Grades 8–10
Memoir, NarrativeWritingCHRISTOPHER is sixteen years old. A few interesting things about him are that he wrestles, he likes to travel, and he likes to eat different foods. When he grows up, he wants to be an aerospace engineer.
BRYAN is a sophomore. He has a passion for cello. His favorite type of music is classical music: Shostakovich, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Chopin. He hates any sweet food or drinks. Bryan’s future career will be either a music teacher, astronomer, or astronaut. Bryan’s favorite hero is Iron Man. He has been a fan of Iron Man since he was six. If Bryan could have any power it would be super intelligence because with that power he could solve most of the world’s problems.
JAHIR is fifteen years old. He lives in and comes from Little Village. He loves anything on pizza except pineapple. He is not a morning person. He’s small but big in what he loves to do. He’s rude but can be so gentle when he has to. He was once boring, shy, and a very independent person. He would love to go on to play soccer and give his family a better life.
Dear Bryan and Christopher,
You may wonder why on earth I write so small. I would tell you the same thing I tell everybody: this is how I normally write. By the way: I am fourteen years old, I am a Hispanic kid, and I love playing. Food is my passion. I eat a lot. I take care of my siblings more than I take care of myself. Drawing is my other big passion. Cars are the number one thing that I love.
But enough of me and more about you, LOL. What do you like to do? How do you feel about doing this? Or, why do you think that we got partnered up? Do you love eating food? What kind of music do you listen to? Do you want to go to college? What do you want to be when you get older? I know what I want to be, probably an art teacher. Do you like racing cars? Do you have a car? I’m actually looking forward to meeting you. It looks like we have a lot in common, like we listen especially to the lyrics in songs. It seems like you guys are the type of people I would hang out and just have fun with.
Sincerely,
Jahir R.
~
Dear Jahir,
You sound like an interesting person. Christopher and I are in the tenth grade, we’re both in robotics club, and we like cars too. Christopher likes rap music and I like classical. What kind of music do you like? Christopher wants to be an aerospace engineer, and I want to be an astronomer or astronaut. Christopher and I are from Hispanic/Latino descent too. Christopher’s favorite food is empanadas, and my favorite food is sushi or any other Asian food. Christopher wants to be an aerospace engineer because he does rocketry competitions with the STEM Club and plans to work with bigger rockets. I would want to be an astronomer or astronaut because I want to discover and explore the final frontier .
Sincerely,
Christopher and Bryan
~
Dear Bryan and Christopher,
Well, hi once again! How’s STEM Club, Christopher? How are your competitions going? I forgot to ask you guys something last time: do you like dancing? Bryan, why are you interested in being an astronomer or astronaut? Do you guys play sports? I know I do. I play soccer and volleyball, but I play soccer a lot more. I have been playing since I was five years old.
Does either of you guys have a car? Or what kind of cars are you guys into? The best day of my life was when I started driving because I learned on a stick shift car. It was a Porsche. I’m usually more into foreign cars like the Scion FRS. They’re small cars, but I’m looking forward to getting into races. Do you guys work? Over my summer I did and that’s why I love cars.
I like some kinds of rap, but I’m more into bands. I don’t know what else to say, but right now my mind is blank. I literally don’t know anything this early in the morning.
A special place to me is my room because people think it’s messy, but it’s actually very organized to me. When you take a smell, you get a sense of vanilla. It’s very cold. It’s also very loud because I always have music on. Do you guys have a special place? What are you thinking about right now at this moment?
Sincerely,
Jahir R.
~
Dear Jahir,
It’s nice hearing from you again. I’m just going to start off by answering some of your questions. Robotics Club is actually going great. We haven’t done a lot of competitions, but in the ones that we have had, we placed very well. When it comes to sports, I have played a lot, but my favorite is wrestling.
Now that both of our questions are answered by each other, it would be cool to know something about you, like a story. I’ll start. I started wrestling when I was in sixth grade and I loved it, so I joined my school team the next year. I did pretty well, but during the state tournament I tore my ACL. It was literally like twenty minutes after I won that a kid—I’m not sure if it was on purpose—kicked my knee in. They took me to the hospital and there I was told that I had torn my ACL. It took a while to get back to my normal self after the surgeries, but it was okay because I still got to wrestle the next year. I had to wear some weird brace. It was pretty much a scary experience, but it really humbled me because it helped me figure out that everyone’s good time doesn’t last.
Now, I want to hear from you. I’m excited to see what you have to say.
Sincerely,
Chris
~
Dear Jahir,
I have gotten your letter and thought it was interesting. Now, I’m going to tell a story that is tragic.
It was March 2, 2010. It was a chilly and sunny day in Chicago. I had just come back from school. My sister was taking care of me and my little brother. I was very tired that day, so I sat down with him to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 on the PS3.
When it was dinner time, my sister called my brother and me to eat. After we were done eating, my older brother, Wally, always played cello with flair. The pieces my brother played were extremely rigorous, because it was really hard to get around the notes and dynamics to make it sound beautiful.
Me and my little brother were playing with toy soldiers when we started to notice a burning smell coming from the living room. We immediately told our older brother and sister. The source of the smell was coming from our heater. We quickly got water and poured it all over, but that did not work. Seconds later, the black, ominous smoke grew bigger and more intimidating, so we left our home and went to the backyard. It was a horrible feeling watching our home engulfed in flames.
When my godparents found out about the fire, they housed us for roughly a month while we were looked for a new home.
Sincerely,
Bryan
~
Dear Bryan and Chris,
Hello! I’ve actually had the same experience as both of you!
Chris, getting surgery is not the best. I mean, for me having surgery was horrible because I wasn’t able to play soccer for almost five months. Also, I had these special nails in my body that held my thumb in place. It was very painful because it was during the winter, and the nails would get so cold that they would freeze my thumb.
Bryan, I’ve also lived your experience. My house burned too, but it wasn’t as bad as yours because I wasn’t home when my house burned. I was at my soccer game, but I found out about it an hour later. It was horrible, and the worst part was that, once I got home, I wasn’t able to save any of my belongings. We all lost everything we had. I’m doing better now though, and it doesn’t get to me as much as it used to.
I think it was pretty brave for both of you to share your memories with me. Thank you for sharing.
Sincerely,
Jahir R.
~
Dear Jahir,
I love when I get your letters. It really does make my day because you help me understand that there is someone out there who actually understands what I went through. It sucks that this might be the last letter we send each other. I am really going to miss your stories, but I guess I can leave you with one more.
Last year, which was my freshman year, I tried to wrestle again. I didn’t really do that well. I lost every single match. I pretty much lost all hope for myself when it came to wrestling, but I didn’t completely give up because of my coach. He told me to stay and gave me advice on how to fix what I was doing wrong.
For that whole week I practiced harder than ever and finally won my first match. I had nineteen losses and one win. That win encouraged me to try harder, and my sophomore year I ended up winning seventeen times and only had four losses. The reason I told you this story is because you are going to high school. I don’t want you to give up on whatever you do. Just do what what you like and keep going.
Sincerely,
Chris
P.S. BTW that is a nice elephant.
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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.
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by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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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 Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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A poem about spring!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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 Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
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A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
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This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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.
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by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 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.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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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