This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.

A poem about wanting more from life.

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

A poem about spring!

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.

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.

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?

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

A student searches for answers in their community.

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

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.

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

A poem that celebrates being Latino

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.

In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.

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.

In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

A student’s manifesto!

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

A poem about unrequited love.

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

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.

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.

A memoir about finding true friendship.

A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.

This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.

This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.

In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

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.

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.