IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK is based on testimonial writings by the youngest members of America's prison system.

While in Juvenile Hall, detained and incarcerated youth are invited to participate in weekly writing workshops led by The Beat Within which has been publishing and distributing their art, essays and poems throughout the national juvenile justice system since 1996. The workshops inspire these young writers to dig deep, and seek meaningful insights through thought-provoking topics, and personalized feedback to each and every participant.

Producer Susan Stone has taken these original writings, and with the sound design support of Malcolm Marshall, found voices for the poems and prose so these young people live out loud, reflecting beyond bars who they are, and who they might yet become.

Through the guidance and help of support services, mentors, mediators, and educational programs, many youth return to rewarding and productive lives. They get the hand up they need in order to restore their lives, and repair the harm to those impacted by their actions.

And along the way, they write — sharing new poems and stories each month, here, with us.