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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Rowan Yordy, Grade 11, 826michigan
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 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 Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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!
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
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