One day, on the far, far planet of Superhero Land, there lived a man by the name Ivan Lane. He was the richest man on the planet. He was so rich he bought two mansions. He had a wife and three kids. His wife’s name was Kim. His kids were Jeffie, Kevon, and Kayla. Jeffie was twelve. Kevon was thirteen. Kayla was eighteen.
Ivan was a regular human in Superhero Land. He went to work with his lab partner Manny. Manny and Ivan were the two best scientists. If something was wrong, people called on those two. Ivan was working on a new skywalker, which was a superfast green scooter. He was hoping to ride it home, but before he could reach the wheels, he was bitten by a shrinking cheetah. The shrinking part was a lab experiment gone wrong. He was screaming in pain but then he notice the pain disappeared. He was running around the lab trying to catch the cheetah and started to feel strange. He noticed he ran faster than the cheetah. He thought he was a pro-speeder. He felt that he could save the world as a superhero with his super-speed and super-healing powers. Just then he had an idea to make his own suit. He named himself Fast Lane – the fastest person in Superhero Land.
Fast lane was so fast he met his worst enemy, Slider Headfrog, who used to be the fastest superhero. Slider could outrun any person in one second. His family is fast like him. Slider was rampaging the city with his family – Sparkly, Jane, Cathy, and Logan. Fast Late found slider Headfrog and his frame. Fast Lane found Slider Headfrog and his family.
Fast Lane ran at top speed around Slider, making a whirl of wind. Slider then passed out because he was dizzy from watching Fast Lane run around and the wind knocked him over. Slider went to the Superhero hospital and paid the bill for rampaging the city.
Later that evening on Channel 15, Kim and Ivan were watching the news. They show an interview with Fast Lane from early in the day. Kim recognizes Fast Lane’s voice and thinks “That can’t be Ivan. Our family doesn’t have superpowers.”
Then there was a knock at the door. Manny was there. He asked, “Ivan, you want to do another experiment?”
Ivan replied, “No, I have had enough experiments for one day.”
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by Rebecca Darugar, 826NYC
In this project, alternate universes, crazy scenarios, and compelling characters abound as students take ownership of the science fiction genre…
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Noel, 826 Valencia
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.)
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Matthew, 826CHI
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!
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
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.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Johny, 826 LA
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.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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 Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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 Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
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!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Levi, 826NYC
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.