Grades 5–12
2-3 Hours Total
Fantasy/SciFi, Narrative, Poetry
Videos
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Inside all of us lives a story waiting to be told. 826 National’s anthology project invites students in grades 5—12 to explore the stories they carry, as well as the limitlessness of their imaginations, by writing and submitting science fiction and superhero tales for a chance to become published authors!
The session is designed to offer you and your students multiple entry points to explore science fiction, a genre that encourages writers to view the world not as it is, but how it could and should be. It includes four options for writing prompts that touch on world-building, character development, speculative fiction, and poetry. Each prompt encourages students to think about superhero stories in a new way. They make space for students to dream new worlds, create characters that defy expectations, reimagine lived experiences with bold new outcomes, and reflect on what makes them uniquely powerful.
You can choose to teach one of the writing prompts, offer students a choice of prompts, or try all four prompts if time allows. See the Before You Begin section for recommendations for implementing the prompts with students.
Time: We recommend at least two to three hours total, depending on the prompt(s) students are responding to. Just like all 826 Digital lessons, you can break sessions into shorter blocks that best fit your classroom or program schedule.
For a full walkthrough of this lesson, please visit the Write Your Power with Tony Weaver, Jr. Facilitator Guide.
Each year, 826 National collaborates with an author or other creative leader to share a writing prompt and publishing opportunity with students across the country. For the 2025-26 school and program year, we’re thrilled to team up with Tony Weaver, Jr., acclaimed author of Weirdo. Together, we invite young people across the country in grades 5-12 to explore what’s possible through writing science fiction and superhero stories. When they finish, students are encouraged to submit their writing for a chance to be published in 826 National’s student anthology! All published authors will receive two copies of the publication, which will be released and distributed in June 2026.
Tony Weaver, Jr. is an award-winning writer and educator who creates diverse stories that make young people feel seen and valued. After seeing the impact that media stereotypes had on students in his community, Tony embarked on a journey to create new media narratives that would challenge the status quo. He is the author of Weirdo, a graphic novel for middle grades that celebrates self-acceptance and belonging.
Before you get started, familiarize yourself with the prompt options and activities listed in Choose Your Adventure: Writing Prompts below, or in STEP 3 of the Write Your Power with Tony Weaver, Jr. Facilitator Guide. We suggest identifying at least two prompts so students can choose one that interests them most. Depending on time, of course, you can plan for students to respond to just one of the prompts or to all the prompts—they work together in beautiful ways!
All lessons and student handouts are available in English and Spanish. You can find the Spanish translations in the “Materials” section on each lesson page (see Choose Your Adventure: Writing Prompts below).
Facilitator Note:
Students naturally gravitate toward different genres—some are inspired by real-life reflections, while others thrive in wildly imaginative new worlds. That’s why we have provided a variety of prompts, each with different brainstorming activities and entry points. We recommend reviewing them all and, if possible, selecting at least two that are a good fit for you and your students. Whenever possible, build in choice so students can pick the prompt(s) that ignite their creativity.
Some activities in these prompts encourage students to reflect on their identity, their power, and their place in the current world. When introducing the prompt(s), be mindful that students will exhibit a wide range of social and self-awareness. You know your students best—if you sense students are struggling with an activity or prompt, invite them to write about what they feel comfortable sharing and to take risks when they feel ready. All students should feel welcome to participate.
Visit the Write Your Power with Tony Weaver, Jr. Facilitator Guide to learn more about how 826 builds safe and brave spaces for students.
Click each title below to view the full prompt and handouts.
We believe revision is the heart of the writing process. In each writing prompt, you’ll find revision strategies that help students build specific skills, reflect on their purpose for writing, and showcase their best work. No matter which writing prompt(s) you choose, we recommend dedicating at least thirty minutes, or an extra session, for students to revise and edit their work.
The revision strategies included for each prompt are designed to be adaptable, so you can integrate them into revision structures you may already have in place. If students are gathering for the first time, we encourage you to offer students opportunities to get feedback on their draft in pairs or small groups. These revision strategies can also be used independently, for students to revise their own draft if needed.
If students are submitting their writing to 826 National’s anthology, you might share with students that hundreds of pieces will be submitted for consideration, and revised, edited pieces are more likely to be selected during the review process. Focusing on revision will make their piece shine and help their chances to get their writing published in a real, professionally bound book!
For more ideas on how to approach revision, see 826 Digital’s Guide to Revision.
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Award-winning documentarian and journalist, Soledad O'Brien, shares why she loves her job and how she builds credibility in the field through thorough research.
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by Robin Reid Drake, 826CHI
826CHI Teaching Artist, Robin Reid Drake, shares an original writing prompt that encourages students to borrow lines from their favorite pieces of writing and then remix them into something new.
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In this lesson, you will use journal entries as inspiration for a dynamic narrative poem.
by 826 National
Revision is the process of making substantial changes in your writing. In this lesson, you will use revision strategies to strengthen a current piece of writing you’re working on.
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In this lesson, you will find the funny in your everyday life experiences and depict those moments in a cartoon.
by 826 National, featuring Milo Wu, Grade 2, New York
In this lesson, you will introduce an animal you know a lot about as the narrator of a story. The narrator will provide descriptive details ask the reader "Guess who?" at the end.
by Amy Dupcak, 826NYC
Writer and teaching artist with 826NYC, Amy Dupcak, shares a memoir writing prompt that helps students use specific sensory language to describe a place they love.
by Molly Sprayregen, 826CHI
Writer and 826michigan staffer Denise Ervin writes alongside students to show what feelings sound like.
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In this lesson, you will learn about Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis’s life, an idea she calls “fierce-love,” and the importance of learning to love yourself.
by 826 National
Writer and 826michigan staffer, Eli Sparkman, shares stories about some of his favorite personal objects and encourages students to write down their own.
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In this lesson, you will learn a strategy for writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly.
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Imagine your life in five to ten years: What does it look like? In this lesson, you will have the chance to plan, reflect, and take steps towards achieving your goals.
by Javier Zamora, 826 Valenica alumni and New York Times bestselling author
Author Javier Zamora invites you to raise your voice and write to the next President of the United States.
by 826 National, featuring Samuel Wang, Grade 12, 826NYC
From the 826 National original publication, UNBOUND, this poem uses imagery to explore the roots of a good story and asks you to write about a vivid memory of your own.
by 826 National, featuring Nayeli Karunasekara, Grade 6, Michigan
Through reading a Mentor Text, students learn more about the types of point of view and how different points of view impact their writing.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a simple scrapbook that showcases the facts, definitions, and details you’ve learned about a few of the items you found in a scavenger hunt.
by 826 National
Writers are guided by their personal and artistic values as they work to achieve their goals. But what are those values built on? In this lesson, you will discover that for yourself.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Like any muscle, creativity can be strengthened and developed over time. In this lesson, you will carve out time for your own creative practice and reflect on the process along the way.
by 826 National
Misinformation Specialist with Google Nidhi Hebbar shares how you can use writing to inspire change and bring people into conversations about the issues you care about.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Stories are the strands that connect us. In this lesson, you will connect with a friend or a family member, write about a memory you share, and maybe even learn something new!
by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
Journalist and 826 MSP staffer, Cristeta Boarini, shares a poetry prompt that walks students through using shapes to convey meaning.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Stories can bridge our past to our future—but only if we build them. In this lesson, you will reflect on a story from your personal history that you think others could learn from.
by 826 National, featuring Alistar Bedell, Grade 11, CA
In this lesson, you will practice analyzing different types of a narrative technique called irony. Then, you will write your own scene that uses irony to develop an imaginary experience or character.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Activism and art are personal—they are fueled by your perspective of the world. In this lesson, you will write a poem or a narrative that shares your deep connection to an important topic or issue.
by 826 National
Radiologist Matthew Bucknor shares while it's important for students studying STEM fields "not to sleep on the Humanities."
by 826 National, featuring Naomi Ku, Grade 6, 826LA
What is the story of your favorite food? In this lesson, you will use descriptive details and sensory words to write a narrative that shares more about your favorite food.
by Sean Prentiss
Essayist, poet, and National Outdoor Book Award winner Sean Prentiss shares 5 techniques to use when writing scenes.
by 826 National
Television writer and showrunner Tim McKeon shares how you can study your favorite TV show to learn about screenwriting.
by Daniel Handler
Author Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, shows there are no limits to imagination with this interviewing activity.
by Amanda Dettmann, 826NYC
Poet and teaching artist with 826NYC, Amanda Dettmann, shares a simple and fun writing prompt that asks the question, "How Did You Get There?"
by 826 National, featuring Adri. S. Cordoba, Grade 10, Woodburn High School
From the 826 National original publication, UNBOUND, this poem celebrates the writer's connection to the natural world and asks you to write about the little things you appreciate.
by 826 National, featuring Priyanna Kumar Singhania, Grade 8
In this lesson, you will write down a story that’s been passed down to you, using precise words and phrases and sensory language, to convey a vivid picture of the event.
by 826 National
Author and illustrator Lisa Brown reads "Owl Girl. In this lesson, you will write a superhero story that introduces your character and establishes the context for your reader.
by Sean Prentiss
Essayist, poet, and National Outdoor Book Award winner Sean Prentiss shares his favorite way to develop the setting of a story or essay as a fully formed character.
by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey
In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.
by Lila Coffey, Grade 10, MA
Lila Coffey addresses her fears for women and children, in her poem addressed to the next President of the United States. Viewer disecretion is advised.
by Mayra Cuevas
Have you ever read a book that you couldn’t put down because you needed to find out what happened? In this lesson, you will learn how to draw your reader in with a dramatic question.
by Mayra Cuevas
Fictional stories can be enriched by concrete details from your own personal experiences. In this lesson, you will write a story that is inspired by the things and the people that you love.
by Emily Harding
Author and TV producer, Emily Harding shows side characters some love in this writing prompt.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Songwriters are powerful storytellers. Their lyrics can connect us, uplift us, and even heal us. In this lesson, you’ll identify a story of your own and turn it into original song lyrics.
by Jason Reynolds
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and NYT Bestselling Author, Jason Reynolds, joined 826 students for a conversation on his video project, "For Every One."
by 826 National, featuring Boo Gyves, Grade 11, 826 Valencia
From the 826 National original publication, UNBOUND, this list poem is a reminder of all the small things in life that can make us happy and prompts you to make a list of your own.
by Mayra Cuevas
Imagine a spaceship lands in your school courtyard: what happens next? In this lesson, you will use a simple strategy to develop events of a narrative in a natural, logical, and exciting way.
by Charlotte Yeung
Midwest Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, Charlotte Yeung, shares one of her favorite brainstorming strategies for creating a new piece.
by 826 National and Life Stories
In this lesson, you will hear about the life and art of Reginald Dwayne Betts and write a poem that captures a meaningful moment from your everyday life.
by 826 National and Life Stories
In this activity, you will explore your values and the lived experiences that have shaped them, and then write a poem that shares your vision for the future.
by 826 National
Author Tom Perrotta reads "Peter, Who Went on the Best Adventure Ever." In this lesson, you will learn about 3 shapes that will help the events of your story unfold naturally.
by 826 National, featuring Eloise Combs, Grade 3, Michigan
Not all poems have to rhyme, but when they do, they generally use “rhyme scheme.” In this lesson, students will write a poem with a unique sound and rhyme scheme.
by 826 National, featuring Isabella Baldisseri, Grade 10, OR
Isabella Baldisseri reads her original piece of writing—a letter to the next President of the United States—addresssing her concerns about Palestine. Viewer discretion is advised.
by 826 National and Life Stories
From skateboarding to fashion, we all have a deep love for something. Choose a hobby or skill that you’re passionate about and then tell the story of how you grew to love it.
by Austin Bunn
Fiction writer, playwright, and screenwriter Austin Bunn shares a writing prompt that will get you noticing--and reimagining--the objects you see everyday.
by 826 National
Author Carter Higgins reads "Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar," a piece written by fifth-grader Uma (826NYC).
by 826 National and Life Stories
Who or what has shaped your creativity? In this lesson, you will reflect on the creative influences in your life and create a short piece inspired by one of those influences.
by Sarah Richman, 826DC
Writer and staffer at 826DC, Sarah Richman, shares an original writing prompt that will help you get acquainted with your new characters.
by 826 National, featuring Iman Abdullah, Grade 2, 826NYC
Have you ever thought about what you have in common with an animal? In this lesson, students will write a comparison poem that explores these similarities and differences.
by Mychal Threets, librarian and literacy ambassador
Librarian, literacy ambassador, and new host of Reading Rainbow Mychal Threets invites you to write about your feelings, your way with four writing prompts to explore your emotions on the page.
by 826 National
Television writer and showrunner Tim McKeon shares how he became a scriptwriter and the valuable skills you'll need if you'd like to become one too.
by 826 National
Nicole Dungca, Investigative Reporter at The Washington Post and President of the Asian American Journalists Association, shares strategies for asking key questions.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will create a character and show how a character would respond in a specific situation by writing dialogue, resulting in a silly scene.
by 826 National, featuring Jiyu Kim, Grade 7, CA
From the 826 National original publication, UNBOUND, this poem shares what can happen when doubt fades away and asks you to write about a time when you felt like you didn't belong.
by Kinyel Friday, 826michigan
Children's book author, and 826michigan staff member, Kinyel Friday shares a social emotional learning prompt that uses personification to bring emotions to life.
by Mac Barnett
Mac Barnett, a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children, illustrates how to end a story...or not.
by 826 National and Life Stories
Have some fun and break the rules—the writing rules, that is. In this lesson, you will examine genre conventions and create a piece of writing that breaks or blends rules, making it uniquely your own.
by 826 National
Law student Brenda Quintanilla shares how writing is a vital tool to use when advocating for your community.
by Amanda Gorman
Presidential Inaugural Poet, activist, and bestselling author Amanda Gorman shares one of her favorite techniques for starting a poem or getting over writers' block.
by 826 National, featuring Kaiden Griggs, Grade 6
In this lesson, students will identify the main idea and supporting details of an informational text and summarize this idea objectively.
by Jason Reynolds
Part letter, part long-form poem, "For Every One" offers reflections and courageous words about unraveling and rebuilding one's dreams.
by 826 National and Life Stories
How do the names we carry affect our identity? In this lesson, you will explore the names you carry and the impact they have on your self-image.
by 826 National
In this lesson, you will build your confidence as a writer by battling the page on a consistent basis.
by 826 National
Senior Business Development Manager Erin Polgreen shares more about the ways she sees LinkedIn users engaging with writing on the platform.
by 826 National and Life Stories
You will write a “soundscape” poem filled with familiar sounds of your neighborhood or home.
by 826 National, featuring Soeun Lee, Grade 8, NJ
In this lesson, you will create poems that look completely different from poems you have written before!
by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
Journalist and 826 MSP staffer, Cristeta Boarini, shares a poetry prompt that walks students through using shapes to convey meaning.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
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