Grade 8
NarrativeWritingI was five years old when I heard my mom and dad mention a name. “Carlos.” I wondered who they were talking about.
***
Four years later, when I was nine years old, I had a conversation with my mom.
“Mom!” I screamed across my room.
“Que paso? What happened?” my mom replied back.
“Ven siéntate aquí al lado de mi en mi cama. Come sit next to me in my bed,” I said nicely.
“OK,” my mom replied.
“Quién es carlos? Who’s Carlos?” I asked curiously.
“Nadie importante. No one important,” my mom replied nervously.
“Mami yo no tengo otro hermano o hermana? Mom, do I have another brother or sister?” I asked curiously.
“Si, pero es una larga historia ya llegara ese dia que te lo diga. Yes, but it’s a long story, and one day I’ll tell you,”
my mom replied back, with tears running down her face.
“Mami, porque lloras? Estas bien? Mom, why are you crying? Are you OK? I asked, worried.
“Si estoy bien. No es nada. Si estoy bien. Yes, I’m OK. It’s nothing. I’m OK,” my mom said, wiping her tears. My mom walked out of my room and I was by myself. I lay back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I closed my eyes.
What could my mom be hiding from me?
***
A few months passed. I heard a phone ring.
Ring… Ring… Ring
“Hola. Hello,” I said.
“Hola, si me pasas a mi mama? Hello, could you pass me to my mom?” the person responded back.
Yo me quedé en shock no conteste por un minuto. Porque dijo a “mi mama”? I was in shock. Why did he say “mi mama”?
“Lo siento quien eres y porque dijistes ‘mi mama’? I’m sorry… who are you and why did you say ‘my mom’?” I said with curiosity.
“Si mi mama, me llamo Carlos yo vivo en Mexico, tu eres Natalie mi hermana? Yes, my mom. My name is Carlos. I live in Mexico. Are you Natalie, my sister?” he answered.
“Si, entonces tu eres Caros, por eso mi mama nunca me kiso decir nada ahora ya entiendo todo. Yes. So you’re Carlos. That’s why Mom wouldn’t tell me. I understand everything,” I replied.
“Si yo soy tu hermano Carlos, no está ahí mi mamá? Yes, I’m your brother Carlos. Is my mom there?” Carlos asked.
My mom heard our conversation. I turned around to see her crying. I told my mom, “Esta bien, te perdono porque ahora ya entiendo todo. Ok, I forgive you because now I understand everything,” I told my mom with tears of emotion.
“Gracias hija por entender porque no te dije todo este tiempo. Thank you, daughter, for understanding why I didn’t tell you all this time,” my mother answered happily.
Es una emoción saber que tengo un hermano. It is a thrill to know I have a brother.
***
Now, I am 14 years old and I talk with my brother more. I only know him by pictures, not in person. He’s 21 years old. He lives in Puebla, Mexico, and travels to Izucar Matamoros for school work. He’s graduating next year from university and is studying to be an architect.
One day, my mom was on the phone with him and I heard that he was coming either this year or next to stay for sixth months. When I heard that, I was so happy. My wish was coming true.
I can’t wait for that day to arrive and tell Carlos everything about me and ask him if he will help me with my homework. I would also like to teach him English since he only speaks Spanish.
No materials available for download.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s 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.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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 Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 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 Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
bookmark
download
Share