Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers

Alexandra Huynh

Poet

Once upon a time in the busy city of Sacramento, California, a young girl named Alexandra fell in love with words. Growing up, Alexandra spent her free time singing. But she thought the songs in her lessons were a bit boring. Why can’t I just write my own lyrics? Alexandra asked herself. She grabbed some paper and a pen, and let the words flow. Writing felt as natural as breathing- it was what she was born to do. Alexandra began to perform her poems on stage. As she prepared for her first city-wide slam poetry event, she felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. Could she really share her poems with so many people? She called her twin sister, Brianna, for a pep talk. Brianna knew what just to say. Alexandra stepped out into the spotlight and nailed it! Soon she was sharing her poems about community, family, and social justice on stages all over the country. In a poem that touches on climate change, she wrote: “The forest is a city with wildfire for veins and a steady churn of smog.” Her ability to paint pictures with words and her passion for speaking up earned her an impressive title. In 2021, Alexandra was named the national youth poet laureate of the United States. As the proud daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, she often thinks of how family and community shape her voice. Excited about her new position, she said, “I’m standing on the shoulders of my ancestors and all the sacrifices and wisdom that they’ve gained to bring me here.” Alexandra hopes all young people share their stories too.

Born November 11, 2002

United States of America