Grade 9
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingKalyn Jackson is a freshman at New Harmony High. She was born in New Orleans, but plans to move to California after high school to pursue her passion of acting. She is very extroverted and loves talking to new people.
The gates squeaked open and an artificial replica of my favorite foods from home were rapidly spewed into my nose. I could smell the beignets, the crawfish, and the pralines, but it just didn’t smell real. I didn’t even smell the gross smells, those were the smells that told you it was all real and not a fantasy. It smelled faked now. It didn’t smell like home anymore.
It’s been a year since we were forced out… since we’ve been to this place we used to call home. All the colors looked dull. It wasn’t as vibrant as it used to be. There were no more beautiful, elaborate parade floats anymore. No more friendly people yelling out things like, “Hey neighbor have a wonderful day!” or “You look amazing, baby! Strut your stuff!” Or even the occasional drunk man who wouldn’t leave you alone but they were still funny. The air was dry and not humid at all and it was cold outside. I didn’t feel the love and happiness I used to feel here. It didn’t feel or look like home anymore.
We walked down the polished streets of the French Quarter and I could hear through a speaker the sound of some random person playing the trombone. But they were terrible at it.. they weren’t playing it the way it was supposed to be played, with love and passion. It’s not supposed to sound forced. I didn’t hear the wonderful, joyful second line far off somewhere in the distance like I used to. It didn’t sound like home anymore.
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by Jeff Carver, New Harmony High, New Orleans & Kyley Pulphus, 826 New Orleans
Young writers imagine a world that has lost their home city due to various threats: environmental, cultural, and supernatural.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
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A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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