Book excerpt: Jimmy Santiago Baca, one of the foremost poets in America today, collaborates with two literacy professionals to present a teaching tool that includes curricular activities and probing questions crafted to help students heal through writing. Each exercise reinforces the theme that self-esteem borne from unique expression will improve student enjoyment and academic achievement.. Book Features: Draws on the extraordinary life and career of Jimmy Santiago Baca, who came to write poetry in prison and now has 28 works in print, ranging from a feature movie Blood In Blood Out to his bestselling memoir A Place to Stand.Based on the authors’ combined experience of facilitating hundreds of writing workshops.Offers field-tested recommendations to help educators inspire and fortify students suffering from doubt or damaged self-esteem.Includes detailed descriptions, exercises, and sample poetry to assist teachers and students in the writing process. “Kym and Denise provide tremendous support for the type of writing Jimmy teaches in his workshops. As you become comfortable and more familiar with the material, I encourage you to be creative and take advantage of the events that come up in the lives of your students.” —From the Afterword by Diane Torres-Velásquez, University of New Mexico “What a remarkable gift this book is! The authors have created an invaluable resource for educators who hope to connect students to the profound themes of social justice, personal journey, and the resilience of the human spirit.” —Deborah Appleman, Carleton College, author of Critical Encounters in High School English, Third Edition