Grades 8–9
NarrativeWritingOkay, so I like this girl. Her name is [redacted]. So I’m all like, “Dang [redacted] so fine, but she probably won’t notice me” every day of my life, just being an awkward pimply teenager as usual. I swear, if I wasn’t thinking about [redacted] twenty-four seven, I was probably thinking about food, but still. So anyway, I’m at this hair salon, which is called *Censored* Cuts. So, I’m at *Censored* Cuts texting my good pally <<404>> about the [redacted] situation, and who “ships” us or whatever. I’m sitting in a leather chair gushing sweat like Niagra Falls, heart beating so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine, and I’m just debating with myself about whether or not I should confess my feels to [redacted]. Luckily <<404>> and [redacted] were at school still with a few of my other friends, so it wouldn’t be so awkward. Probably. I was clammier than a seafood place, white-knuckles clenching my phone, and finally pouring my feelings out at my keyboard like a glass of water, hoping that texting [redacted] would make me feel better. BOY WAS I WRONG! Not like I got rejected or anything, more like everybody, myself included, was flipping OUT. Suddenly, I was being swamped with texts and calls from <<404>> and his brother—error—even WHILE I WAS ON THE TOILET. So, I’m sitting on the toilet and <<404>> is all like being mysterious and not responding, and every now and then she’ll be all, “her phone died broseph” or send a word of encouragement while—error—is just textin’ and callin’ like crazy about everything and WOW OH MY GOD WAS I TERRIFIED. And when I did finally get an answer back from [redacted], she was just as awkward as me, all vague and all. But, finally I did run into her, and her two friends jumped on me like guard dogs and scoped me out like a freakin’ telescope fan club. It was terrifying to be sure. Anyway, I’m out of time, but this was all about a week ago so THE SAGA CONTINUES.
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by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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by Natalie, 826CHI
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by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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A student’s manifesto!
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by Rafael, 826CHI
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
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by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
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A student searches for answers in their community.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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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.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
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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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love 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 Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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