Dive into the layered, experiences of immigrant students living and learning in New York.

Brought to you by the Student Press Initiative​

​ABOUT THE BOOK
​Students in New York City public schools speak more than 100 different languages and, according to the 2000 US Census, over 35% of New York residents were born in foreign countries. Speaking Worlds is part of a vibrant five-book set of anthologies that provides a window into the immigrant experience. Written by students at five schools in New York City's GED-Plus program, our December book of the month addresses topics as diverse as their authors, from childhoods in distant climates and cultures to the challenges and daily triumphs of forging new lives in this land of opportunity. 

CELEBRATE THE RICHNESS OF DIVERSITY
We invite you to use this book as a resource to embrace diversity and foster understanding in your classroom. Written by students from New York City public schools, representing over 100 different languages and wide-ranging cultural backgrounds, the pages of these anthologies provide a vivid glimpse into the immigrant experience. 

This publication offers truly authentic narratives, capturing the journeys of these young authors from all around the world to the United States. Through these compelling stories, your students can grow in their understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by immigrants every day, cultivating empathy and global awareness. 

Student-authored stories of resilience, community, and the shattering of the stereotypes that confine us.

Brought to you by the Student Press Initiative​

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​ABOUT THIS BOOK
​​In the face of challenges and negative stigmas surrounding their community, students from Hempstead High School overcame resistance to write and publish a collection of heartfelt poems, culminating in our November book of the month — Risin' From Da Stead. These pieces of art capture their dreams, hopes, and aspirations for a brighter future. With pride, students express their vision for positive change, inviting others to see the beauty that lies within "Da Stead'' beyond its reputation. This collection showcases moving stories of resilience, community, and the shattering of the stereotypes that confine us. 

NURTURE ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AMONG STUDENTS
We invite you to use the stories in this collection as a catalyst for dialogues about the power of art — especially poetry — in generating social empathy. The focus on positive futures in “Da Stead” serves as an entry point for classroom projects that encourage your students to propose and implement ideas for improving their own communities using the power of language. The creation of poetry is a dynamic and engaging learning experience that nurtures creativity, empathy, and active citizenship. And, most importantly, it encourages us all to keep dreaming. ​

Create connected & compassionate learning communities that inspire honest discussions among students.

Brought to you by the Student Press Initiative​

​ABOUT THIS BOOK
At Long Island City High School (LICHS), educators nurture students' personal growth in conjunction with their academic achievements, with a special emphasis on the advisory classroom. Every day, students dedicate 45 minutes to thoughtful dialogues centering around the issues that resonate most deeply with them — themes like the paramount need for a secure space where meaningful conversations and connections can flourish. Guided by the unwavering dedication of both teachers and students, the advisory class has evolved into a cocoon of support, where adolescents feel at ease in sharing some of their most personal life experiences, such as their tales of home.

In their compilation Is There Really No Place Like Home?, LICHS students penned their individual interpretations of what constitutes home. Accompanying each set of memoirs are meticulously crafted lesson plans authored by students themselves, detailing the methods through which they foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging at LICHS. These students have ingeniously conceived activities that they believe could greatly enrich other educational institutions' attempts to cultivate comparable bonds among their own educators and learners.

ENCOURAGE EMPATHY & UNDERSTANDING
A publication like this one — centered on amplifying the voices and perspectives of students — is an incredible resource for teachers who strive to create inclusive classroom environments. Not only does this special book include students’ stories, but also applicable lesson plans, thoughtfully crafted by the students themselves, that can serve as a blueprint for creating supportive environments in your own school communities. 

We invite you to use this book as a source of insight into how you can inspire open and honest discussions about personal experiences, encourage empathy and understanding among students, and ultimately create a more connected and compassionate community of learners. Is There Really No Place Like Home? will resonate with any reader who prioritizes their students' holistic development and well-being. Our students’ stories and perspectives are visionary, and this text is just the beginning. 

Nurture compassion and cultural sensitivity in your classroom while amplifying the experiences of Latin American immigrants.

Brought to you by the Student Press Initiative​

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​ABOUT THIS BOOK
Step into the realm of oral histories, where the experiences and traditions of Latin American immigrants echo through time. In Aguas Con Caballo, meet seven soldiers from ancient civilizations whose narratives still speak to the painful reality of many modern-day immigrants in the United States.

These stories encompass themes of suffering, abuse, and failure, but also unwavering courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of dignity. Imprisoned but undeterred, these young authors — all of whom are incarcerated youth at Horizon Academy — strive to inspire others by sharing their stories, proving that the indomitable spirit of their ancestors endures. As we confront the numerous challenges faced by Latino immigrants today, Aguas Con Caballo reminds us of the value of liberatory dreaming.

FOSTER CULTURAL AWARENESS
​As the new academic year unfolds, we extend an invitation for you to embrace this text as a tool for nurturing compassion and cultural sensitivity in your classroom community. This literature is powerful; it is a gateway for important dialogues about the intricacies of language obstacles, the significance woven into diverse stories and viewpoints, and the resonating influence of circumstances on narrative construction. 

By delving into analysis and reflection, students stand to grow in their understanding of the experiences lived by incarcerated youth and marginalized societies. With heightened understanding and empathy, the horizons of possibility and positive change are limitless.