I’d like to be a turtle because they take everything easy.
I’d like to be a plant because it grows.
I’d like to be a Post-It Note, so I can stick to my word.
I’d like to be a photo because it’s there forever.
I’d like to be good memories because
they’re nice and comforting.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Levi, 826NYC
An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Matthew, 826CHI
Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!