"Voices from the Middle represents the rainbow of diversity that exists in the City of Oakland. These works act as a wonderful resource for parents, educators, community leaders and others concerned about our youth growing up in today's society; as this book sheds light and offers solutions to the issues young people face in Oakland. This collection of poetry is another reminder that together, we can do great things." -Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor, City of Oakland "As I read the words our (Oakland Unified School) children put on paper, I began to cry. My tears were joyful tears because of all the passion written in their words." -Karen B. Todd, Director of Project SOAR II "This fantastic poetry blends language, music, art and soul into a single, sublime composition which captures the distinctive spirit that makes Oakland so wonderfully unique." -Dr. Kimberly Statham, State Administrator, Oakland Unified School District "This is a wonderful collection of the courageous voices of our youth, sharing the complexity of their lives, the world as they know it, their fears, dreams, and hopes for the world that they will surely impact." -Emily Brizenndiner, Ed.D., Professor and Interim Dean, College of Education and Allied Studies, CA State University, East Bay, Hayward CA