Grade 5
PoetryWritingKelsey likes to draw and play volleyball! In her free time she loves just having conversations with her friends.
My life is hard like solid rock
Tears are welling up
Very unfocused view
Gloomy mindset
Echoing ringing noise in my head
Massive cranky feelings
Important things on my mind
Anxious is homework
Feels like a disaster
Anxious is worried
Minds are full of purple-like stressed
Anxious looks like rainy days
UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions began in the fall of 2024, when librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invited young people across the country to write about their feelings, their way. Together, we shared writing prompts and activities for students in grades K–12 to explore the depth and complexity of their emotions through storytelling. No feeling was too big or too small. No genre was off-limits. Writing has long been a way for young people to make sense of the world, to capture what matters to them, and to imagine new possibilities. This anthology is a window into how young people are feeling right now. Joy, grief, rage, love—all of it belongs here and in this moment. We invite you to read these pages as they were written: with an open heart, brave and unbound.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
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 Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
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 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 Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
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 Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
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 Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
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.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
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 Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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 Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
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 Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
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 Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
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 Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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 Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
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.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
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