Unleash the transformative power of storytelling to build belonging, ignite critical consciousness, and amplify students’ voices. This dynamic book equips educators who work with middle and high school aged youth to teach storytelling in their classrooms or community organizations.

Through inspiring examples and hands-on teaching strategies, the authors show you how to build trust and foster community, explore diverse storytelling modes and formats, guide students in developing effective and ethical social impact stories, and more. You’ll also discover practical tools to help students broaden their story’s reach and impact through collaboration and coalition building. Each chapter brims with student examples, ready-to-use teaching tips, and experiential activities, plus questions designed to spark dialogue and help students awaken and embrace the storyteller within. There are also reflective prompts to support your own journey as both a facilitator and participant in the storytelling exchange.

Packed with practical resources, moving narratives, and actionable tips, this book is your essential guide to cultivating a supportive learning community, increasing student engagement, and unlocking young people’s leadership potential through the vehicle of storytelling.

Maru Gonzalez, EdD, is an Associate Professor, University Faculty Scholar, and Youth Development Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at North Carolina State University. She serves as co‑director of #PassTheMicYouth, a multimedia program aimed at amplifying youth voices and providing practitioners with research‑based resources for teaching social impact storytelling.

Michael Kokozos, PhD, is an Associate Director of Teaching and Learning at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his role at Penn, he serves as a curriculum consultant for North Carolina State University and as an instructor for Global Online Academy. With over two decades of experience across K-12 and higher education, he is dedicated to fostering global citizenship, community engagement, and belonging.

Christy M. Byrd, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at North Carolina State University who uses her research and outreach to help young people tell stories that raise awareness and inspire positive change in their communities.