Launched in middle schools in the fall of 2005, the "Writers Matter" approach was designed to discover ways to improve the fit between actual English curricula, district/state standards and, more recently, the Common Core Curriculum Standards for writing instruction. Adapted from Erin Gruwell's successful Freedom Writers Program, "Writers Matter" develops students' skills in the context of personal growth, understanding others, and making broader connections to the world.

Empowering Young Writers explains and expands on the practical aspects of the "Writers Matter" approach, emphasizing a focus on free expression and establishing connections between the curriculum and students' personal lives. Program creator Robert Vogel, and his co-authors offer proven ways to motivate adolescents to write, work diligently to improve their writing skills, and think more critically about the world. 

This comprehensive book will help teachers, administrators, and education students apply and reproduce the "Writers Matter" approach more broadly, which can have a profound impact on their students' lives and social development. 

Deborah S. Yost  is a Professor of Education at La Salle University. She served as the primary researcher for Writers Matters over the past several years. 

Robert Vogel is a Professor of Education, Founding Director of Writers Matter Program and Co-Director of  Leadership and Global Understanding Minor at La Salle University. 

Kimberly E. Lewinski is an Assistant Professor of Education at La Salle University and serves as Assistant Director for the Writers Matter Program.