Grades 3–5
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Zany fractured fairy tales. Melancholy poetry. Editorial cartoons about free speech. 826DC's first anthology, You Will Be Able to Say a Thousand Words, collects the best student work published during the organization's first five years of programming. The anthology includes work from students ages six to eighteen across all programs, showcasing a dynamic range of creative and expository writing—from newspaper advice columns and op-eds to recipe-inspired memoirs to concrete poetry. Experience the expanse of emotions and ideas from 826DC students in this best of the best collection.
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 Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
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 Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Yasmeen W, Grade 3, 826 Valencia
In this descriptive short story, a student overcomes their fear of turning on their video.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia
A student bravely faces the first day of school.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
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 Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
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.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Madhav, 826michigan
In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.
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 Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
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 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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Sebastian, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
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 Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Lukas, 826 New Orleans
A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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 Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
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 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 Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
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.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
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 Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
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 Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Sabir, 826 MSP
In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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