Let Me Be Honest: 28 Young Artists on Surviving an Uncertain World

by Michaela Allen, P. Anneka Lynch

“Honest, raw, and powerful.” —Kirkus Reviews

A unique YA anthology of poetry, prose, and artwork written by youth for youth, that addresses the complexities of navigating teenage life in an increasingly changing and complex world.

This mixed-media anthology takes readers on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of being a teen in these turbulent and often challenging times. Beautifully designed by Sy Rohoman alongside poignant artwork from Cleopatria Peterson, the book showcases poetry, memoir, art, photos, and essays, exploring racism, mental health, substance use, and difficult relationships. In the process, the artists show how they have made their own way despite societal and personal challenges.

Let Me Be Honest demonstrates the power of these young artists’ voices while also acting as a balm and road map for young readers who are experiencing similar circumstances.

Genres: Young Adult

100 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this ARC because it seemed a good addition to my high school library, and I wanted to preview it before buying in. I'm glad I did! Let Me Be Honest is a mixed art compilation to let at risk youth share their lived experiences and let others explore those feelings. This book contains sketches, poems, photographs, doodles, and more. There will be clear trigger warnings because the topics they explore may be weighty but are always honest to their experiences and will certainly resonate with other teens' experiences and feeling. So this may not be a purchase for all high school libraries. However, this is a highly engaged format and will hook a lot of readers. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC.

[Safiya D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully arranged anthology is raw, honest, heartfelt, and deeply thought-provoking. Through poetry, short stories, interviews and visual art, it explores mental health, addiction, violence, and the realities of inner-city life with powerful authenticity. I think that what makes this collection so important is the way it amplifies the voices of so many Toronto youth, who are often unheard. It’s a heavy read, but an important and necessary one. Highlights for me included Tyrone’s Story, Rules to Live By, Tunnel Vision, and Red Flags Turned Green, just to name a few. There were so many gems in here. Kudos to the incredibly talented people who had a hand in the creation of this anthology.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a moving and slightly devastating anthology of art and writing by Toronto youth. Essays and poems reflect honestly on poverty, race, mental illness and the dangers and despair of being a young, poor person of color in a frequently terrifying and savage world.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[ELIZABETH E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my eye as I was leaving the library. I love to know what other people are thinking and understand why the do the things they do. This book provides insights into 28 people through poems, short stories and art.

[arsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, would love to see more like this. Young people need to be heard.

Full review here: https://robertcaple.substack.com/p/th...