Grade 5
PoetryWritingI love to dance.
I love to feel like I’m
shining, because I know I’m awesome.
When I dance, I always feel awesome.
When I got a first place in the jig
last fall, on that memorable day
in Muskegon, Michigan, I think I was floating
through the cute little ice cream shop, in that
cute little town. It was wonderful to be there
although I knew we had to leave.
I remember sitting on our porch in the lovely fall day.
Twelve hours ago, we were driving in the dead of night.
Now, we’re sitting on our porch.
Well, not our porch. We don’t have a porch.
We just have a stoop and a patio in the back.
I touched my lips, which were still sticky and glossy
from the lip gloss that tasted like Cherry Coke.
It was clear. Not pink or red. It wasn’t blue.
Blue lip gloss is weird. I swore to myself once,
sitting at my desk, that I would never use it again.
That was back in first grade.
In first grade, we studied China.
That was when I wanted to wear blue lip gloss.
That feeling lasted for two minutes.
As in, all the time, before I put it on.
I was looking out at our quiet street,
still sitting on our not-porch, I saw cars, I saw people.
Not very many people.
If we lived in NYC or LA, we would see people.
But that has to wait until I’m a pop star.
Sitting there, I saw a person that reminded me
of an elephant–big, gray. Something about him said,
Don’t mess with me. I’m a big elephant.
I smiled and looked at our yard.
As I took it in, I noticed birds and flowers.
It made me happy, and it meant that spring was still here.
At least for a while. Even September has its warm days.
I thought back. If it seemed long ago that I was smiling,
holding a gold first place medal, it seemed even longer
when I thought about yesterday. I remember the prospect,
not quite in the back of my mind, of dancing the jig
while my friend said for the tenth time, pay attention!
Back on my porch, I am smiling with the glow
of the medal still in my eyes.
by Catherine Calabro, with inspiration from Rachel Feder, 826michigan
Your students will use free writes, writing games, cheesy pop lyrics, and revision strategies to learn how to make connections…
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A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
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A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
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This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
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This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
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A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
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An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
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This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
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A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
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In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
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A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
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A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
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A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
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This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
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A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
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A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
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A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
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 Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
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In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
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In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
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On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
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A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
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A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
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An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
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A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
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An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
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A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
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Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
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A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by K.M., 826DC
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A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Jeffrey, 826DC
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This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
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by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
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