Grades 7–8
PoetryWritingYvanna Bodiana is a 13 year old attending James Lick Middle School in San Francisco, California. Her piece “Bright Star” was first published in Cherished Like a Bright Star: A Collection of Writing by Young Authors, ages 8-19 from 826 Valencia’s Black Students Initiative. It inspired the title of the publication. You can purchase the collection from 826 Valencia here.
Freedom should be a man born free
It should be a world where we can dream, think, speak and act
without being judged
A world where we are no longer ashamed of being Black
No longer in fear of being Black
We should be able to walk the streets not in fear of the cops
The same cops that took an oath to serve and protect
No matter what, being Black is like a bright star in the face of
darkness
Nobody can take another’s freedom
It was given at birth
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Alonso, Grade 7, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving seventh grade, from a recent seventh grader in Boston.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
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 Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games one night turned into a nightmare.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
Willa Jones, Grade 8, Salt Lake City, UT
A young author explores a memory of stimming and captures the depth of their experience in a sparkling poem: "wishing I could shift into whatever form. / UNBOUND by what society expects. Free."
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jeremiah Borgella, Grade 7, 826NYC
This powerful poem is a reminder that being Black is a superpower.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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?
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
by Jiyu Kim, Grade 7, Union Middle School, San Jose, CA
This poem shares the beautiful things that can happen when doubt fades away.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Luis, 826LA
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.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by the Class of 640 at M.S. 88, 826NYC
This bilingual poem shares an excellent recipe for how to survive middle school.
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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