Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, & Fiction for Grades 7-12

by Sarah J. Donovan (Editor), Regina Harris Baiocchi, Kristin Bartley Lenz

Just YA: Short Poems, Essays, & Fiction for Grades 7-12 is a powerful collection of literature celebrating the diverse and dynamic experiences of contemporary youth. This open-access anthology features short texts that can be read in a single class period and are designed to spark deep conversations. Organized around themes of identity, love, place, justice, and the future, these works offer inclusive and affirming perspectives. With contributions from acclaimed young adult authors, flash fiction writers, and teacher-poets, Just YA provides educators with contemporary texts that resonate with and inspire today’s students. All content is freely available online, encouraging widespread access and use at Open OkState.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Young Adult

269 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2024

About the author

Sarah J. Donovan, Ph.D., is a a former junior high language arts teacher of fifteen years and an Associate Professor of Secondary English Education at Oklahoma State University. She served as co-editor for the online journal Writers Who Care. She wrote Genocide Literature in Middle and Secondary Classrooms (2016) and the young adult novel, Alone Together (2018). She is the founder of Ethical ELA, a free online resource for educators to nurture and sustain their teaching lives. Her research focuses on inclusive curriculum and ethical, humanizing methods of instruction.

Reviews

[Kim Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never felt the sheer delight of a smile emerge when you pick up a book and think of your most reluctant readers and just know that this book will make a reader out of the most resistant of them, let me tell you - - that's what happened as I read Just YA. These poets, essayists, and writers of short fiction understand that strong readers and reluctant readers alike are all spellbound by short forms that reach straight into your soul and pull you in and hug you like a new best friend. This is a book for everyone. Everyone. Everyone will find a story or poem and enter the portal of understanding and identity in the pages of this book.

[Jessica T. Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect title for the joyous chatter of thoughts captured in print! As a lover of literature, my mind meanders into the world of poetry, essays, and fiction. This book is a wealth of wisdom, heart, joy, sadness, and so many other emotions. The teacher guide at the end is the perfect book end to culminate the impact of the language and emotions depicted in each piece. Nothing is wasted as memories are forever etched into the heart of the world. Voices matter, words are valued, and these authors ensure that every reader is depicted as important and relevant.

Jessica Wiley, Ed.S, Special Education Literacy Inclusion Teacher, South Conway County School District

[Kristin Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm honored to have a short story in this collection and was excited to receive an advance reading copy. I'm so impressed with the scope of writing in this multi-faceted project and the free access online for anyone, especially teens and teachers to use in classrooms. Congrats to Sarah J. Donovan, the advisory board, and contributing authors!

"For the youth who inspire us with their stories, and for the educators who nurture their voices. May this collection spark conversations that lead to joy, understanding, and change."

[Federico Erebia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is wonderful for several reasons. It is free for anyone to download. The formatting is clever. The writing is terrific, with well-known and new voices for the teen audience. I'm honored to have two poems from my debut novel, Pedro & Daniel included.

[Dr. Julie Wasmund Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a phenomenal collection of poetry, essays, and short stories written by some of our favorite YA authors and poets. This rich anthology addresses identity, hardships, pain, resilience, hope, humor, healing, and joy. I thought I would read it across a few weeks, but once I opened it up, I couldn't put it down. Great book for any adolescent reader. It's also a great read for anyone who teaches teenagers, or just happens to know a teenager.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing resource! This totally free book features essays, poems, and fiction that can be used in one class period. These writings will spark deep and meaningful conversations with your students. I love the themes that are explored: identity, love, place, injustice, and the future.

[Jennifer Guyor Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't be more excited to see this book out in the real world. Filled with incredible writing in a variety of genres, it's the perfect resource for middle grade and high school classrooms from a diverse group of contemporary authors.