Grades 8–10
Memoir, NarrativeWritingBRYANNA is fifteen years old, will turn sixteen in April, and lives in Chicago. She plays soccer and volleyball. She wants to go to cosmetology school after high school. Her best friend’s name is Sam. She’s also in this book. Bryanna loves school, but not the learning part. She has a heart tattoo on her right leg, as does her best friend. She loves meeting new people. Her favorite book is An Abundance of Katherines.
KAYLA is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives in Chicago. She enjoys lame Twitter memes like “What in Tarnation” and dancing in the mirror while listening to music. Kayla loves to read, especially Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. Kayla is lame and keeps a journal just to write random things and adds pieces of magazines to it. She enjoys family, friends, and flowers.
Dear Bryanna,
Hello! How are you?! I hope you’re happy and content with things. I see that you happen to enjoy reading, as you have 214 of your own books. I too have been reading since I was small—five years old. I used to read with my mom when I was small. It was really nice. Of course, my small collection of books does not compare to yours of 214, but I have some.
My favorite book is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. Have you ever heard of it? It’s really descriptive and magical, and I would recommend it. The book before Carry On is Fangirl, which is also pretty good. What’s your favorite book?
I also saw that you’re into anime. I am too! My favorite anime is Owari No Seraph, truly iconic. What is yours? I actually have gotten out of anime and transitioned into K-pop. I currently love BTS, a great group in my opinion. It’s a group of seven members. What kind of music are you into?
This is getting sort of long—I’m sorry. I hope you’re well and that your day is amazing! Hope to hear from you and learn some things.
Sincerely,
Kayla
~
Dear Kayla,
Hey! I was so happy to read your letter. To answer your question, I’ve seen Carry On at the store before, but I’ve never read it. I’ve seen Fangirl too. My favorite book is probably Diary of an Oxygen Thief. I love that we can relate over how much we love books.
I’m into a lot of different music, especially old school R&B, like Kanye, NWA, Dr. Dre, stuff like that. You should totally tell me more about your family, I’d love to know! I can start: I have a younger brother and sister. Sorry my letter is so short, but I really hope you are doing well. I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Bry
~
Dear Bryanna,
I enjoyed reading your letter. Thank you for taking the time to read mine and respond to it. While writing this, I am so happy about being able to get tickets to see BTS perform in Chicago! It makes me really happy knowing that I will be able to see them in person and not just through a screen. After seeing Bangton for so long, they begin to seem unreal and so distant. I happen to really love music, especially a song where you can really feel the beat and the rhythm. Music is always a go-to for me, it can make my mood go from zero to one hundred. I hold music very close to my heart.
Something else I hold close to my heart is my older sister Bianca. Bianca and I have a very close bond and relationship. She always comes to me when she has problems with her boyfriend and other things. We are very playful with each other and can always make each other laugh. She’s like my other half. Though we used to fight tons when we were smaller, we have bonded a bunch since then and have gotten much closer.
Who is someone you hold close to your heart? Have you ever had some wild times with your siblings? When I was smaller, I was mad at my sister for some reason. She had been sharpening pencils and so I took one from her and stabbed her with the pencil! Of course, I was small and didn’t know what the outcome would be, but that really happened! I love my sister to pieces and would never try to hurt her on purpose. Another time, my sister got mad and kicked me in my stomach. It shows how much we used to fight, but also how we’ve matured together. How is your relationship with your siblings? I hope your day goes well (when you receive this)!
Sincerely,
Kayla
~
Dear Kayla,
Hi! It’s great to hear back from you. I’m so excited for you about seeing BTS in person! Concerts are so much fun. I’ve only been to two my whole life sadly :(. But I’ve been trying to save my money to see The Weekend in concert on May 27. Your letter was so cute and I’m so glad you have such a good connection with your older sister. Those type of connections are the best. It’s like having your BFF live with you. I’m the oldest of three, my brother is eight and my sister is two. We’re all like super crazy close though, for being so far apart in age. And yes, pretty much every time I’m with them it’s pretty crazy because they’re so young and hyper!
For these letters, how about I tell you some things about myself and my life? Then when you write back, you can do the same and that way we get to know each other a little better. So, hmm, well, you already know I’m the oldest of three. I live with my dad. I play soccer, volleyball, and basketball. I LOVE Thai food even though I’m full Puerto Rican. I’m not sure what else. I guess I’m a pretty boring person after all.
I love school, though not the learning and being in class all day part. Seeing my friends and boyfriend, and not sitting in my house all day, is fun to me. High school is so fun—you’re going to love it! Freshman year was way more fun than this year so far. Freshman year, the classes are easy, you make new friends and just have a lot of fun. I made so many new friends and met my boyfriend last year. I hung out after school all the time, so I was barely home. One piece of advice about high school that I can truthfully give you is that your old elementary school friends may or may not stick around when you’re all in high school. Most likely, they will not. I had been BEST friends with a group of four girls since the first grade, but now that we’re at different schools, we don’t even text or talk anymore. But it’s okay. I met even better people who love me and won’t let distance get between us.
That’s basically it, kiddo. You lose some, you win some. Sorry I wrote so much. I felt like I owed you after your awesome letter, and since my last one was so short :(. I love ya, Kayla. Write back soon!
Bryanna
~
Hey Bryanna!
I hope you’ve been feeling well and that you’ve been able to enjoy yourself. About high school and the friend thing, I think I have one friend I can count on to keep in touch with me even after we’ve gone off to high school. Her name is Nicole and she means tons to me. She and I have been friends since second grade. Though the amount of time we’ve been friends might not matter to some people, it surely means something to me. She was the whole reason I even got tickets to see BTS in the first place! I’m so thankful to have her as a friend.
She is a precious angel. I once went over to her house and we just hung out on her roof listening to music. Things like that make me happy. Someone you can hang out with, just listening to music and having fun with, is someone you should never let go. I have never grown tired of her. Nicole and I have even had six whole GBs worth of text messages—I love Nicole! One time she and I were talking, and she said she would not allow us to drift apart. I love that I have someone who can even tell me that in the first place. Though I might sound young and naive to you, Bryanna, I believe we’ll stay in touch.
Middle school has been wild for me. In my English class (when 826CHI comes) I sit with my classmates named Jennifer, Inocente, and Daniel. They are all very fun to be around. Daniel is a good storyteller, occasionally making jokes between stories. He can make even the grumpiest of people laugh. Jennifer is generally quiet, but depending on who she’s around, she can become very loud and giggly. Inocente is very quiet, but he’s pretty funny if you listen close and ever catch one of his jokes. Together we all blend well and we love making each other laugh.
I also have another friend named Jen and I love her so much! Jen is very funny, but also very relaxing and refreshing. She’s very good with emotions and helping others. It’s amazing, like, how she is even REAL?! I am terrible at comforting people when they’re upset, so it is amazing to see someone like Jen as an actual, walking, breathing person who can do that.
All in all, I cherish all my friends very much and would love to keep in touch with them, but I obviously can’t expect so much from everyone, like you said. Whether we stay in touch or not, I know I will definitely not forget all the nice things they have done for me and I will cherish all the beautiful memories. I hope you yourself have great friends and memories that you can look back at and smile. I hope you have been enjoying yourself and that you like reading my letter.
I wish you all the best! Until next time, Bryanna.
Sincerely,
Kayla
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
Students will exchange letters with students from different classes or schools. By listening to others’ stories and sharing stories of…
826CHI and the students of the 2017 Young Authors Book Project present their new book, P.S. You Sound Like Someone I Can Trust. Within this compilation of letters between 8th graders at Emiliano Zapata Academy and 10th graders at Amundsen high school, 62 teens reflect on their identities, share their hopes and anxieties about the future, open up about loved ones’ deaths, and swap K-Pop and Netflix recommendations.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey
In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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 Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 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 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 Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 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 Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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