Stand Up & Be Heard

From acclaimed poet and educator Joaquín Zihuatanejo comes Stand Up & Be Heard—an interactive, soul-stirring invitation for young poets of all ages to discover the power of their own voice. Blending original poems with intimate parables based off the stories behind them, this dynamic collection opens the door to Joaquín’s creative process and then hands the pen to the reader. Each chapter includes thoughtful prompts that challenge writers to respond, reflect, and craft poems born from their own lived experiences. More than a book, it is a workshop between covers—designed to thrill anyone brave enough to press pencil to page. Stand Up & Be Heard calls readers to write boldly, to leave an impression on things they were not intending to impress, and to discover that poetry can mend what feels broken. It reminds us that words can rebuild toys, heal hearts, and reimagine the world. As National Poetry Slam Champion Jonathan GNO White says of the book: “Look somebody’s got to be out there to help folks put broken toys and hearts right in this world. No better man for the job than JZ. Look, I’m not saying Joaquín Zihuatanejo is Batman…but have you ever noticed when Batman is in the room, Joaquín is not?” If you’ve ever felt the spark of a poem rising inside you, this book will help you stand up—and be heard.