“…Thank you for writing! Thank you for embracing your emotions, thank you for your courage in looking within yourselves. By doing so, you’ve done what many have longed to do, but never been able to do: prioritize yourself.”
— Mychal Threets, Librarian and Literacy Ambassador
826 National is thrilled to announce the release of our newest anthology, Unbound: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions. This vibrant collection is a window into how young people are feeling right now across the country whether it be joy, grief, rage, love and all the in between.
Within these pages, young authors ages 8–18 share pieces near their minds, hearts, and imagination demonstrating what happens when young people are encouraged to write freely and unapologetically—loud, honest, and unbound. It arrived just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month, showing us that writing isn’t just about expression—it’s healing, discovery, and resiliency.
Collaboration and Inspiration
The spark for Unbound came last fall, when we partnered with librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets. He contributed writing prompts that inspired young writers to dig deep and embrace their emotional landscapes. Threets also penned the book’s foreword, where he thanks all 79 authors by name, honoring their courage to write with vulnerability and strength.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the hundreds of educators, students, and 826 staff members who brought this anthology to life. A special thank you goes to our Student Advisory Board—a cohort of 12 remarkable student leaders from across the 826 Network—who shaped the book’s editorial and design direction, and collectively authored the introduction.
They write:
“These authors take the chance to record their emotions straight on the page with a strikingly honest and unfaltering pen. We hope that when reading these stories and poems, you will find a window into others’ worlds and take another look around at yourself and those around you.”
— The 826 National Student Advisory Board
We invite you to explore this powerful collection and celebrate the unbound voices of our young writers.
Receive 20% off your purchase using the code 826UNBOUND. Order Unbound today through our online bookstore.