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Grades level iconsGrades 1–6
Genre information iconInformational
Resource type iconWriting

How to Prank Your Mother

Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup of toy mouse
  • 2 teaspoons of black glitter
  • 3 tablespoons of candy
  • 1 cup of ink
  • 10 gallons of not laughing
  • 100 gallons of mother
  • 1 gallon of your kitchen or pantry

DIRECTIONS

To prank your mother, first measure out one gallon of your kitchen or pantry. Add the tablespoons of candy at the bottom of the pantry. Zest the two teaspoons of black glitter around the three tablespoons of candy. Garnish the one cup of ink on every individual zest of black glitter. Fold in the one cup of mouse in the right direction. Add the ten gallons of not laughing into a bowl. Fold the one hundred gallons of mother into your kitchen or pantry mixture, and you are ready!

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Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.

Grade 5
Writing
Me, Myself, and I

by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston

Poetry

A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines

Grades 6–7
Writing
It Went Wrong

by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

Grade 3
Writing
Bath Time

Armani, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

A poem about the magic of bath time.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Eastern Gray Squirrel

by Reyes, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.

Grades 3–4
Writing
Letter to my Grandma

by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia

Memoir

A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar

by Uma, 826NYC

Poetry

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

Grade 4
Writing
Untitled

by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA

Persuasive

In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.

Grade 2
Writing
Dear Future President

by Salmaan S., Grade 2, 826MSP

Persuasive

A second grader's adorable list of demands to the future President.

Grade 6
Writing
Ode To Jayden

Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC

Poetry

A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.

Grade 3
Writing
Bad Boy
by Cartoon Network

by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC

Persuasive

This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.

Grade 6
Writing
A Beam of Light Through the Corona Darkness

by Khari Garris, New York, NY

Poetry

A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Thing That Changes My Life

by Liliana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Floyd

by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!

Grade 5
Writing
The Story of Ivan Lane

by Kayamaghi, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!

Grade 4
Writing
Summer

Ren, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.

Grades 4–5
Writing
My Full Yard

by Marisol, 826michigan

Poetry

A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.

Grade 5
Writing
Sky

by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.

Grade 5
Writing
Superheroes Rule

by Salimatou, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!

Grades 3–5
Writing
Me

by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.

Grade 4
Writing
Meanwhile at the Bear Cave…

by Yaretzi, 826LA

Media
Narrative

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.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Halloween Night & At Home

Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Superhero Stories

by K.M., 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Adventures of Nutriman and Junkster

by Saeed, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

Grade 5
Writing
George Washington’s Meal

by Eric, 826CHI

Narrative

This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Blank Sky

by Uma Cantone, 826NYC

Narrative

Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.

Grade 5
Writing
Marvin and the Dream Monster

by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.

Grade 6
Writing
Untitled

by Kevin, 826NYC

Informational

A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Earth

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

Grade 4
Writing
I Am From

by Antoni L., 826DC

Poetry

In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Three Poems Put Into One

by Yarely, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Future is a Reflection of Yourself

by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.

Grade 5
Writing
Once Upon a Time in the Crisis of 3016

by Matthew, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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!

Grade 4
Writing
Blue Stuff

by Elian de Leon, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Programmer

by Milo, 826NYC

Narrative
STEM

A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

Grade 1
Writing
I Have a Duck

by Anna K., 826CHI

Poetry

This poem uses alliteration to discuss the narrator's pets.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?

by Elaine, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

Grade 1
Writing
Banana Lion

by Diego, 826CHI

Poetry

This poem might be considered a metaphorical soundoff between a lion and a banana. Written in Spanish and English.

Grades 6–7
Writing
NEW DRUG, MIRACA, CURES ALL ILLNESSES

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Narrative

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Queen Anne’s Lace

by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.

Grades 5–8
Writing
The Great Achievement

by Marco, 826LA

Narrative
Playwriting

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

Grades 2–3
Writing
The Happy School

by Sebastian, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Christian, 826michigan

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.

Grade 2
Writing
When You’re Frustrated

by Aidan, 826michigan

Narrative

A student reflects on how to bounce back from frustration.

Grade 3
Writing
Shuu

by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Freezy Pen

by Giovanna, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative

An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Funning

by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC

Poetry

A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cat Tweets

by Marisa, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow

Grades 6–8
Writing
The Crane in the Constellations
by Cartoon Network

by Alondra, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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

Grades 5–6
Writing
Tree Poem

by Simone, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Globes

by Meredith, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about globe-sized dreams.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cheezy

by Madison, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

Grade 5
Writing
Poem

by Abdinasir, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.

Grades 1–2
Writing
The Moon Wrote a Song
by Cartoon Network

by Natalie, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about a moon, a flute, and a song.

Grade 6
Writing
Realm of Virtues

by Ari, 826CHI

Narrative

In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!

Grade 6
Writing
Haikus

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu

Poetry

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

Grade 1
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Yusuf, 826 MSP

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how transformation and creativity can bring together friends.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Listen

by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia

Poetry

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

Grade 5
Writing
Dance

by Elena Chambers, 826michigan

Poetry

Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.

Grades 3–5
Writing
I am Innocent: A Dragonbolt Story
by Cartoon Network

by Johny, 826 LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

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.

Grades 2–3
Writing
Sky Pie

by Sabir, 826 MSP

Poetry

In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Farm

by John, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!

Grade 5
Writing
The Miners

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Stuffed Crust

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Beans, Rice, and Chicken

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.

Grade 5
Writing
The Spy in the Red Venom Suit

by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...

Grades 6–7
Writing
A Willow Tree

by Renee, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.

Grade 6
Writing
Dear Future President

by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO

Persuasive

A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Pride / My Life

Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC

Poetry

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

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 3–4
Writing
The Perfect School Where Nothing Goes Wrong

by Clara, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Origins of Fries

by Kathryn, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

Grade 3
Writing
The Supermouse Trio: Doom Cat’s Diary

by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.

Grades 2–3
Writing
Oh Kitty

Kendall, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

An ode to an animal friend.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Weirdness of 1:00 A.M.

by Felix E., 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Worried

by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.

Grade 3
Writing
The Houma Nation

by Lukas, 826 New Orleans

Informational
Persuasive

A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.

Grade 5
Writing
As I Smell a Flower in the Yard

by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan

Poetry

A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.

Grades 1–3
Writing
The Day I Cheered My Friend Up
by Cartoon Network

by Sherilyn, 826LA

Narrative

A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.

Grade 4
Writing
L.A. Is Here For You!

by Caleigh, 826LA

Persuasive

A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.

Grade 4
Writing
Alan Going Hungry

by Alan, 826DC

Poetry

This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.