SPEAKING OUR TRUTHS

Twenty-six creative works by young people inspired by mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic.

In three sections, “World on Fire,” “…That Happened,” and “The Journey Continues,” 20 young people ages 10 to 21 who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, and/or disabled creatively convey their experiences of distress, loneliness, stamina, healing, and more. The works reflect on the isolation and widespread fears brought about by the simultaneous stresses of Covid-19, social unrest and racist attacks, and the stresses of reintegration into in-person schooling. They also record peers’ cruelty and adults’ obliviousness. Diaristic and poetic outpourings of emotion are followed by writers’ reflections on their lives and writing and punctuated by colorful text boxes with helpline information. Online experiences, good or bad, loom large, as do internal or external pressures and confusion about identity and the future. One writer justifies refusing Covid vaccination. A suicidal teen’s description of her experience is wrenching. A couple of writers identify as autistic. One contributor lives in Kolkata, India; reading her powerful account, one wishes for more global voices. Some writers’ activism is inspirational; others inspire simply by holding on, showing optimism and resilience. Some understand that even bad experiences can be sources of learning. There is vivid poetry and both black-and-white line and full-color art. A stronger editorial hand could have added clarity to some of the pieces.

Young readers may be touched, inspired, or helped—or all three.