Grades 7–8
NarrativeWritingMs. Fong grabbed the talking piece and said, “Hello, my name is Ms. Fong and we are gonna do a community building activity where we say our name, gender, and race.” Ms. Fong’s hands left the talking piece to the person to her left and they passed it to the next and the next until it got to me. At first I just stood there and didn’t say anything. It seemed like I was there for 1,000 years until I finally said, “My name is D-Duanté and I’m a boy and I’m black.” (By the way, I had a stuttering problem when I was little.)
Then one kid yells, “No, you’re not. You’re white.” The whole class just stared at me as I looked dumbfounded, and didn’t know what to say so I just passed the talking piece to the next person to get the attention off of me.
After class when I was outside a few kids huddled around me and said, “Why you wanna be black?”
And I mumbled, “I don’t want to be black, I am black.” But no one believed me and through the day I kept thinking, Am I black?
When my mom picked me up, I jumped in our long black car and told her what happened and her first response was, “I don’t care what any of those kids say. You’re black, don’t let nobody tell you nothin’ different.”
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by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
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A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
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Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
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by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
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by Jiaxi, 826CHI
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Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
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A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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by Arianny, 826 Boston
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by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Luis, 826LA
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.
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by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
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by Arielle B., Grade 8
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by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by Natalie, 826CHI
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by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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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This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
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by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Alondra, 826CHI
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by Destiny, 826NYC
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by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
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by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
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by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Jeff, 826CHI
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by Satis, 826 Valencia
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
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by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
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by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
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by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Madison, 826CHI
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by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Jin, 826LA
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by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by John, 826NYC
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by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
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by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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A student’s manifesto!
by Isabel, 826 Boston
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
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by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
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by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Christian, 826michigan
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.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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 Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
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 Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
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A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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