Grades 9–10
PoetryWritingElizabeth W. was born in Thailand. She is fifteen years old. She likes to play tennis and listen to music. When she is older, she would love to travel the world.
A white dandelion in a field of flowers.
The pale glow that stands out
and without a doubt,
I’m different.
Take a look and you will see
I may stand out subtly.
My light skin and blonde hair
in a field of opposites.
Words carry in the breeze
and the dandelion is me.
The flower is fragile:
soft fibres easily flee.
Uncommon, uncertain,
a loneliness.
There aren’t many dandelions
in this field of flowers.
Make a wish to myself
to feel more content
and have acceptance
that I am different.
Fuzz flies away,
a rebirth of seeds.
Planted in the ground,
I will be free.
A new beginning, a realization.
Almost away from the fear of not fitting in.
An indication
that even though our roots may differ,
in the end, we are in the same soil.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Gabby Hamelton, Grade 9, Hamilton, IL
This author learns to find community, empowerment, and joy at school.
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 Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Athena Celine Caasi, Grade 9, 826NYC, Brooklyn, NY
This poet is a tapestry, woven from threads of courage and kindness.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
Yashawa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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 Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
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 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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 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 Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
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