Grade 11
Informational, PoetryWritingEmmerson loves writing, acting, dancing, and creating. She believes everyone deserves a creative outlet to express themselves. She hopes to uplift other voices alongside her own.
1. Rehearse in your head.
2. Say it out loud for good measure.
3. Screw that. What if you forget? Write a script.
4. Dial. Feel your heartbeat quicken with every number punched.
5. Press the green button. You can do it. Deep breaths.
6. Panic as it rings. What if they don’t pick up?! Do you leave a message? You didn’t write a script for that! You aren’t prepared for this! Abort! Abort! Hang up!
7. They answered. Stammer out your speech. Is that an I or a T? An S or a 5? Curse your bad handwriting.
8. Try to ignore the squeaking of your voice.
9. Thank the person profusely for their time.
10. Not that much! They didn’t deliver your baby!
11. Press End Call.
12. Steady shaky hands.
13. Spend twenty minutes imagining all the ways the person could be mocking you right now.
UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions began in the fall of 2024, when librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invited young people across the country to write about their feelings, their way. Together, we shared writing prompts and activities for students in grades K–12 to explore the depth and complexity of their emotions through storytelling. No feeling was too big or too small. No genre was off-limits. Writing has long been a way for young people to make sense of the world, to capture what matters to them, and to imagine new possibilities. This anthology is a window into how young people are feeling right now. Joy, grief, rage, love—all of it belongs here and in this moment. We invite you to read these pages as they were written: with an open heart, brave and unbound.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
bookmark
download
Share
