Grade 5
PoetryWritingBefore I knew how to explore,
I used to be trapped.
Before I knew to love,
I used to hate.
Unfinding in life what there is to appreciate.
It seems hard now.
Unfinding what is here.
When I lived in constant fear.
Before I learned to steer.
I used to hide
What was on the inside.
Now I explore. Now I love.
But that old me will never be lost.
That cold winter will never defrost.
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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
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 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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
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 Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
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 Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
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 Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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 Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
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 Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
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 Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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 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 Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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 Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
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 Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
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.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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