Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingIt was May 22, 2012 and I went to school just like any other day. My godmother picked me up later, and I was so happy because I hadn’t seen her in a long time. She took me to my house and everyone was there, like everybody in my family. I walked in my house. It was quiet. I saw everyone crying and hugging each other. I went by my mom and she hugged me and my brother, Alex. She said, “Guys, yesterday when you heard me crying and yelling it was because of your dad. Someone killed him…” At that moment, I just started to cry.
I didn’t go to school for a week or more. I was surprised because I just transferred schools and the one I am at now sent me cards about how my dad was the best. I think everyone knew my dad because at school he coached most of the sports. That’s what he loved to do. My old school also sent me cards and I missed them, but I still talk to them now.
As I said earlier, my dad knew lots of people. When my family went to the funeral, I thought it was just going to be my family, but it wasn’t. All his friends were there and some other people I didn’t know, but I guess they knew me. The first day of the funeral we had to wear Cubs gear because my dad loved the Cubs. That day was the day of the wake. Everyone got to say goodbye. The next day, my family got to say our last goodbyes. That was the day we went to the St. Adalbert church and the entire church was filled. Some people had to stand outside and everything. When we went to the church, some people who were very special to my dad, plus my mom, held the casket and walked it down the aisle. When the mass was over and people tried to leave, it was like a maze. I saw some people that I haven’t seen in forever. We went back to the funeral home and buried him. It was very hot that day and everyone was wearing black. The people who worked there put the casket in the hole they dug. Everyone was touching the casket and crying. Everyone got to grab the dirt and put it over the casket. Some people put roses and things they loved on top of the casket, too.
I went back to school a few days later and I thought it was going to be horrible. I walked into class and everyone was just hugging me and saying sorry, and just tried to keep me happy. Later when we went to recess, I found out that they had planted a tree in the garden. There is a stone with my dad’s name by the tree. I was really happy to hear how much they cared about my dad.
When that happened, it didn’t really hit me that my dad had died. Now I understand, and when I try to talk about my dad, it hurts and I cry. On the day he died, his birthday, we sometimes go to see him at the cemetery. We bring food and baseball stuff because the park is across the street. We have so much fun, but at the end when it is time to say goodbye, I think of all the good memories I had with him.
No materials available for download.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
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 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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Iliana, 826CHI
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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 Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
bookmark
download
Share