Grade 8
NarrativeWritingChampaign, Urbana: the place that I call home. Every time I visit, the place opens with warm hugs. Farms and land are what bring me joy. I love being able to run across a field like I’m the wind blowing softly. They say we’re country, but I take pride in that.
I grew up in Chicago for a while, and I guess it became my new home. This is where you hear the noisy streets honk and yell, and you view downtown as the pretty light appears. I can definitely say Urbana is my tranquil place, but Chicago is my voice. It is where my shouts are heard every day.
My life is like a rocky road where confidence and insecurity fall into place. Being from a generation that does not really care about each other is hard. For me, it’s hard to be a young black girl. I don’t feel safe around people that make fun of my skin color and don’t know who I truly am. Nowadays, I want to relive my younger days when I didn’t have to worry as much. I was free to love everything. Getting older, I notice everything. I feel more responsible and alone.
I was young when my parents divorced. Not being able to have the chance to live with both of my parents really affected the person I am. I didn’t get the chance to be like the other kids: “happy.” I had lots of friends. Some have become disconnected, not on purpose, but for a change.
I feel empty, like I’m in standing in a middle of a room while everything is frozen but I’m still going. I am confused about who I am and how life is, and I wonder what the future holds. Will it be great or bad? IDK?! I’m just going to leave the past in the past and open fresh for a new future that I want to have.
Moving forward – don’t forget that life’s not perfect.
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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 Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
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