HENRY is a fifteen-year-old from Chicago who is a sophomore. He enjoys participating in his favorite sports, which include swimming, running cross country, and competing in the Special Olympics, for which he holds an impressive two gold medals! Outside of school, he loves listening to rock music, cooking, reading, and practicing guitar. In the future, he would like to be a chef, like Gordon Ramsay, except without getting mad or yelling at other chefs!
MATTHEW is sixteen years old. He is a very strong person who loves dogs. At home, he lives with his brother Dan, his mom, and his dad. He also loves to read and ski. Other people like Matthew because they know that he is a kind, strong, and nice young man. He is also a good reader and writer. At school, he is a very hard worker every day. He was a person who got bullied at school a lot, but that is done and he is now very liked at school. Matthew is very athletic and
very strong.
SANTIAGO is a shy student who likes to watch, play, and read about Star Wars. He spends his time playing Five Nights at Freddy’s. He is also a Minecrafter. He plays with his brother and friend. When he grows up he wants to be a video game maker or an actor. When he was little he was
a kid, he didn’t like to read. Now he has a lot of books he can read with his friends and family.
Dear Matthew,
Today I am going to write about something that I like to do. I like to read Amulet books. The Amulet books are the best comic books I have ever read (and the only comic books I read).
I wonder if you like any sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, or baseball. Or, do you like any video games? Do you like watching scary movies or cartoon movies?
Other things I like are songs like “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots. I like listening to the song and thinking about if the song could happen to me. I wonder, which part of the song do you like?
Well, Matthew, I think this is all. Goodbye and read you next time. I mean see you next time!
Sincerely,
Santiago
~
Dear Santiago,
I like to watch the Bears play because they’re really good. Also, I watch soccer on TV sometimes but not all the time. My three favorite songs are “Hit the Dab,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Thunderstruck.”
I like those songs because all of them have a really good beat. Also “Thunderstruck” has a really heavy beat that shakes up my mom’s car when we listen to it. What are your favorite songs? Do you like AC/DC? If you like the band AC/DC, that is good because me and you will have something in common.
In conclusion, I hope to see you soon to find out if you like the band AC/ DC and what songs you like, other than the one by Twenty One Pilots that you mentioned in your letter. Also, I hope we can be friends. What brand of shoes do you like?
Sincerely,
Matthew
~
Dear Santiago,
Hi, my name is Henry. I’m Matthew’s partner in English class for the letter writing assignment. I noticed in your letter that you have a lot in common with us. For example: both of us like sports and music. In my letter, I will tell you a lot about myself.
I’m an avid fan of sports. I especially like cross country, swimming, and downhill skiing. I enjoy cross country, as I enjoy being fast and just getting a good workout. It gives me a chance to get outside and get fresh air. I get motivated to run by the terrific advice from my coach, teammates, and family. Me and Matt also did downhill skiing with our school’s Special Olympics team in January. This was especially fun, as we made new friends and tried something we had never had the opportunity to do. I am also on the swim team, which is a great sport to compete in.
I have some questions to ask you as well. What type of music do you like? What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any favorite TV shows or movies? My favorite bands include Twenty One Pilots, Daft Punk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slipknot, and The Beatles. When not in school, I enjoy playing video games, singing, and helping cook. My favorite TV show is Doctor Who and my favorite movie is The Dark Knight.
I hope you find me to be a very cool and talented guy. You seem like a cool dude from what I’ve read in your letter!
Until next time,
Henry
~
Dear Matthew and Henry,
I wish I could write you each a letter, but I think you are both so cool so I am writing you both in this letter together. I hope you like it.
The first thing I would want to write to you guys is about my person or place that is special to me. I don’t know about you, but my special person is my mom. Why, you might ask? Well, my mom is always cooking for the family (sometimes my dad helps). She gives us a lot of things and we don’t even give anything to her. My mom is shy but tough. Why? Well, because when we (me and my brother) get in trouble, it is like she is Bowser and I am Mini Mario from Super Mario Brothers. Sometimes I win in the video game, but in real life it is always like GAME OVER. My mom makes the most delicious food and I smell her cooking every day. YUM! When she makes beans you have to step two feet away from my brother. (I actually don’t mean this in a mean way.)
Another thing that I am going to be talking about (well, actually, writing about) is what freedom means to me. To start this up, I think freedom means to me that you can do anything you want. Once on a dark, dark night, me, my brother, and my little sister were in my room playing Wii. My mom was sleeping in her bed and we got to play alone. I think that was freedom.
Do you both like video games? If you do, which ones? Do you have consoles? Do you like music? How about Legos? I can’t think of any more questions. Read you next time.
Sincerely,
Santiago
~
Dear Santiago,
I have a lot to tell you about high school and my experience skiing on my school’s ski team with the Special Olympics. It’s really fun because you get to ski down hills really fast, and you do it with kids just like you who have disabilities too. That is what makes it fun. The coolest part is when you get a medal, and the medals are very shiny and very cool looking. I have never fallen on skis before when going down a hill in a competition, but I have fallen during practice.
Have you ever been bullied at school before? I used to get bullied at school and it was not fun. It also hurt me inside and made me extremely angry. If you get bullied at school, I understand how you feel.
I hope you meet me in person so I can talk to you, so we can be friends, and so I can walk around with you in the hallways of Amundsen.
Sincerely,
Matthew
P.S. I won three medals skiing this year in the Special Olympics!
~
Dear Santiago,
I have an interesting story to tell you today! It’s about how I won a gold medal in downhill skiing. I will explain how even if you aren’t the best at something, you can practice and keep trying to get better. Follow me down the slopes as I tell you how, with enough practice, you can achieve anything!
It began in January 2016. I was on my way to the ski resort in Galena, IL. It was my first day skiing with my school’s Special Olympics Ski Team. After a three-hour-long bus ride of eternity, we made it. Within an hour, I would be skiing! The first challenge, however, came when we were getting into our ski gear. Getting on the bundles of clothes was okay, but it was the boots that were the main challenge! After getting bundled up, we walked down to the equipment room, where the boots and skis were. Me and my teammates Matt, Noel, and Henry all struggled to fit the boots on! After help from coaches Mr. Ward, Mr. Craig, and Mr. Binder, we learned how to walk in the boots. Boy, was it painful. They were heavy and felt like they were made of lead! After that, we learned how to take our skis off and how to fall. Both were equally a bit challenging, but getting up took a while, as we had to slowly move our arms backwards and walk backwards to get up.
Then, the second day came along. That day we learned how to do a “pizza” with our skis to slow down and “french fry” to go fast. We went down the Bunny and Rookie’s Ridge trails. Going down the hills and learning how to slow down was a breeze for me. I also learned how to turn, which I wasn’t as good at. I kept crashing and nearly hurting others! However, after getting help from Mr. Ward and Mr. Craig, I slowly got better. I even got to do down a bigger hill. It was kind of scary, but I’m used to it now. After a long day of skiing, we were just one day away from the competition.
After an exhausting day and a night of restless sleep, the competition was finally here. I was confident that I would win some gold. Me, Matt, Noel, and Henry were all a little nervous, but we all hoped to go on to the championships. We all were allowed an hour of practice before the games began, so I went over to my usual Rookie’s Ridge trail for a few laps. Mr. Ward, Mr. Binder, and Mr. Craig were all confident we’d do great!
When I was ready to compete, I got a little more nervous, as I felt I was going to do badly. However, after racing down and avoiding the colored flags, me, Matt, and Henry made Amundsen proud by winning gold! Unfortunately, Noel didn’t qualify, but we still cheered him up and told him he did great anyway. In the end, I’ve learned that with enough practice and confidence, you can achieve anything!
Sincerely,
Henry
~
Dear Matthew and Henry,
Some weeks ago in a school not very far away, it was Valentine’s Day. And on Valentine’s Day, we had a dance. Do you guys have a dance when it is a holiday?
My Valentine’s Day started fine. I usually come late to school and I forget things and my day is not the greatest, but this day started okay. It was Tuesday, so I knew 826CHI was coming to write with us during literacy class. Time passed fast with them in our class, then I had to finish my social studies project on the computer before I could go to the dance. Then Ms. Ramirez said, “Okay, students. Line up.” I checked the clock: 1 p.m. The dance! I was almost done with my project—only two more sentences and then, I was finally done!
I was happy because at the end of the hall I could hear the loud music coming from the gym. Outside, I saw my classmate Balta and he told me, “Crystal is waiting for you.” I said, “Okay, thanks.” When I went inside the gym, the music was even louder. I asked my friends Jacob and David if they’d seen her. “Nope,” they both said. A few minutes later, my brother came toward me. “Hey, bro.” I had totally forgotten about him. He was with our neighbor, Heriberto. Heriberto is a cool kid. I couldn’t find Crystal, so for a lot of the dance I was mostly hanging out with my brother and Heriberto.
I finally found Crystal, and we got to talk and dance for what felt like five minutes. I did not bring the card that I was going to give to her. Instead, I bought her candy. It went fine for me. Oh, I forgot to tell you: if you were wondering who Crystal is, she is the girl who I’ve been going out with for three weeks.
See you in June, I think.
Sincerely,
Santiago
~
Dear Santiago,
I think it was very cool and brave that you were able to dance with Crystal. I was never that brave in eighth grade. The one time I was brave was when I sang and performed with my school’s rock band. I had to work up a lot of courage to sing, but I had a ton of fun, even with a couple of mistakes.
This was in eighth grade, a month before I would graduate from middle school, and it was the day of my school’s variety show. One of the performers was the school rock band, for which I was one of the singers. We’d been practicing for months. I got to sing on a couple of songs, “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream and “Do I Wanna Know” by the Arctic Monkeys. I typically get nervous singing on stage, but I felt a lot more confident that day.
It was showtime and I was on stage, singing casually for the first song with two other singers who were sharing a mic. It was a little uncomfortable because the stage was so small. Then, on the second song, the other mic broke! I was the only one singing. I quietly and nervously sang more of “Do I Wanna Know,” but remembering that the show must go on, I gathered confidence to continue singing! By the end, I felt a lot more relaxed and the crowd even cheered me on, seeing that I sang bravely no matter what happened. What do you think of my story of bravery? To answer your question about if Amundsen holds holiday dances, the answer is no. However, we do have fun homecoming and winter dances! Hope you are well!
Henry
P.S. Good job again on dancing with Crystal! 🙂
No materials available for download.
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
Students will exchange letters with students from different classes or schools. By listening to others’ stories and sharing stories of…
826CHI and the students of the 2017 Young Authors Book Project present their new book, P.S. You Sound Like Someone I Can Trust. Within this compilation of letters between 8th graders at Emiliano Zapata Academy and 10th graders at Amundsen high school, 62 teens reflect on their identities, share their hopes and anxieties about the future, open up about loved ones’ deaths, and swap K-Pop and Netflix recommendations.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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 Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
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 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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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 Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
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 Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 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.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 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 Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.