Includes bibliographical references (pages 222-225).

Dana's absolutely perfect fail-safe no mistakes guaranteed way to be an ally / by Dana Alison Levy -- An open letter to the young Black queer / by Cam Montgomery -- Hey kid, choose your battles / by Eric Smith -- Round and round we go / by Kayla Whaley -- This is what it feels like / by A.J. Sass -- A bus, a poster, and a mirror / by Brendan Kiely -- Travel logs of a Black Caribbean woman: embracing the glitches / by Shakirah Bourne -- Stutter buddy / by Derick Brooks -- The unsafe space / by Adiba Jaigirdar -- Dismantling judgment / by Lizzie Huxley-Jones -- "Why didn't anyone else say anything?" / by Naomi and Natalie Evans -- From author, to ally, to co-conspirator / by I.W. Gregorio -- Lupe / by Aida Salazar -- "Did you know Gandhi was racist?" / by Sharan Dhaliwal -- Lifting as she climbs / by Andrea L. Rogers -- Counting on Esteban / by Marietta B. Zacker.

As an ally, you use your power-- no matter how big or small-- to support others. You learn, and try, and mess up, and try harder. In this collection of true stories, critically acclaimed YA authors get real about being an ally, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers. From raw stories of racism and invisible disability to powerful moments of passing the mic, these authors share their truths and invite you to think about your own experiences and choices. Self-reflection prompts, resources, journaling ideas, and further reading suggestions help you find out what you can do. Because we are all in this together. And we all need allies. --

Presents a collection of seventeen essays that explore what being an ally is, needing an ally, and showing up for friends and strangers.