Charles is a person who is quite fond of dogs and cats, and his favorite food is noodles, especially spaghetti. He is also quite fond of Jamba Juice. He enjoys writing because he can vent via writing.
I’m from a place
Where knowledge is bleak,
Where you looked like a fool,
If you even tried to seek,
Little to none.
This is a place
Where life is as dull as rocks,
Same thing every day,
Just watching the clocks,
But now things are a little more interesting,
Now I have a car,
And everything . . .
This is a place where my father went against
stereotype,
He was there in my life,
But now he’s gone . . .
But most people would assume,
He was murdered in the night.
But it wasn’t his fault,
He lived almost like a nomad,
Always moving,
He never had a steady home,
My mother told me this sometime after his funeral,
And I wondered, why?
He was perfectly capable of living a great life,
But he chose otherwise.
Ya’know, I had a dream of his passing,
A few days prior,
And I think my aunt had the same dream,
As she was also worried.
She told me to call him,
But younger,
Less caring me
Thought nothing of it,
But now,
I must live with it,
As he lies six feet under,
I’m scared of my dreams now . . .
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by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
In this lesson, students explore the genres of historical and speculative fiction before they reimagine a time they felt powerless…
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Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
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A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
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by Aphra, 826CHI
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
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.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
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A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
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.
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Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.