Urban Dreams: Stories of Hope, Resilience, and Character is a collection of essays written by students in an urban community in New Jersey. The essays are the encapsulated life stories of their authors, writers from urban elementary, middle, and high schools were given a chance to reflect on their own lives and articulate their Laws of Life: strong values and principles that guide them in everyday decision and actions. Their stories allow the hearts of children to speak and gives adults the opportunity to listen, learn, and act.