Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingMarie is 10 years old and lives in Chicago. Marie likes to play with her Barbies and is really good at playing with her American Girl doll. She wishes she had all the Shopkins. If she could have any superpower, it would be to fly and appear anywhere. When Marie grows up, she wants to be famous for being best actress.
First, I have to take you back a long time to about six years ago, when Chesley was just a normal monkey exploring the forest. Now, he is a 56-year-old monster.
One day, out of nowhere, a monster called the Master appeared. It looked like a mini-person with a pointed nose and ears, and pimples on its face. Its clothes were made of leaves and it had boogers coming out of its nose. The Master started to chase Chesley around the forest, and Chesley ran away because he was scared. When the Master pulled the monkey’s arm, some snot got on the monkey. The next thing you know, the monkey turned into a monster—a really weird one. Chesley became short, with ears that looked like pineapple slices. His nose and hands were pointed and his fingers were smooth and pointed, like someone had shaved the tips off of celery stalks. He had one green eye.
Chesley lived in a very dark forest where trees do not grow, inside a cave the Master had taken over. There was snow and bugs everywhere. In the cave, there were rooms for the crazy monsters, the sloppy monsters, and the scary monsters. All of the monsters were animals that had been turned into monsters.
The Master was the only creature on Earth who was born a monster. When he started to grow, he had powers, and snot coming out his nose. His snot went through the animals’ fur and into their skin, like an infection. But instead of infecting the animals, it turned them into monsters.
Humans didn’t know that these monsters existed, but they might destroy the monsters while they are out hunting. The Master threatened to release the monsters back into the forest if they didn’t listen to him, but he really couldn’t do anything. If the monsters got caught by humans, they could just tell them that the Master was making monsters.
One night, Chesley snuck out of the cave and met another monster, who told him that the Master’s threats weren’t actually true. Chesley started to disobey the Master’s orders, and the Master threw him out of the kingdom, just like he had threatened. What the Master didn’t know was what would happen when the other wild animals found Chesley.
Chesley told the animals of the forest about his past and the monkey he used to be, and that he just wanted to be a normal monkey again. They remembered him from before and believed him. They had been wondering where the missing animals went, trying to find out who had been taking them. They planned a war against the Master.
The queen of the forest, who was a peacock, was sleeping, so the animals woke her up. While she got ready to use her powers, her butlers talked to each other.
“What do you think would have happened if we hadn’t told the queen?” Maria asked.
“There would be no more animals because, eventually, the Master would infect all of them,” said Jonathan.
Jonathan’s twin brother, Jason, started laughing. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Yes, it will,” said Jonathan.
“No, it won’t.”
“Yes, it will.“
“Hey, hey. You guys need to stop,” said Maria. “Can’t you see the queen is trying to work?”
“Stop!” screamed the queen. “I can’t concentrate with you two yelling and fighting. I need to do this spell.”
Chesley felt weird. He said, “Ow.”
“Shut up,” said the queen. “Don’t you want to be how you were?”
The queen used her powers to turn Chesley back into a monkey!
Chesley took the animals to the Master’s secret cave and all the animals came with their claws out. They went in and chased the monsters. In the middle of the attack, the Master said, “Hurry up, Chesley, we need to destroy these animals.” But then, he turned around and saw that Chesley was a monkey again.
“Chesley? Is that you?”
“Yup,” said Chesley.
During the fight, one of the cheetahs scratched a monster’s pimple and infected green stuff oozed out fast. So much came out that it overflowed the cave. The animals tried to walk through it but it was like swimming instead.
When the Master came out and used his powers to shake the place, all the infected stuff slid out. The monsters were fine, but they had nowhere to live because the cave was gone.
After that, the monsters stayed away from the animals. If they went to war again, the same thing would happen but they wouldn’t be saved—what the Master did could only happen once. That was how his powers worked.
The animals went home happy and safe, and the monsters did not bother them again. Chesley stayed a monkey, and because of what he did, he was made king.
This collection of zany, adventurous monster tales—penned by fourth and fifth grade students from Brentano Math & Science Academy in Chicago—invites you to walk within dark tunnels, through explosive science labs, and into strange forests to explore beastly worlds unknown. Each piece provokes, tantalizes, and surprises you... perhaps even makes you gasp—or shout—OMG! An 826CHI Young Authors' Book Project.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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 Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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 Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
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 Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
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 Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
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 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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
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 Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
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 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 Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
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 Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
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 Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
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 Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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 Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
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 Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
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 Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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