1/6 At InsideOut, we continue to find creative ways to connect students to writing and literature. Our BookUp reading program is a prime example.

Students @MarygroveSchool participated in a BookUp Virtual residency into @breakbeatpoets Vol 2 #BlackGirlMagic

2/6 English teacher Ms. Williams led a small group of teen girls in learning about Black empowerment movements and its women leaders. These 9th grade students received copies of the book, and were invited to weekly discussions of the book w/ Writer-in-Residence Jassmine Parks.

3/6 They explored intersectional identities, how our environments affect our world view, and various forms of privilege and self-reflection. After the final session, one student requested the residency return next year and said,

4/6 "For being black and a woman, [BookUp] was a good space to talk about how you feel and realize your reality for how we -- how you -- can shape it." - @MarygroveSchool BookUp participant

5/6 Later this month, BookUp at Ruth's House @REC_Detroit will begin with each youth receiving a tablet loaded with a few e-books in their favorite genres, including "Pet" by @azemezi, a book praised for its themes of identity and justice.

6/6 Students will engage in virtual discussions about the book and create their own responses, which will be submitted to the national #BookUp Anthology.

Thank you to @BookstockMI for their partnership in continuing to innovate our programs + reach young people in Detroit!