Grades 7–8
NarrativeWritingI love jalapeños. No, Seriously. Stop laughing. I buy them weekly from my local grocery store, and I take them out for dinner and to the movies and stuff. Then, a day before I have to buy new ones, I chop them up and put them into a delicious salsa dip and have a funeral for them. I have a lot of sad salsa funerals.
My neighbors think I’m a nut job, but I’m not. I’m a pepper job. They don’t know what it’s like to swoon at the sight of a serrano or pucker up to a poblano.
But the real love of my life is a batch of fresh, organic jalapeños. Why? Because they’re spicy. They’re rebellious. They don’t play by your rules. If you double-cross a jalapeño, you get the seeds.
They’re also just really cool peppers. That ñ is off the chain. FIN.
Just kidding. It’s not over yet Calvin can’t stop his pen, so I’ll profess my love to the jalapeño some more.
Why do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
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by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
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On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
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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.
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This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
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A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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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 Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Leslie, 826NYC
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.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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 Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
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.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 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 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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
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 Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Renée, 826NYC
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by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
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by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by William, 826LA
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by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
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 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 Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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?
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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