The Masks We Wear

The Masks We Wear is a striking collection by 13-year-old poet Langston Brown that explores the tension between what we show the world and what we keep hidden. Through themes of betrayal, hidden anger, untold fears, and the fragile truths behind smiles, Langston invites readers to reflect on the masks we put on to protect ourselves. With honesty and vivid imagery, his poems offer both a mirror and a challenge: to face what lies beneath the surface and to value authenticity over disguise.Developed through Youth Writers' Camp (Summer 2025), this initiative gives young people the tools to share their voices and experiences through creative writing. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning, self-expression, and community building, making it valuable for both youth and adults. Suitable for middle-grade readers and up, Youth Writers' Camp projects connect naturally to classroom and youth-program discussions about creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.