Valary K. is a sixth grade student at Sandburg Middle School and she hates working. Her favorite part about writing is the brainstorming part of it and her least favorite part is the writing or typing. Her favorite day is Saturday and she goes to church and then sleeps right after. She likes food a lot and especially African cuisine. She wants to be an anesthesiologist when she grows up to be an adult.
It was a beautiful afternoon, and we decided to go visit my aunt. I was exhausted on the road, and I eventually dozed off.
“Why is it taking so long? I said.
“I am so over this,” my brother also said.
The road we were on was very old, and nobody every really went there. My dad had previously used this road, at least that’s what he said. We got closer to a tunnel, and unfortunately our car broke down. My aunt’s place was close by, and the sun was getting lower and disappearing. We got out and went in toward the tunnel.
It was unusually cold in the tunnel, and there was water everywhere on the ground. Suddenly I felt uneasy. My head started to spin and my whole body was covered in goosebumps and chills. I was scared. I looked down and saw little creatures that looked like mice. They were very tiny, with sharp teeth and fur covered bodies. The wind blew and the little creatures were no more. I had many questions but no answers to them, and that made me more anxious and scared. In a very short time, I found myself standing in an unknown place. There I was, standing in the middle of a room. The room had a stench, a rotten smell. I knew that someone or something was surely out to get me.
From 826 MSP’s original publication, More Than One Voice.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
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 Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
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 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 Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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 Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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 Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
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 Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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 Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
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 Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
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 Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.