Let Me Be Honest: 28 Young Artists on Surviving an Uncertain World

Table of Contents:

A Note from the Editors

1. I Think Sadness Finds You Too
2. I Wish That You Could Hold Me
3. For Now This Is What I Do
4. Maybe the Recipe Needed to Change
5. I'm Doing My Best and That's Good Enough

About the Artists
About the Editors

MICHAELA ALLEN is a Scarborough-raised creative and youth advocate using storytelling to uplift untold voices. She is inspired by lived experience, community roots, and a mother's unwavering belief in possibility. She is currently the Manager of Youth Justice Services at the Neighbourhood Group Community Services and lives in Toronto.

P. ANNEKA LYNCH is a youth advocate, poet, writer, and painter with a profound commitment to making a positive difference in her community. She has been a Youth Justice Worker at the Neighbourhood Group Community Services for five years, and currently lives in Toronto.

"This book makes a strong case for creative expression as a public health intervention, with potential to build community and open paths to compassionate understanding of young people's coping mechanisms. Honest, raw, and powerful."

--Kirkus Reviews, 02/16/26

"It's moving and revelatory reading as these artists discuss race, identity, addiction, and acceptance in such frank terms . . . There's a good chance teens will see themselves reflected in this anthology."

--Booklist, 05/26

Review Citations:

• School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 90 (EAN 9781834020426, Hardcover)
• Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2026 (EAN 9781834020426, Hardcover)
• Booklist 05/01/2026 (EAN 9781834020426, Hardcover)