Our Book Collection
Each book in our collection is more than just a story—it’s a milestone. Written by the talented young authors of Youth Writers Rock (YWR), these books reflect the creativity, courage, and collaboration that define our program.
From poetry to fiction, personal essays to imaginative tales, every project is the result of teamwork, mentorship, and the voices of youth empowered to speak their truth.
As you explore our collection, you’re not just reading—you’re supporting a community of young writers who are learning to lead, dream, and inspire through the power of words.
Browse the titles below and celebrate the voices shaping tomorrow—one page at a time.
The Super Adventures of The Red Balloon
Written By:
Mackenzie Benjamin, Christopher Wheeler, Kendal Owens
MacKenzie, Spark, and West, known as the Trio, are students at Springville Elementary School. The three students always help their classmates in need. Their teacher, Mr. Brown, notices their good deeds and introduces them to the superpower of the red balloon. One by one, MacKenzie, Spark, and West learn how the magic of the red balloon can strengthen their abilities to help others.
When the community is in danger, the Trio learns to come together as a team and use their new powers to save the day. Readers will be taken on an exciting journey as they learn how the desire to help others creates opportunities to put superpowers to great use.
The Tormentors
Written By:
Erin Bowman, Cordell Forbes, Isaiah Benjamin, Jermaine Powell Jr..
Attending North Heights High School is no walk in the park, especially on the first day of school. The school gang, known as The Rebels, has a reputation for picking on lower classmen, the “Low Dawgs.” For Leon and Tyson, who are new students at the high school, this is all too true. The Rebels immediately set their sights on tormenting them, never swaying in their relentless and destructive pursuit to cause mayhem in Leon and Tyson’s lives.
Throughout the school year, another new student, Nikole, tries her best to act as the peacemaker and stand up to The Rebels, but she has her own Rebel to worry about—Bailey, a fellow lacrosse team member and the coolest girl in school.
It’s clear that the bullies need to be stopped, but how…and at what cost?
The STEM Detectives
Written By:
Lena Bowman, Terrell Miller, Kenneth Owens
Some schools boast of famous athletes who once attended. Others boast of movie stars or politicians who once walked the halls. It is even said that some schools have ghosts. For The STEM Institute of Queens, the claim to fame is an infamous bank robber, who is rumored to have buried money somewhere on the school grounds.
Elijah, Emory, Noel, and Wes are new students at the institute. As they each adapt to their new environment, they come together to dive deep into the school’s history. What will Elijah, Emory, Noel, and Wes uncover? How will they prove whether this mystery is fact or fiction? Take a journey with these four students as they use their combined abilities to unravel what has stumped adults for over fifty years.
Break It Down:
Reflections on Hip Hop from Young Minds
Written By:
Assata Makonnen, Nyela J. Davis, Tatiyana J. Terrelonge,
Bradley Glory Scott, Ky'Jai MJ Campbell, Raina Love Scott
Break It Down: Reflections on Hip Hop from Young Minds is a compilation of how the era of rap music has had a major influence on the young people of today. Told from six different youth perspectives, Break It Down explores the dynamic interconnection of rap music with jazz, fashion, and media, and how rappers influenced each of these milestones. Then, travel to faraway lands where hip hop is banned, where a rapper is a trendsetter, and see how ballet married hip hop to create a brand-new style and movement. Break It Down showcases both reality and fiction, all in a creative adventure to honor the poetic, eclectic, prolific rhyming style known as rap.
Mixed Paths
Written By:
Camille Carmichael, Dream Ford, Kayla Mason, Kendall Jackson, Preston S. Hall
Mixed Paths starts with an introduction to Caniya, a Florida teenager who is distraught and heartbroken. Her mother doesn't support her fashion career dreams; she feels disconnected from her stepfather; and she is grieving her real father, who separated from her mother when she was young.
Meanwhile, in a less privileged neighborhood on the other side of town, Caniya's best friend, Karden, gets in trouble with the wrong crowd. While he safely flees the scuffle, he worries that staying in town will endanger his loved ones. Caniya and Karden run away to new beginnings to escape their hardships at home, but neither of them is prepared for the unexpected truth waiting for them at their destination.
Each chapter in Mixed Paths is narrated from the viewpoint of different figures in the friends' lives, fostering empathy and open-mindedness. This captivating story is a reminder of the importance of understanding other people's perspectives, our interconnectedness with others, and the meaningful growth that accompanies embracing life's inevitable complexities with allies by your side.
Adventures of the Antluz Superheroes
Written By:
Ann Taylor, Benjamin Lopez, Dylan Turner, Kaylani Turner
Dive into the thrilling world of Adventures of the Antluz Superheroes where the lives of four middle school friends from Parkville, Maryland are forever changed by a mysterious event.
When a strange flying object crashes near Orlando, Florida, the group stumbles upon its glowing remains, setting off a series of events that will test their courage and friendship. As they explore the secrets of this alien artifact, the friends discover they have unique powers, transforming them into the Antluz Superheroes. Their quest is not just about battling unknown threats, but also about overcoming everyday challenges at Antluz Middle School.
From schoolyard disputes to the pursuit of an unforgettable trip to Disney World, the story weaves themes of bravery, teamwork, and self-discovery. With its blend of cosmic mystery and relatable teenage drama, Adventures of the Antluz Superheroes promises to be a captivating read, inspiring young readers to believe in themselves and embrace their inner heroes.
The Soul Influencer
Written By:
Essence Cotton, Tristan Cotton, Catherine Taylor,
Jonathan Taylor, Ralph Taylor III, William Taylor
The Soul Influencer weaves a captivating story of ambition, power, and the dark allure of social media fame. Ambrose White, a wealthy but lonely tech genius, is tormented by his lack of social recognition. Overlooked and ostracized for his appearance, Ambrose devises a sinister plan to transform himself into a social media powerhouse. Utilizing his technological prowess, he creates devices that manipulate the minds of the world's most influential figures, bending their will to his own. As Ambrose's influence grows, the line between control and chaos blurs, leading to unforeseen consequences.
This gripping narrative explores the themes of identity, the corrupting nature of power, and the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technology. The Soul Influencer is a must-read, thought-provoking thriller for those intrigued by the interplay of technology and human nature.
It will keep readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the true cost of fame and influence.