FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OverDrive and Youth Communication Announce Co-Produced Anthologies Spotlighting teen stories
Fifteen anthologies now available exclusively for libraries and schools through Libby and Sora
Cleveland, OH – September 17, 2024 – Today, OverDrive announced fifteen anthologies
created in partnership with Youth Communication, a nonprofit youth media organization that
promotes youth literacy and civic engagement through youth-led media. The anthologies are
produced via Youth Communication’s rigorous writing program where teens work with
professional editors to share their personal stories. Written by teens for teens, common themes
include body image, bullying, gender identity, living with a disability, recovering from trauma, and
more.
“Our partnership with OverDrive is a significant milestone in Youth Communication’s mission to
amplify the voices of teens and broaden access to their powerful stories,” says Betsy Cohen,
Executive Director of Youth Communication. “Now that our anthologies are available to libraries
worldwide, millions of teen readers will have access to these uniquely engaging stories that
reflect their own experiences and show them a path forward through their struggles.”
The anthologies are now available exclusively through Libby and Sora for libraries and schools.
The anthology “Bullying” will automatically be added to OverDrive’s Everyone Reads: Kids and
Teen Collection, a simultaneous use collection offered at no cost to libraries that includes
ebooks, audiobooks, and read-alongs, on Oct. 14, 2024. The remaining titles are available for
purchase in OverDrive Marketplace. Sales will support Youth Communication’s programs that
help marginalized youth develop their potential through reading, writing, and social skills.
Emily Ball, who serves on the Youth Team for Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, reflected on
her experience reading Youth Communication’s anthology, “What It’s Like Being Me: Teens
Write About Disability and Chronic Illness.”
“All of the stories had some kind of impact on me as a reader…I was once the sickest baby in
the NICU and have used a wheelchair since the age of five due to cerebral palsy. I also have
various other disabilities that made reading Youth Communication’s book relatable. Being a
youth with disabilities is a unique experience and it is wonderful that other youth and young
adults with disabilities will get to read these stories and feel seen.”
Earlier this year, Youth Communication celebrated 44 years of elevating youth voices at its
Spring Benefit. OverDrive was a proud sponsor of the annual event, which raises funds for
Youth Communication to provide opportunities for marginalized youth, fostering their voices and
social-emotional skills for brighter futures.
“We’re excited to continue our support of organizations like Youth Communication,” says Alexis
Petric-Black, VP of Content at OverDrive. “As the leading digital content provider for libraries
and schools, it’s incredibly important to us that we support the next generation of storytellers and writers. We’re looking forward to bringing more works like these to our library and school
partners in the future.”
To learn more and explore the collection, visit: overdrive.com/creators/233334/youth-
communication
About OverDrive
OverDrive is a mission-based company that stands with libraries. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 92,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry’s largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, video and other content. OverDrive empowers libraries and schools by expanding access for all through tireless industry advocacy and consistent innovation. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, Kanopy, the leading video streaming app for libraries and colleges, and TeachingBooks.net, which offers one of the largest catalogs of
supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based
in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com