Book of the Month

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Our Harlem
P.S. 36 Margaret Douglas • New York, NY

How can young writers find their voices?

Written by fifth and sixth grade students from Harlem, Our Harlem offers a heartfelt glimpse into their worlds — stories shaped by resilience, joy, challenge, and discovery. With honesty and depth beyond their years, these young authors invite readers to experience the people and places that define them.

Whether used as a mentor text, a discussion starter, or inspiration for student writing, this collection encourages authenticity, reflection, and connection while highlighting:

The power of storytelling to explore identity, community, and belonging
The use of personal narratives to develop voice, perspective, and writing skills
The integration of literacy and social studies to examine cultural storytelling and lived experiences

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Shakes: The Bard Meets the Beat
The NYC Lab School • New York, NY

Connect Shakespeare to modern classrooms

Created by 9th grade students in New York, Shakes is an innovative exploration of language and culture through the lens of Romeo and Juliet. By analyzing Shakespeare’s writing alongside modern rap lyrics, students uncovered shared artistry and how both use imagery and metaphor to entertain and critique society. Their work culminated in a new musical genre: Academic Rap, blending Elizabethan drama with contemporary expression.

Whether used as a model for literary analysis, a springboard for student writing, or an entry point into cross-genre connections, Shakes invites students to:

Examine how authors use literary devices to shape meaning and spark social commentary
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by examining the intersection of literature and modern culture
Use music and poetry as tools for engaging discussions on social issues and personal identity

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Beacon Science
Beacon High School • New York, NY

How can you encourage student-driven inquiry?

Written by the students of Beacon High School’s Senior Science Seminar, Beacon Science offers a glimpse into the minds of budding scientists. This collection features self-selected research projects presented in the style of professional scholarly journals, showcasing both meticulous experimentation and thought-provoking literature reviews.

Whether used as a classroom resource, a discussion starter, or inspiration for independent projects, Beacon Science encourages exploration, analysis, and innovation while highlighting:

The importance of critical thinking and scientific inquiry in designing experiments and evaluating data
The development of real-world research skills through rigorous experiments and critical analysis
The connection between science and writing to build analytical thinking and clear communication

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