Grades 8–10
Memoir, NarrativeCHRISTOPHER 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.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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 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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
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 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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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 Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
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 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 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 Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
A smile isn’t always what it seems.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Glimpse into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Djeneba, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 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 Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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