Grade 9
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingKalyn Jackson is a freshman at New Harmony High. She was born in New Orleans, but plans to move to California after high school to pursue her passion of acting. She is very extroverted and loves talking to new people.
The gates squeaked open and an artificial replica of my favorite foods from home were rapidly spewed into my nose. I could smell the beignets, the crawfish, and the pralines, but it just didn’t smell real. I didn’t even smell the gross smells, those were the smells that told you it was all real and not a fantasy. It smelled faked now. It didn’t smell like home anymore.
It’s been a year since we were forced out… since we’ve been to this place we used to call home. All the colors looked dull. It wasn’t as vibrant as it used to be. There were no more beautiful, elaborate parade floats anymore. No more friendly people yelling out things like, “Hey neighbor have a wonderful day!” or “You look amazing, baby! Strut your stuff!” Or even the occasional drunk man who wouldn’t leave you alone but they were still funny. The air was dry and not humid at all and it was cold outside. I didn’t feel the love and happiness I used to feel here. It didn’t feel or look like home anymore.
We walked down the polished streets of the French Quarter and I could hear through a speaker the sound of some random person playing the trombone. But they were terrible at it.. they weren’t playing it the way it was supposed to be played, with love and passion. It’s not supposed to sound forced. I didn’t hear the wonderful, joyful second line far off somewhere in the distance like I used to. It didn’t sound like home anymore.
by Jeff Carver, New Harmony High, New Orleans & Kyley Pulphus, 826 New Orleans
Young writers imagine a world that has lost their home city due to various threats: environmental, cultural, and supernatural.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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.
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 Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 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 Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
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 Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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