Grade 12
NarrativeWritingThere was a family who had the best parties in the city. However, their latest one had to be different because it was to celebrate the birth of the one and only Big Freedia the Queen Diva. Not only that, but it was to celebrate the culture. It was a hard time for New Orleans. It was more divided than ever. But this family knew if one thing could bring the city back together, it would be a party bus and a DJ. So, they started to plan. They called DJ Chicken Wing for the 1s and 2s, and Beedy to bring that beat. But, it was still missing something. The matriarch of the family stood up and said “You need cake for the culture.” She began to say, “We need this cake to remind us of our royalty. So each of the colors will show that. To have fun, let’s put a baby in there to show that this party is for the new birth of New Orleans.
And wow, this cake has to stretch, so it can’t be too thick. That’s all we need. What are y’all doing? Let’s get to work!” The party was a success. No beef, but there were beats. Everyone loved the cake. It showed them that kings and queens don’t fight but make sure each other is alright. Oh, and Big Freedia loved it as well.
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by Kyley Pulphus, 826 New Orleans
In this workshop, students will create a pourquoi tale, or origin story, of how a local delicacy came to be.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
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