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.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Glimpse into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
A smile isn’t always what it seems.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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