Golden Girl and her sidekick, LoLo, were on a mission. They were walking around a farm to check if the plants were okay and didn’t have any chemicals like pesticides.
“What is that awful smell?” Golden Girl asked LoLo. “It smells so bad it’s giving me a headache.” It smells like spoiled and unhealthy things. LoLo was trying to figure out where the smell was coming from when she turned around and saw Chemical Bug in front of a big machine. The machine was full of pesticides and other bad chemicals.
“OMG, what are you doing?” asked Golden Girl. Chemical Bug was trying to power up his machine.
“You are not going to get away with this,” said LoLo to Chemical Bug. Chemical Bug was taking a long time to turn on his machine because he couldn’t find the on switch.
“I have a plan,” said Golden Girl to LoLo. They whispered to each other about the plan. “Okay, are you ready, LoLo?” asked Golden Girl.
“Yeah,” LoLo responded.
While LoLo was distracting Chemical Bug, Golden Girl used her superspeed and strength to switch the chemicals in the machine with nutrients and other healthy fertilizers. By the time Chemical Bug turned around to see what was going on, Golden Girl had already finished. Chemical Bug didn’t even notice. He powered up his machine and began to spray the plants.
Everyone was happy that Golden GIrl and LoLo saved the day, and the plants, from unhealthy pesticides. Now all the kids eat healthy fruit and vegetables thanks to Golden Girl and LoLo.
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This book is a collection of superhero stories written by 7th graders at PS/MS 7 Samuel Stern in East Harlem. Each story engages with different food justice issues, from the harmful conditions of factory farming to the contamination of our drinking water. For six weeks, these young authors worked with 826NYC volunteers to craft original stories about a superhero bringing salads and fresh vegetables to school cafeterias, a villain who is a slice of pizza, and a monkey who saves the day. So grab a refreshing apple and get ready to meet some of the greatest superheroes you will ever encounter.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
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 Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
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 Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
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!
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
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.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Khari Garris, New York, NY
A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Mady, 826 Valencia
A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.