Grade 8
PoetryWritingJabari is that one guy you know, but don’t know. The mysterious guy who likes books and sports. He dreams to leave a positive impact on the world.
I want what I cannot get.
I want more than just to be able to live.
I want to become what I am not.
I want to have a purpose in life.
It’s like a thirst that can’t be quenched.
But then I remember.
Like water was splashed in my face.
I remember that I do have a purpose.
Remember that I have gifts that are beyond measure,
gifts that sing songs of happiness in my ear.
The type of happiness you get from unwrapping a present.
Remember that I am who I am.
A boy who dreams of a better world.
A boy who needs to find some more jokes to tell.
I remember that I have all of these things and more.
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by 826 National
by 826 National
A flexible, 4-week unit designed for students in grades 6-8 to "write their way" with authentic purpose. Includes a curriculum…
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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by Luis, 826LA
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by Isabel, 826 Boston
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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
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by Luke, 826 Valencia
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A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
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A poem about unrequited love.
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A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous 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.
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A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
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A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
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Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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A student’s manifesto!
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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