In a time when literacy holds the key to making sense of self in and of the world we recognize the power of high-quality texts for teaching learning and living. The three teachers featured in this column provide evidence from their practices that choosing and using literature in critical ways invites students to make sense of their worlds. The LLA community values the knowledge and experience of these teacher-authors who invite us into the work they do to challenge students’ minds and hearts through powerful literature study.

In this issue the Classroom Voices column focuses on writing for change.

Alice Lee shows us a classroom where literacy is used for growing sociopolitical consciousness. She provides readers with suggestions for communicating outside the walls of the classroom.

Heidi Mills and Tim O’Keefe help us develop a stronger understanding of the culture of inquiry through a focus on students knowing themselves and their abilities. Examples from Tim’s classroom provide a glimpse into the power of literacy.