Faisa Yusuf is a sixth grader from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Faisa loves to read and eat spicy food. She also likes pastries with cinnamon. Her favorite subject at school is science. She finds space science very interesting. Faisa wants to be an ophthalmologist when she grows up.
Ava is a comfort fairy. She has long braided hair. She wears white-and-pink striped pants and small white shoes. She comforts me when I’m sad, scared, and nervous. She wears a short pink dress and two white bows on her braids. Ava has a bubbly personality. She has a really big sweet tooth and loves to play hide-and-seek. Ava has a habit of talking too fast and flapping her wings fast when she’s in panic mode. Ava lives in comfort everywhere on Earth. She can make anything float, fly, and read minds. Together, we like to read, draw, and play hide-and-seek.
I met Ava in kindergarten. She appeared with a giant cookie almost completely eaten during recess. She flew up to me and we had a long conversation. She then flew with me to class and we became friends. Ava’s favorite foods are pasta, lasagna, and all desserts and sweet things alike. Ava is fearless. She’d stay by my side no matter what until she couldn’t. And she would comfort me for hours. Ava wants me to be happy and calm. She also would love sweets, but I always come first. Only I can see Ava because she conceals herself with magic. Ava left me as I grew up to be another child’s comfort fairy.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With Paramount Pictures’ latest film IF as inspiration, children around the nation put pens to paper to bring their imaginary friends to life through writing. Together, 826 and Paramount Pictures published three books of youth writing inspired by the upcoming film, starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., Jon Stewart, Awkwafina, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Carell.
See the lesson that inspired the writing here. Learn more about the project here.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
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 Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games one night turned into a nightmare.
by Nicky, Grade 6, Salt Lake City, UT
The pen is mightier than the sword!
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
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 Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Chloe Moreno, Grade 6, 826 Valencia, San Francisco, CA
An ode to being unapologetically yourself!
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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 Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
A student describes their fuzzy imaginary friend.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Juliana Anderson, Grade 6, 826 MSP
This action-packed sci-fi story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
by Makeia "Mason" Davis, Age 11, 826NYC
Not the Bacon Egg and Cheese Monster! This character profile brings a beloved breakfast sandwich to life in terrifying ways.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
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 Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Jacob P., age 11, 826 LA
An iPad, a ghost, and an unexpected friendship.
by Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Khari Garris, New York, NY
A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Nicole Torres, age 12, 6th grade, 826 Valencia
Because sometimes you just need to tune out the world.
Antonella Yoryor, Grade 6, San Francisco, CA
Meet Felice, the storytelling fox with a voice like the moon.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Ella H., Grade 6, 826DC
Settle in as this young storyteller spins a tale about Shady Street, where cats can talk and broccoli casserole helps solve conflicts.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Mabel Murray-Rudegeair, Grade 6, Minneapolis, Minnesota
This personal essay shares about the joy that comes from dancing in the rain.
by Mady, 826 Valencia
A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.
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 Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by the Class of 640 at M.S. 88, 826NYC
This bilingual poem shares an excellent recipe for how to survive middle school.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
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 Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.

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