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 Shayne Williams
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Willa Jones, Grade 8, Salt Lake City, UT
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This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
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An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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.
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
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An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
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A student’s manifesto!
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by David, 826CHI
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by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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A student searches for answers in their community.
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An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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A sports poem about the losing blues.
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Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
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by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
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A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
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A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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A poem about unrequited love.
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This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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