Grade 8
NarrativeWritingI am from Pilsen. My school was in Pilsen and most of my friends lived there, too. At night it is not the safest place to be, but it is my home. The streets smell like gasoline. The taste of the air is okay, not a bad kind or a good kind. I touch the broken-down houses and buildings. In the morning, Pilsen is packed with people rushing to where they are needed. It is filled with cars and buses keeping up with their morning schedule. In the afternoon, the hardworking people go home to rest and get ready for the next day. At sundown, my cousins and I wander in the night, lurking. The neighborhood has an eerie feeling to it at night.
My cousins and I continue to wander, trying to find something to do. We decide to go somewhere we don’t usually go at night and that is downtown Chicago. We have an amazing time downtown and then decide to head back and rest for the next day.
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by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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by Shayne Williams
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by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
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by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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by Kiara, 826CHI
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by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
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by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
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by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
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by Caroline, 826 Valencia
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by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Marco, 826LA
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by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Natalie, 826CHI
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by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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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by Luke, 826 Valencia
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by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Calvin, 826michigan
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by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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 Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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 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 Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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.
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