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…
Rachel G., Grade 5, 826NYC
A young writer teaches us the value of learning about different cultures.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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 Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
Miracle W., Age 9, 826DC
A speaker named Hershey paints their absurd and creative world.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
Christina L., Grade 4, 826 MSP
We are a reflection of the people we love and who love us.
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 Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
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 Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Kelsey F., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
This poem shares an honest look at a big feeling: anxiety
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
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 Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
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 Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Alexander C. Hernandez, Grade 4, 826 Valencia
A story about a dog who gets a second chance.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
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 Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Travis Cao, Age 8, 826 Valencia
This poem shows the importance of saying thank you to yourself!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
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 Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Chelsea, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student passes on their favorite tips for having fun and surviving fifth grade.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
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!
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Iman Abdullah, Grade 4, 826NYC
This joyful letter to everyone's favorite pop star sings! Are you "Ready For It?"
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
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 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 Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
Neveah H., Grade 5, 826NYC
Brooklyn is the place to be over the summer! A young writer reflects on how summertime cookouts bring family and community together.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
Day M., Grade 4, 826 MSP
An ode to a poet's love for their culture and family.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
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 Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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 Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
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 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 Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Gabriella Mcclellan, Grade 5, 826michigan
This sci-fi piece shows the importance of talking things out with friends.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
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