Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingLilliana Maria (L.M.) is 11 years old and lives in Chicago. Lilliana likes to dance to her favorite band XO-IQ and is really good at writing fictional stories. She wishes to be president of the world! If she could have any superpower, it would be ice powers, flying, shooting fireballs out of her hands, and laser fingers. When Lilliana grows up, she wants to be President of the World or The Best Movie Director for Awesome Fantasy ADVENTURES!
We open our a story on the night before Halloween, in a cemetery in New York City where there was once a ghost named Annabeth. Annabeth had long, dark brown hair and wore an ankle-length white sleeping gown that went down to her toes. Annabeth was planning on leaving her grave on Halloween night, because that is the only time she could leave. Her plan was to find a house where there were children trick-or-treating. And once she found her victim, she would take him to be her “forever friend.”
When midnight struck, she went to all of the different ghosts to brag about her plan. Every year, the ghosts have parties to celebrate their freedom. Ghosts were listening to a song called “We’re Free.” They were doing the monster shuffle, eating chicken, ribs, deer, and more meat, and drinking ectoplasm. But really Annabeth didn’t celebrate, mostly because she was excited, and because she wanted to get some sleep to save her energy for later. All the ghosts were bugging her about joining, so she stood to eat and then went to back sleep.
The rest of the ghosts were watching “funny movies,” but funny movies for them were horror movies. Three o’clock in the morning came, and Annabeth woke up because the ghosts were laughing so loud. In the movie, a woman went into her closet because she was woken up by a loud thud noise. When she opened the closet doors, a horrible monster snatched her into another dimension. The ghosts found that very funny. Annabeth didn’t like watching horror movies. Usually, Annabeth read some books when she was bored. When she could go out of the cemetery, she wanted to get a tablet like a Kindle Fire to read more books. Her superpower was to read five books in one day. She could also make cartoons come to life.
The ghosts finished their movie at 3:45 a.m., and they all decided to PARTY! Annabeth made The Amazing World of Darwin come to life, because the ghosts begged her so they could party with the cartoons.
At 4:30 a.m., they all crashed out: ghosts on tables, in trees, and on the floor with chicken bones coming out of their mouths, sleeping.
When they were sleeping, Annabeth left the cemetery. She was not allowed, but what did she care? She was already dead. So she went to the park. She thought about why she couldn’t make friends easily. So she decided to change herself—not her look, but her image.
When she came back to the cemetery, the ghosts were screaming and saying, “No NOOOOOO!” They were running and flying around like they’d seen a death-eating ghost.
Annabeth said, “What’s wrong?” They did see a death-eating ghost. Mael-Paexinus was his nickname. Every 50 years Mael-Paexinus would awaken and he would be super duper hungry.
His power was fire, and he was ENORMOUS! He would steal ghosts to store in a dark pit. Annabeth and the rest of the ghosts were flipping out. Mael-Paexinus was from the 1800s, and he had a brown hat, brown leather jacket, and dark black pants. He had long black hair to his shoulders and a scary, dirty face. So of course they were scared of him. But Annabeth left because she wasn’t going to let an old ghost get in the way of her big plans.
Annabeth went out of the cemetery and into the park. She met a girl named Kiana Nutty Nutty Pecan. Kiana had brown hair and wore it to the side in a ponytail.
When they saw each other, they introduced themselves and Annabeth sighed, “I have a hard time making friends.”
Kiana sniffled, “Me too. People think I’m weird because I read Captain Monsterpants even though it’s awesome!” That made them realize they weren’t so different.
Annabeth laughed, “That seems pretty cool.”
They talked for hours (OK, an hour), and became friends. Annabeth learned that you don’t need to take children to be your friends. You have to make your own friends. Annabeth didn’t know why Kiana was in the park at 4:30 a.m., and Kiana didn’t say.
So Annabeth asked, “Why are you in the park at 4:30 in the morning?”
Kiana said, “Me and my mom had a huge fight on what to eat for dinner, so I stomped all the way to my room, locked my bedroom door, thought about it, and ran away.”
At 5:00 a.m., Annabeth told Kiana about the death-eating ghost. They headed back to the cemetery where Mael-Paexinus was destroying everything.
Kiana said fearfully, “OK, bye!” but Annabeth grabbed her arm and pulled her back. They stepped up to Mael-Paexinus and she shouted, “Stop destroying everything!”
He replied, like a smarty pants, “What is it to you?”
Annabeth said, “This is my home. Why do you have to be so angry?”
Mael-Paexinus said, “Because I’m Mael-Paexinus!”
Annabeth grabbed Kiana’s hand. She said to Kiana, “The power of friendship can break him!”
Annabeth knew that Mael-Paexinus hated friendships. Many ghosts tried to stop him, but when they did Mael-Paexinus quickly got rid of them. Annabeth and Kiana grabbed each other’s hands, so did the rest of the ghosts, and they chanted, “FRIENDS FOREVER FRIENDS FOREVER FRIENDS FOREVER!” That broke him.
Mael-Paexinus screamed, “NNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!” and his eyes lit up, and so did his mouth. Mael-Paexinus quickly shattered into pieces like broken glass.
After that, the sun came up. Everyone was safe, and they cleaned up everything and stopped the fires. Annabeth told Kiana to go back home to her mom and apologize, and told her, “Next time dinner comes, you go buy Mickey Monald’s.”
When Kiana got back to her house, there were police cars everywhere. Kiana tapped on her mom’s shoulder. Kiana’s mom turned around, grabbed and hugged her, and started crying. So did Kiana. Kiana told her mom she met a ghost who had to go back to the cemetery. Of course, Kiana’s mom didn’t believe her, but she thought it was cute Kiana had imaginary friends, so she let her go back.
Annabeth never took another child again.
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This collection of zany, adventurous monster tales—penned by fourth and fifth grade students from Brentano Math & Science Academy in Chicago—invites you to walk within dark tunnels, through explosive science labs, and into strange forests to explore beastly worlds unknown. Each piece provokes, tantalizes, and surprises you... perhaps even makes you gasp—or shout—OMG! An 826CHI Young Authors' Book Project.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
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 Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Matthew, 826CHI
Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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 Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Levi, 826NYC
An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
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