Grade 6
WritingAngelina grew up in the Tenderloin in San Francisco. She likes how everyone in the Tenderloin is unique and has an interesting backstory. She values her family and friends the most. She is a big fan of reading books and listening to music. Her goal for the future is to become a doctor so she can help people in need. She also wants to volunteer and donate to animal shelters. She plans on having a dog in the future. Angelina loves adventures and she wants to one day travel the world with someone. She hopes that in the future everyone is equal and violence is rare.
I live in a doorway* between being Vietnamese and American.
At home, I speak Vietnamese, but at school, I speak English.
My parents say to always know where I’m from,
or else my culture will be lost.
Most of my friends aren’t Vietnamese,
so we speak in English.
Being American is like delicious vanilla ice cream,
but being Vietnamese is like creamy Oreo ice cream,
both things I love very much.
In Vietnam, the hot, blazing sun shines down on me.
In America, it mostly is cold where I am.
“Never forget who you are,” my mom says.
My dad says, “Your culture shows who you are. Don’t hide it.”
The comfort of being Vietnamese and American makes me feel special.
*Line inspired by the poem “Sonrisas” by Pat Mora
by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
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 Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
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 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 Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
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 Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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