During the quarantine, 826 New Orleans didn’t have the usual tools to publish writing, so they had to get creative with sharing youth voice. And they knew, books aren’t the only way you can publish.

826 New Orleans believes publishing means preparing your writing for an audience, getting it ready for a reader. With Writing on the Wall, young people published their work right on their front steps. Every Friday in May 2020 they wrote something on a piece of large chart paper, and displayed it somewhere other people in their community could enjoy it (front door, gate, etc.).

826 New Orleans supported the writing by providing chart paper, markers, and weekly writing experiences. Volunteers delivered these items to homes around the city – from Marrero to Pearl River. Young people sent pictures of their work for sharing. This book is the beautiful collection of all their hard work.