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

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

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

A poem about spring!

A student’s manifesto!

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

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

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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

A student searches for answers in their community.

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A poem about unrequited love.

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

A memoir about finding true friendship.

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

A sports poem about the losing blues.

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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

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

A poem about wanting more from life.

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

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

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