"Youth Poetry Letters," Pencils and Dreams showcases the poetic talents of Vallejo, California youth. This collection features works from students ranging from whimsical musings and boundless imagination to offering a unique and intimate window into their world. It spotlights the powerful impact of arts education in schools to nurture young voices in our communities.

This project, inspired by Vallejo Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrman, underscores their commitment to nurturing literary talent in schools and the community. The collection emerged from student participation in Youth Poetry Letters (YPL) workshops hosted by the laureates across the community and classroom activities that Kathleen Herrman conducted as part of the Vallejo Teaching Artists (VTA) program. This collaborative effort is also a testament to the dedication of Vallejo's literary leaders. It illustrates the investment in cultivating the creativity of our youth and the next generation of poets.