Grade 5
MemoirWritingHave you ever had a cookout? Do you like BBQs? Well, here in Brooklyn, New York, you will find a lot of cookouts during the summer. It can be in the park or in your backyard. There are so many different foods that are cooked during a cookout, and there’s usually a lot of friends and family members there, as well as loud music.
I always look forward to a cookout with my family during summertime at my aunt’s house. There is so much love in one place and I love seeing family that I haven’t seen in a long time. The smell of hot dogs, burgers and chicken being cooked on a grill is an amazing smell and sometimes it stays on your clothes. My favorite food to eat at a cookout is hotdogs with ketchup. My mom and aunt are the cooks of the family and they always make macaroni and cheese, jerk chicken and a lot of other delicious dishes.
Having cookouts in the summer is important to our family because it brings out the love we have for one another and the culture of our beloved ones who used to have cookouts in the past.
We do the same thing all the time when we have cookouts. Sometimes we have votes on what to play or sing, and dance to old-time rap/hip hop music and other music. We do a lot of things every year and we have fun every year. What I see every time that we have cookouts is the huge lake and a lot of trees everywhere. There’s benches everywhere, too.
What me and my family do at cookouts is play Musical Chairs, and Steal the Bacon, and Put the Ring in the Hoop, and others. We eat a lot of food. My aunt gives us food every time and during parties and other things. Sometimes we add new things every summer, and contests, and I won one time. We do a lot of things every year.
My family does cookouts, but not always at the same place. We do it at places like a park with big-kid swings and little-kid swings, too. My cookouts are not only about having fun. We meet the people we haven’t seen in years or who just got born, or those we didn’t know and just met for the first time.
But cookouts are all not the same without the people we love that created them. My grandma, or great-great-great grandma, and grandpa started our family’s first cookout. It has grown for many years since the 1900s. The purpose of having a cookout is to party or have entertainment featuring the cooking and eating of a meal outdoors.
The first Cook Out location opened in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1989, over 50 locations opened in North Carolina before expanding out of the state. As of November, 2022, there were 326 locations operating in ten states. The company opened its first out-of-state store in Spartanburg, South Carolina on July 30, 2010.
There are some things that you can’t do at a black person’s cookout, like show up and not eat there, thinking that you’re too good to have their food. Don’t bring anything to the table because at cookouts they already have what you need. So, there’s no need to bring anything if you come to a cookout.
Why I love cookouts is because they’re fun, and your family comes together to celebrate. Cookouts can be used as a party for some-one really close to your family or a family member that passed away.
Another thing that you can’t do at a cookout is show up empty-handed, or bring uninvited guests. And don’t touch the food without washing your hands, and don’t gossip about anyone.
And the last thing is that you can bring a plate home with you, because we don’t know what to do with all the food that our family makes, so to make it go down, some of you have to bring some with you until there’s no food left.
And so, going to my aunt’s has become a tradition for my family. It is a place of love, laughter and fellowship.
***
This piece was originally published in 826NYC’s The 826NYC Review 2025.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Kelsey F., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
This poem shares an honest look at a big feeling: anxiety
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 Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
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 Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
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.
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 Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
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 Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Gabriella Mcclellan, Grade 5, 826michigan
This sci-fi piece shows the importance of talking things out with friends.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
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.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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 Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
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.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Chelsea, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student passes on their favorite tips for having fun and surviving fifth grade.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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 K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
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 Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
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 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 Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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 Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Travis Cao, Age 8, 826 Valencia
This poem shows the importance of saying thank you to yourself!
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 Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Salimatou, Grade 5, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
download
Share