“So,” I ask Washington, “you enjoying your meal?”
“Yeah,” he answers, “this chicken with barbecue sauce tastes so delicious.”
Then I ask him, “How’s the American Revolution?”
That’s when he starts feeling low. I can tell he doesn’t like that question. Eating his chicken, he doesn’t look so happy anymore.
“Not so good,” he answers. “Paul Revere got captured right after his midnight ride and was taken to jail. He was wearing the American soldier uniform.”
“I also sent William Knox and his brother to get me some cannons from a small militia group at Fort Ticonderoga, but I haven’t heard anything from them. And I just lost a small army of men in Boston. It was a pretty bad defeat, but hey, I’m still here and that kind of cheers me up! Since you asked me that horrible question, the chicken hasn’t tasted so good,” he says.
“Sorry,” I responded, surprised. “I didn’t know you had so many worries. I’m just going to let you finish your meal …”
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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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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 Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
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 Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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 Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
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 Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
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 Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
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 Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
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 Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
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 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 Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
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.
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.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
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 Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
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 Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.