“Leila Ortiz is a counselor who works with students in NYC public schools. They are lucky to have her. I like these poems because they capture the ferocity, pain, tenderness, and enormity of adolescent girlhood. They are full of cultural artifacts from the best parts of my generation. Graffiti/skateboard/hip-hop/punk culture in the 90’s was so creatively and artistically explosive, but also super accessible. Anyone could participate. Engaging in those communities/practices gave me a sense of who I was and who I could aspire to be. These poems feel like that.”

— Matt L. Roar