Grades 8–9
PoetryWritingI watched on the screen as innocent Black people
are killed, so I wonder
Do we still have freedom?
The new life waiting to grow up
Ended
The mothers and fathers of a new generation
Ended
So I wonder
Do we still have freedom?
As my people hear the gun click as
The bullet
Is struck through the heart
So I wonder
Do we still have freedom?
But then I remember
The Leaders
The Freedom fighters
The Writers
The people who fought for freedom until our last
day alive
And then my Question
Does
Not
Remain
Anymore
***
This piece was originally published in 826CHI’s My Right Shoe.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
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This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
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Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by David, 826CHI
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by Alphonsine M., 826LA
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by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
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.
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Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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 Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
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 Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
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by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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