Grade 8
PoetryWritingIt’s okay If I’m not the one you wake up
to every morning
It’s okay if I’m not the girl you always dreamed of
But
I just hope that I’m the girl you think of about
20 years from now
When you’re staring at your coffee cup, disappointed.
Wishing that you didn’t put so much milk in, because
now it’s too creamy and light
To resemble the dark brown in my eyes
I just want to be the girl you think of,
about 20 years from now, too scared to touch
the letters of my name with your lips
Because love at its purest gives you a migraine
And when I go permanently,
I just hope that the air around you is
too thick to breathe
Because that’s exactly how I felt.
When I didn’t think I could survive without you
And when I couldn’t breathe because
I couldn’t survive without you, and that was your fault
When you sent me to drown in my own tears.
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by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
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 Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
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