Book excerpt: "This book is a resounding affirmation of young female life, in all its multiplicity." — Tavi Gevinson, editor of Rookie "Girls Write Now is doing deeply important work– young women, now more than ever, must claim their own stories." — Emma Cline, author of The Girls "Fresh, energetic, essential — this vibrant anthology celebrates the stories of young women in a way that feels more vital now than ever. Here are the voices of our future." — Deborah Landau, author of The Uses of the Body From one of top after-school programs in the nation, Girls Write Now, comes the next installment in the organization's award-winning anthology series: a literary celebration that showcases the girls and their mentors' best work. Rise Speak Change explores our evolving creative narrative, celebrating the importance of igniting change and starting anew as writers, thinkers, women, and media makers. Distinguished three times by the White House as one of the nation's best after-school arts and cultural organizations, and honored by Newsweek in an article on after-school programs that make a difference, Girls Write Now works to empower underserved teen girls in New York City by pairing them with professional women writers who serve as their personal mentors. With an introduction by Lisa Lucas, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, Rise Speak Change showcases the best poetry, prose, and essays from the mentees and mentors of Girls Write Now on the theme of “Rise Speak Change,” and includes a bonus section of writing exercises and prompts for individuals and groups. Powerful and inspiring, Rise Speak Change showcases the brave new voices that are changing the world of literature, one girl at a time.