Grade 8
NarrativeWritingWhat is my favorite holiday? My favorite holiday is Christmas. Christmas is the time when I can spend a lot of time with my family. Every Christmas, my mom asks me, “Can you help me on decorations?” It is also the best because I can go outside and go sledding. I remember one time I went sledding and I went super fast. I was about six years old. I couldn’t stop. I went onto a small pond. I was scared because the ice could’ve broken and I could have fallen in the cold water.
Christmas Eve is also the best day because my brother always comes and visits us and we have a snowball fight. I remember he came once and said, “I don’t want to play this time.” The next thing he did was put snow on my back. I said, “You better watch out, dude.” It was the best day ever because my mom had hot chocolate ready and it was so warm inside. Then we got to take a hot shower. We also got to watch TV with a cozy blanket. The next morning is the best, too, because that is when we get to open our presents. I remember once I got a PSP. It was fun at first, but today I don’t use it anymore. I think that was the best Christmas ever. When I got the gift, I told my mom, “Thanks, Mom,” and gave her a hug. After the presents we always make a huge dinner and invite friends over. We usually don’t finish the food, but that is okay because we eat the rest the next day.
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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 Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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 Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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