Grade 8
PoetryWritingJabari is that one guy you know, but don’t know. The mysterious guy who likes books and sports. He dreams to leave a positive impact on the world.
I want what I cannot get.
I want more than just to be able to live.
I want to become what I am not.
I want to have a purpose in life.
It’s like a thirst that can’t be quenched.
But then I remember.
Like water was splashed in my face.
I remember that I do have a purpose.
Remember that I have gifts that are beyond measure,
gifts that sing songs of happiness in my ear.
The type of happiness you get from unwrapping a present.
Remember that I am who I am.
A boy who dreams of a better world.
A boy who needs to find some more jokes to tell.
I remember that I have all of these things and more.
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by 826 National
by 826 National
A flexible, 4-week unit designed for students in grades 6-8 to "write their way" with authentic purpose. Includes a curriculum…
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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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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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A poem about spring!
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
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A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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.
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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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
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A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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A student’s manifesto!
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Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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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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Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
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An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
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This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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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?
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An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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A poem about unrequited love.
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.
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An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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