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Grades level iconsGrades 1–6
Genre information iconInformational
Resource type iconWriting

A Rapper Legend

Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 2 hours of practice
  • 4 tablespoons of sound effects
  • A handful of backup singers
  • 1 stage
  • 1 microphone
  • 2 gallons of speed
  • 7 cups of lyrics

DIRECTIONS

In order to make a rapper legend, mix the lyrics with speed. That’s what you call a rapper. It’s important to practice, to get your word speed up. You need to end up at the right level. Then sprinkle in a microphone, because you’ll need it in the future. That way people can hear you from ten miles away, and they can be backup singers and fans. Backup singers make the show look cool. They add sparkle to your show, just like me. Then dip the stage and get the crowd going crazy. The stage is for the backup singers to dance, and it will also hold the microphone. A stage is important because it makes you look swag, and if you want, you can even go crowd-surfing. A pinch of practice makes you a better rapper. It’s important because you will need it to get a rap career.

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Ren, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Floyd

by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?

by Elaine, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Freedom

by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA

Poetry

A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.

Grade 1
Writing
I Have a Duck

by Anna K., 826CHI

Poetry

This poem uses alliteration to discuss the narrator's pets.

Grade 4
Writing
My Future Self

by Will, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A student imagines life in the future.

Grade 5
Writing
I Wish / Deseo

by Jeffrey, 826DC

Poetry

In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.

Grade 3
Writing
Bath Time

Armani, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

A poem about the magic of bath time.

Grades 2–3
Writing
Breaking News

by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?

Grade 2
Writing
Dear Future President

by Salmaan S., Grade 2, 826MSP

Persuasive

A second grader's adorable list of demands to the future President.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Blank Sky

by Uma Cantone, 826NYC

Narrative

Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.

Grade 6
Writing
Haikus

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.

Grades 3–4
Writing
The Boogieman Invasion MANIA…

Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.

Grade 5
Writing
Saving Space

by Kelis, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?

Grades 2–3
Writing
The Happy School

by Sebastian, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.

Grade 5
Writing
The Perfect Friend-Making Space

by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC

Informational
Persuasive

A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!

Grades 3–4
Writing
Mourning Cloak Butterfly

by Ciaran, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Chesley’s Life

by Marie, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!

Grades 5–6
Writing
‘Salam, I Come in Peace’: Muslims Stand UP Against Islamophobia

by Marisa, 826NYC

Informational

A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.

Grades 3–4
Writing
An Ode to Cookies

Raven, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

You guessed it—an ode to cookies.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Sea Lettuce

by Talia, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.

Grades 3–5
Writing
My Family

by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Magical Jealousy
by Cartoon Network

by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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.

Grade 1
Writing
Banana Lion

by Diego, 826CHI

Poetry

This poem might be considered a metaphorical soundoff between a lion and a banana. Written in Spanish and English.

Grade 4
Writing
L.A. Is Here For You!

by Caleigh, 826LA

Persuasive

A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Rap for Stan Lee

by Luis, 826LA

Media
Poetry

A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.

Grades 5–6
Writing
A New Life

by Joseline, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.

Grade 5
Writing
The Worst Day Ever!

by Ana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!

Grades 4–5
Writing
WrestleMania 21-1

by Brayan Luna, 826michigan

Poetry

In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.

Grades 4–5
Writing
No Name the T-Rex Koala and his Adventures

Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!

Grades 4–5
Writing
Crawfish

by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Owl Girl

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Poetry
STEM

An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Lonely Homeless Child
by Cartoon Network

by Kayla, 826LA

Narrative

This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.

Grade 5
Writing
Feeling Trapped, Now Gone

by Claire, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.

Grades 2–3
Writing
Sky Pie

by Sabir, 826 MSP

Poetry

In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Mi Casa and The Skatepark

by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar

by Uma, 826NYC

Poetry

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Cinnamon the Corgi

by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!

Grade 6
Writing
Sir Shaggy McPatches

by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Grade 4
Writing
Who Wants Love?

by Quinn, 826CHI

Narrative

A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.

Grade 6
Writing
Dear Future President

by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO

Persuasive

A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Jackie Chan

by Luis, 826LA

Narrative

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

Grades 4–5
Writing
How to Capture the Mermaid from the Scary Forest

by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.

Grade 4
Writing
Untitled

by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA

Persuasive

In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.

Grade 4
Writing
Meanwhile at the Bear Cave…

by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Superhero Stories

by K.M., 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Mom

by Jin, 826LA

Narrative

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Ode to Sonia Melara

by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Beans, Rice, and Chicken

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.

Grade 5
Writing
Me, Myself, and I

by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston

Poetry

A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines

Grade 6
Writing
Just Crack Once in Awhile: Musings on School Lunch

by Guinevre, 826CHI

Persuasive

A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Earth

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

Grades 4–6
Writing
Breathe

by Juna, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.

Grades 1–5
Writing
Me, Myself, and I
by Cartoon Network

by Kevin, 826LA

Poetry

A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.

Grade 6
Writing
The Tunnel

by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!

Grade 4
Writing
Freddy

by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.

Grade 6
Writing
Realm of Virtues

by Ari, 826CHI

Narrative

In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!

Grades 6–8
Writing
Before I Knew How to Shine

by Brigid, 826CHI

Narrative
Poetry

A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Funning

by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC

Poetry

A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.

Grade 5
Writing
Love Spell

by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.

Grades 3–4
Writing
My House/Mi casa

by Fatima, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cloud vs. Wind

by Daphne, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!

Grades 4–5
Writing
Stuffed Crust

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.

Grades 2–3
Writing
Mission

by Madhav, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Origins of Fries

by Kathryn, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Memories Through the Ages

by Keila S.O., 826michigan

Poetry

An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.

Grades 3–4
Writing
Letter to my Grandma

by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia

Memoir

A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.

Grade 3
Writing
What If!

by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.

Grade 4
Writing
The Walls are Plain

by Rechab T., 826DC

Poetry

This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Girl With the Sweater

by Jekaya, 826 Boston

Narrative

A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.

Grades 3–5
Writing
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct

by Charlie, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.

Grade 5
Writing
Slow

by Sumaya, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.

Grade 5
Writing
Wormie

by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Self-Portrait

by Girod, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Haikus

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 4–5
Writing
You’re the Chosen One

by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cheezy

by Madison, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Globes

by Meredith, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about globe-sized dreams.

Grade 3
Writing
The First Day of School

by Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia

Memoir

A student bravely faces the first day of school.

Grade 6
Writing
Save the Penguins, Save Ourselves

by Jacore, 826 Valencia

Informational

An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Programmer

by Milo, 826NYC

Narrative
STEM

A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

Grade 1
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Yusuf, 826 MSP

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how transformation and creativity can bring together friends.

Grade 3
Writing
Advice From Brooklyn

by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan

Memoir

A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.

Grade 6
Writing
A Doorway Between

by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia

A poem about living in the space between two cultures.