Main description:

Paint Me Like I Am is a collection of poems by teens who have taken part in writing programs run by a national nonprofit organization called WritersCorps. To read the words of these young people is to hear the diverse voices of teenagers everywhere.

Included are a foreward by acclaimed poet Nikki Giovanni, an essay from Kevin Powell, another poet associated with WritersCorps, and writing tips from WritersCorps instructors.

WritersCorps was started in 1994 to help at-risk youth in three American urban centers: San Francisco, Washington, DC, and New York City (the Bronx). Thousands of children and teenagers have since benefited from finding creative expression through writing.

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“A rich kaleidoscope of poems that reflect the hardships of ethnic and urban existence against the steadfast spirit of youth.”

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“An inspiration for any fledgling poet”

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“Edgy, mysterious and assertive”

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“Raging, defiant, giddy, lusty, and hopeful”

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“You don’t really have to love poetry to find appeal in these talented voices.”