Grade 8
InformationalWritingAlex Nieto, a twenty-eight-year-old student at City College in Francisco, was murdered in Bernal Heights near his home on March 21, 2014 by four police officers.
According to an article in SFGate, the police officers responded to a distress call from a dog walker who believed Alex had a Taser gun. District Attorney George Gascon reported that the officers fired at least fifty-nine shots.
This shooting has stirred up quite an emotional and personal controversy because Alex’s friends and family felt that this was an instance of police brutality. Many people feel that Alex’s death was as devastating as the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore and others as the result of police brutality. According to a website put up by Alex’s friends and family, “A dog walker called 911 simply because he didn’t like the sight of this working class Latino man in Bernal Heights.”
Although the police involved were not charged with the murder, the family of Alex has filed a civil suit against the city. Many people don’t know that Alex was a member of the Everett community and knew one of our teachers, Ms. Bellinger.
Ms. Bellinger met Alex when he was working with her at Y.M.A.C. (Youth Making a Change). Ms. Bellinger was his adult mentor at the time.
Before Alex was killed, he worked with children. It was Ms. Bellinger who taught him to use his own voice to make change in San Francisco for young people, the poor, and working class students of color. Ms. Bellinger said that Alex Nieto is deeply missed. She will always remember him for his peaceful energy and warm smile. “He reminds us to keep doing the work,” Ms. Bellinger said.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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by Caroline, 826 Valencia
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by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
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by Victor, 826CHI
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by Xaria, 826 Valencia
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by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
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by Jeff, 826CHI
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by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
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by Shayne Williams
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by Diego, 826CHI
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by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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by Lesly, 826 Valencia
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by Jin, 826LA
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A student’s manifesto!
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Vivian, 826CHI
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by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
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by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
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by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Rafael, 826CHI
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by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 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 Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
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by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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.
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In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Natalie, 826CHI
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by Luke, 826 Valencia
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by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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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.
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This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
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