES, OUR VOICES: 21 YA Authors Get Real About Injustice, Empowerment, and Growing Up Female in America

Release Date: August 14, 2018

“This book, this act of resistance, says our stories matter. Our lives matter. Our voices will not be silenced.”

In a collection that covers a wide breadth of topics, twenty-one YA authors share deeply personal thoughts and experiences about growing up female in America. These essays explore themes ranging from the intersection of race and gender to women and weight, from first sexual experiences to the devastation of rape culture, from the unique facets of being first- or second-generation American to the role of faith in our culture, and everything in between.

Ultimately, it’s a message of hope and empowerment from women who have built their lives around the idea that words matter. Voices matter. It’s time to use ours.

Including personal essays from the following authors: Martha Brockenbrough, Jaye Robin Brown, Sona Charaipotra, Brandy Colbert, Somaiya Daud, Christine Day, Alexandra Duncan, I.W. Gregorio, Maurene Goo, Ellen Hopkins, Stephanie Kuehnert, Nina LaCour, Anna-Marie McLemore, Sandhya Menon, Hannah Moskowitz, Julie Murphy, Aisha Saeed, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Amber Smith, and Tracy Walker.

Praise for Our Stories, Our Voices

Many readers will see themselves reflected in the pages of this collection and be inspired by the first-hand accounts of overcoming adversity. A great pick for budding writers and activists.”
★ School Library Journal – starred review

Truthful and empowering.”
Booklist

Advice and perspectives from diverse voices from which readers of all genders can benefit.”
Kirkus

Startling in its clarity, honesty, and power.”
School Library Connection