Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFiWritingJaceon Bee lives in New Orleans. He loves to play sports and he is good at writing. He wants to be an NFL player, and he really loves dogs.
There was a crawfish I met at the crawfish boil at the park. It literally jumped out of the bag, and I saved it. It didn’t die. That was the beginning of my friendship with my IF, simply named Crawfish. The next day, he was at my house watching me sleep. He wears a hard red juicy shell and is edible. He has a lot of good seasoning, too, but we don’t talk about that because of course I wouldn’t ever eat Crawfish.
My IF lives in the sea when he’s not with me. He crawls and swims to get around, and he doesn’t move very fast. He can talk, but only I can hear. He loves my friends and family, but I don’t think they can see him. He never leaves my side, and he’s always protecting me. He’s my hero. He loves to swim in butter and water. If he’s not super careful and gets too excited, he bites. He doesn’t mean it. Once he bit me, but he apologized. I forgave him. I guess it’s the crawfish way. Every now and then when it happens, I get pretty furious because it hurts a little, but usually he is really loving, and we are best friends.
Our only disagreement is that I still like to eat other crawfish from time to time. It’s just a part of the culture in New Orleans. It makes my IF sad, though. As much as I love my IF, I eat my crawfish anyway in private. I dip it right in butter.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With Paramount Pictures’ latest film IF as inspiration, children around the nation put pens to paper to bring their imaginary friends to life through writing. Together, 826 and Paramount Pictures published three books of youth writing inspired by the upcoming film, starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., Jon Stewart, Awkwafina, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Carell.
See the lesson that inspired the writing here. Learn more about the project here.
by 826 National, in partnership with Paramount Pictures
Imaginary friends come in all shapes and sizes! Inspired by the Paramount Pictures movie, IF, students will create their own…
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by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
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A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
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In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
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by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
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A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
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by Claire, 826CHI
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by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
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by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
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by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
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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 Winta, 826DC
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by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Quinn, 826CHI
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by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
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by Antoni L., 826DC
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by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
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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 Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
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Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
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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.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Kelsey F., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
This poem shares an honest look at a big feeling: anxiety
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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 Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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 Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Alexander C. Hernandez, Grade 4, 826 Valencia
A story about a dog who gets a second chance.
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.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
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.
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 Salimatou, Grade 5, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Gabriella Mcclellan, Grade 5, 826michigan
This sci-fi piece shows the importance of talking things out with friends.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
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