It is a Tuesday in the summer of 2097. I have just signed up for the vacation in the sky. Hopefully it is worth all of the money I paid. I don’t know what to expect because all they said was that I would need three pairs of clothes, including the one I would wear there. They all have to be the same: three white button-up shirts, three blue jeans, three pairs of socks, and black shoes of my choice.
One month later…
Today is the day. I am walking to where the bus is to pick us up when I see someone walking in the same direction as me. The only thing that is different about this man is that he has a lot more things than me. I ask him, “Why do you have so many of your belongings?” The man says, “I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, and I’m not just going to leave my whole life behind me.”
We walk up to the bus. It looks weird. The bus doors open. I ask the woman in the driver’s seat, “Is this the bus for the vacation in the sky?” She does not look at me but nods her head. We board the bus. I see a couple of people in the seats. There is one other man about six feet tall and two young girls sitting side-by-side. I am surprised that they are here alone. The lady in the driver’s seat didn’t seem to be bothered by it. I sit by the two little girls. I ask for their names. The first one sitting on the outside closest to me says, “I’m Lisa,” in a small, sweet voice.
The other child wraps her arms around her legs and squeals out, “Rachel.”
“Where are your parents?” I ask. They look away and don’t say anything. A few other people get on the bus and the doors close right before a man can board. She steps on the pedal and we begin to move. The man runs with the bus and bangs on the side loud enough so the driver can hear, but she doesn’t stop. We start moving very fast, so I buckle my seatbelt. The driver pulls a lever and I hear a loud grumble. Two large boards unfold from the sides of the bus.
To be continued…
No materials available for download.
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
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 John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.