Grade 4
PoetryWritingIman is a person of multiple likes! She’s a snowboarder, loves to draw, and is a DTI queen. If she made you an Eras Tour bracelet, it would have all the lyrics of “Castles Crumbling.” She needs you to know she really really really really really loves cats (if you didn’t know that, do you even really know her?)
Dear Taylor Swift,
I know you so well
words couldn’t tell.
Your sad songs make my heart drop
and your lyrics make my brain POP!
I almost went to the Eras Tour.
When I couldn’t go, my heart dropped to the floor.
I’d love to see you live,
but you, with your tour, you wouldn’t have time.
Taylor Swift was a great start,
Fearless has such heart,
Speak Now never made me down,
Red started your talent of your pop crown,
1989 started your pop wonderland,
Reputation proved you could make a rock band,
Lover was betrayal, even in denial,
Folklore was poetic, so beautiful,
Evermore was depressingly mournful,
Midnights makes me glad you made it,
TTPD is just so feminine-rage vibez.
Love,
Iman
UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions began in the fall of 2024, when librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invited young people across the country to write about their feelings, their way. Together, we shared writing prompts and activities for students in grades K–12 to explore the depth and complexity of their emotions through storytelling. No feeling was too big or too small. No genre was off-limits. Writing has long been a way for young people to make sense of the world, to capture what matters to them, and to imagine new possibilities. This anthology is a window into how young people are feeling right now. Joy, grief, rage, love—all of it belongs here and in this moment. We invite you to read these pages as they were written: with an open heart, brave and unbound.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
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 K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
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 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 Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
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.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
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 Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
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 Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
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 Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
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 Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
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.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
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 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 Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
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 Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
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 Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand 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.
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