In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.

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.

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

A student searches for answers in their community.

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.

In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.

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.

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

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.

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A poem that celebrates being Latino

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

A personal narrative about race and identity.

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

A student’s manifesto!

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

A poem about wanting more from life.

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

A poem about unrequited love.

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.

An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.

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?

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

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.

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

A poem about spring!

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.

A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

A sports poem about the losing blues.

This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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.

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.

A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

A memoir about finding true friendship.