Books published by Shout Mouse Press, Inc.

The Untold Story is a collection of poetry and profiles written by incarcerated youth. Many poets are currently incarcerated in the DC Jail or federal prison; profiles are of returned citizens and their quest for new life. Their work explores themes of parenthood, love, pain, identity, race, and freedom in voices both raw and powerful.

Where can you go to grill half-smokes, captain pirate ships, shoot hoops, feed ducks, and watch the sun set magnificently over the river? Welcome to historic Anacostia Park, in Southeast Washington, D.C. Join us on an adventure through this local landmark through the eyes of D.C.'s youngest residents, and feel the ordinary become extraordinary.The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Through writing workshops designed for all levels of literacy, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

Every day, Tiffany hears that her smile is so bright it lights up the room. But on the morning of her ballet recital, something goes very wrong: Tiffany's two front teeth fall out. Tiffany doesn't want anyone to laugh at her new crazy smile or make fun of her lisp. But how can she avoid attention on the day she's on stage in the spotlight?The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Through writing workshops designed for all levels of literacy, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

Rahim loves his dog Mumbo, and Mumbo loves himself some Mumbo sauce. The two are best friends, but lately Rahim has been getting frustrated by all the chores that come along with taking care of a dog -- especially the ones that get in the way of him playing basketball. On the day before his big tournament, Rahim's dad makes him take Mumbo out, but he's running late for practice, so he tries to multi-task… and when practice is over, Mumbo is gone. Can Rahim figure out how to find his beloved dog AND play in the big game? ** This fresh and funny story written by Washington, D.C. teenagers pays homage to "mumbo sauce," a local specialty usually served on chicken and rice at carry-outs.

Tyrell loves his neighborhood -- the park with the swingset, the library with the puppet shows, the restaurant with the star-shaped spaghetti. But the neighborhood has been changing a lot lately, and one day Tyrell comes home to learn that his building has been bought and everyone must move. It seems like the worst news ever, but Tyrell's cousin Breonna has a plan for making the most of it. How can Tyrell learn to move on and be OK? This heartfelt story about dealing with change is both sweet and smart, coming from teen authors who know the realities of handling transitions -- and about changing neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

Lately, Deena has been getting angry. A lot. She acts out in school and keeps getting in trouble. Everyone is surprised because she used to be very calm, but that was before her mother went to jail. Her dad, her grandma, and her best friend Josey all do their best to help her out, but Deena doesn't want to talk about it. Will a day at the carnival with her Dad help her open up?The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org.Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Through writing workshops designed for all levels of literacy, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

Every year on the first day of school, Carla's friends show up wearing the coolest new shoes. But not Carla -- her mom always buys her the Same Lame Boring Plain sneakers. And this year is no different. This time, though, Carla won't settle for more of the same. With a little advice from her older cousin Josh, a few experiments, and a whole lot of creativity, Carla decides to take a chance and do her own thing. But what will her classmates think of her creation?The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Through writing workshops designed for all levels of literacy, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

It's Amaya's first month at a new school in a new state, and she's too scared to speak. Amaya has a stutter. At her old school she got bullied for how she talked, but she had finally just started making friends. And then her mom got a new job and moved them to DC, where she had to start all over again! Now Amaya is mad at her mom and scared at school. The only friend she shares her feelings with is her dog, Journey, who can talk back! If Amaya doesn't start speaking soon, she'll keep getting in trouble and will never make friends. Can Journey and her classmates help Amaya find her voice? The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Through writing workshops designed for all levels of literacy, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

A young boy struggles with the effects of cancer and dreams of a more normal life. These are the simple components of the emotional story written by teen authors Marc, Sasha, Angelo, and Sean. Experienced in working with young people, these teens uncovered the most important aspect of childhood: play. Their young main character, stuck inside due to his illness, simply wants to have fun. Frustrated, he throws a paper airplane out the window. What happens next? You'll have to read it to find out! A young girl, a special plane, and the power of play come together in this heart-warming story.The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org.Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing program and publishing house for unheard voices. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org

Washington DC teens take the reader on an exciting alphabet tour of their city using both photographs and words. It''s DC like you''ve never seen it before. D is for Duke Ellington, G is for Go-Go, P is for the Potomac River, and Q is for Quadrants. The reader will learn the alphabet while learning about the city through the eyes of kids just like them!Made in collaboration with Shootback, an organization that empowers young people to tell their own stories through photography and writing.