A 2015 Child Trends study found that one in 14 children in the US either has (or has had) a parent incarcerated.  That is more than 5 million kids. In a new anthology, Advice to 9th Graders: Stories, Poetry, Art & Other Wisdom, teens impacted by prison share their hurts, fears, dreams, and hopes through personal reflections and creative expression. It also offers insights, practical guidance, empathy, and encouragement to soon-to-be high schoolers.

The anthology is edited by Amy Friedman, with support from Leticia Longoria-Navarro and Victor Trillo, Jr. Amy and Victor join host Ali Muldrow and Dee Star to talk the book. They also tell us about   the impact of the PATHfinder Network which sponsors high school clubs for justice system-impacted teens.

We also hear from 2 students from Parkrose High School in Portland, Tyler Stonebraker and NM. They read pieces from the book and tell us what the PATHfinder Club as meant to them.

Amy Friedman is an author and criminal justice activist. In 2013 she launched POPS the Club, with her husband who is a writer and high school teacher. It is an inclusive space for youth who have been stigmatized and silenced by their experiences with the prison system. From a single club at Venice High School in Los Angeles, POPS the Club expanded to schools across the country. POPS the Club is now a part of the Pathfinder Network.

Victor Trillo Jr. is a founding team member of The PATHfinder Club and also works as a youth mentor. He has a deep understanding of the impact of incarceration on individuals–first as the son of a man who was in prison throughout Victor’s childhood, and later as a prisoner himself. He is a powerful advocate for children of the incarcerated and is the Program Coordinator for The PATHfinder Club and POPS the Club. 

Music used in today’s show includes Long Lantern by Blue Dot Sessions and The Neon Age by Blue Dot Sessions

Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate here