Grade 10
PoetryWritingI am not tan from the sun of my island,
But I have Bachata flowing through my blood.
They ask me, “Are you white?” ask me why
I have fair skin,
green eyes.
Being pale Latina means that
I am too dark
And not dark at all.
I am too Latina to be white and too white to be Latina.
But I am still told to put on more sunscreen at the beach.
Look at her long brown hair and skin
They think,
How exotic.
How beautiful.
But me, I am a white girl, a gringa, a pocha.
My skin doesn’t make me Latina enough.
I embrace my culture.
I speak its language,
Eat its food.
As far as I’m concerned I am just as Latina as she is.
No one can deny me of that.
Oh, and by the way,
No, I am not white.
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by Rebecca Darugar, 826NYC
Students examine relationships between art, poetry, politics, and current events, and reflect on personal experiences while writing social justice poetry.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
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In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
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Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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