Grade 8
PoetryWritingI am a blooming flower.
I am like the sunshine that makes me happy.
I am a yellow color that always stays happy.
I am bright and big from the sun.
I like to smile from all my good memories.
I like memories that are stored in my head forever.
I like to think positive and powerful.
I am good and fun.
I am like a little ant that likes to find a way to the good.
from 826 Valencia’s original publication, We Write
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
Willa Jones, Grade 8, Salt Lake City, UT
A young author explores a memory of stimming and captures the depth of their experience in a sparkling poem: "wishing I could shift into whatever form. / UNBOUND by what society expects. Free."
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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