×
Grades level iconsGrades 7–8
Genre information iconFantasy/SciFi, Narrative
Resource type iconWriting

Hoverboard Failure

Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

In the year of 5176, a horrible accident involving the newest version of the hoverboard happened. The hoverboard actually hovered in mid-air, unlike the version created in the 2000s. The next hoverboard in line hovered about an inch off the floor and had short battery life. As more and more upgraded versions came, the hoverboard started to increase its battery life and was able to move faster and hover farther off the ground. It was very popular transportation until May 16th, 5176.

On that day, people were flocking into shops to buy the newest hoverboard, the Hoverboard Jet 5000. It was the lightest board, and people grew fond of it minutes after purchase. Because it was solar-powered, people didn’t use the screen as much to check the battery. Its battery was cut down to keep it light.

Hours after they started using it, people started to drop from the sky with the new hoverboard strapped to their feet. Since most of them were floating above ten feet, more than one million people were injured.

This was one of the worst backfires of technology in history. After scientists looked into the hoverboards, they found out that the solar panels were put in a bad position, in a place where the legs of the rider blocked them from the sun, thus limiting the hoverboard battery life. The company decided to pay $10,000 to every injured person to prevent further problems. They took each of the hoverboards bought, fixed the solar panel problem, and then sent them back. The problem cost the company a lot of money and caused many setbacks.

Download the Materials

No materials available for download.

See More Writing at this Level

Grade 7
Writing
The Particle Accelerator / El Acelerador de Partículas

by Angel, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.

Grade 7
Writing
A Place as Me

by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC

Narrative

A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Reuben & Giselle

by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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.

Grade 8
Writing
Chaos in Antarctica! Millions of Penguins Dead!

by Luke, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.

Grade 7
Writing
New York + Her Plans

by Sela, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.

Grade 8
Writing
Alex Nieto: The Unsung Hero of the Everett Community

by Jason, 826 Valencia

Informational

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

Grades 7–9
Writing
My Language

by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP

Poetry

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Volleyball Blues

by Lesly, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A sports poem about the losing blues.

Grade 7
Writing
Doomungous

by Mateo, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Narrative

An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Happy

by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From

by David, 826CHI

Narrative

A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.

Grades 6–7
Writing
A Willow Tree

by Renee, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Freezy Pen

by Giovanna, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative

An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.

Grade 8
Writing
Wage Gap: Who Does It Affect?

by Xaria, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Manifesto

by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan

Poetry

A student’s manifesto!

Grades 8–9
Writing
Confused

by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Why Do Borders Exist?

by V.G., 826LA

Poetry

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

Grades 8–10
Writing
David & Daniel

by David & Daniel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

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 8
Writing
We Are All Family

by Rafael, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

Grades 8–9
Writing
The Saga Continues

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?

Grades 7–8
Writing
The Wallet

by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia

Narrative

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

Grade 8
Writing
Women United: Stand Together Against Being Critiqued

by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Christian, 826michigan

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Golden Girl and Lolo

by Leslie, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

Grade 7
Writing
The Beginning

by Madison, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative
Persuasive

In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From

by Cayden, 826DC

Narrative

This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.

Grade 8
Writing
Meanwhile at the Creek…

by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Yerba Buena Gardens/Jardines de Yerba Buena

by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

Grades 7–8
Writing
What Music Means to Me

by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

Grades 7–8
Writing
jalapeño + love

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

Grade 8
Writing
Memoir

by Laila, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Listen

by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Adventures of Nutriman and Junkster

by Saeed, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

Grades 6–7
Writing
It Went Wrong

by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

Grade 8
Writing
Burning Love

by Lola, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
My Home, My Life

by Iliana, 826CHI

Narrative

A student searches for answers in their community.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Shout-Out Poem

by Anjum, 826CHI

Poetry

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

Grades 8–9
Writing
Kneel Down for What You Believe In

by Caroline, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

Grade 7
Writing
Heart and Soul

by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP

Narrative

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Amaya, 826michigan

Narrative

A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!

Grades 6–7
Writing
NEW DRUG, MIRACA, CURES ALL ILLNESSES

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Narrative

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Grade 8
Writing
How to Know if You’re Awake

by Tylor, 826NYC

Informational

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

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!

Grade 7
Writing
The Summer of 2097

by Asa, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

Grades 7–8
Writing
Irritating Noise

by Curtis, 826michigan

Poetry

A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

Grades 7–9
Writing
New Sport: Pencils

by Jason, 826michigan

Informational

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

Grade 8
Writing
Finding Out I Have a Brother

by Natalie, 826CHI

Narrative

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

Grade 8
Writing
Voices

by Isabel, 826 Boston

Poetry

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Daddy Longlegs

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

Grade 8
Writing
It’s All About the Teamwork

by Victor, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

Grades 7–8
Writing
Life Puzzles

by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI

Poetry

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

Grade 8
Writing
I Remember

by Vivian, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

Grade 7
Writing
Heart-Beat

by Sahir M., Grade 7

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.

Grade 8
Writing
The Terrific Tale of Transferring

by Angel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

Grade 8
Writing
The Sugar Trap: We Just Can’t Get Enough

by Jack, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive
STEM

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

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 7–12
Writing
My Family Interview

by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP

Narrative

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

Grade 8
Writing
Optimism

by Mya, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

Grade 7
Writing
Untitled

by Sam, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.

Grade 8
Writing
My Latino Self

by Arianny, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem that celebrates being Latino

Grade 8
Writing
The Sun Radiates With Light

by Cora B., Grade 8

Narrative

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

Grades 7–8
Writing
School Blues

by Jamie, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

Grade 8
Writing
Co-ed Teams, Yes or No?

by Ella, 826 Valencia

Persuasive

A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

Grades 7–8
Writing
Who I Am

by Duanté, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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 6–8
Writing
The Crane in the Constellations
by Cartoon Network

by Alondra, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Henry & Matthew & Santiago

by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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.

Grade 8
Writing
2.719 Million People

by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Cinnamon the Corgi

by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan

Poetry

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

Grades 6–7
Writing
We’ll Still Try: The Fight of the Standing Sioux Against the Dakota Access Pipeline

by Destiny, 826NYC

Persuasive
Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Just Glitter and Be Questioning

by Eva, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

Grades 8–12
Writing
A Challenge

by Shayne Williams

Narrative

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

Grade 7
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Issa Caothien, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!

Grade 8
Writing
The Deadly Ivory Trade and What It’s Really Costing Us

by Piya, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

Grade 8
Writing
Christmas

by Jeff, 826CHI

Narrative

In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.

Grade 7
Writing
The Place in My Mind

by Renee, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Ode to My Grandfather

Amara, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

Grades 7–8
Writing
BLM

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Poetry

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Grade 8
Writing
I See

by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia

Poetry

In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Booking an Adventure

by William, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

Grade 7
Writing
7 / 5 / 2 / 1 / 1

by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

Grade 8
Writing
Friends Should Be Forever

by Sharon, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about finding true friendship.

Grade 8
Writing
Changing the Lunch Menu for the Better!

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Persuasive

A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.

Grade 8
Writing
Chicago is My Voice

by Kiara, 826CHI

Narrative

In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Jazmine & Vanessa

by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

Grade 8
Writing
All I Want

by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about wanting more from life.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Pride / My Life

Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC

Poetry

Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Persuasive Letter

by Renée, 826NYC

Persuasive

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

Grade 8
Writing
Completing the Pokédex

by Andy, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

Grade 8
Writing
When People Come to See Me

by Arielle B., Grade 8

Poetry

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Bryan

by Elsy, 826LA

Media
Narrative
Poetry

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Bryanna & Kayla

by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Yellow Like Bananas

by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.

Grades 7–9
Writing
Fruit Woman Saves the Day

by Pia, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Christopher & Bryan & Jahir

by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

Grade 7
Writing
Now Is Our Time to Act

by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA

Memoir
Persuasive

A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Fight for Civil Rights in the Bathroom

by Satis, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.

Grade 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

Grade 8
Writing
Protest for the People of Color / Protesta para la Gente de Color

by Roger, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

Grade 7
Writing
How to Survive the Seventh Grade

by Alonso, 826 Boston

Informational

An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Farm

by John, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Always Dreaming

by Harrison, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.

Grades 5–8
Writing
The Great Achievement

by Marco, 826LA

Narrative
Playwriting

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

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!

Grade 8
Writing
3 and 1: The Golden State Warriors Came Close

by Emmanuel J., 826NYC

Informational

An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Day That Changed My Life

by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From and What I Want

by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu

Poetry

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

Grade 8
Writing
Lessons of a Lifetime

by Jiaxi, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.

Grade 8
Writing
When I Laughed the Hardest

by Diego, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

Grade 7
Writing
Crystal Truth

by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI

Poetry

A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.

Grades 8–9
Writing
What walking the red road means to me is

by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN

Poetry

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.