I am energetic and a soccer fan.
I wonder why soccer players play differently.
I hear people say, “Let’s go!” when you score goals.
I see teammates hug the player who scored.
I am energetic and a soccer fan.
I pretend to be the best player on the team.
I feel so proud of myself because every day I get better.
I touch the first place medal of my team.
I worry about when we lose a game.
I cry when the players hurt me.
I am energetic and a soccer fan.
I understand when we lose a game.
I say, “I believe in my team to win.”
I dream of scoring a lot of goals and becoming a good player.
I try at soccer practice.
I hope I can beat the other team by scoring a lot of goals.
I am energetic and a soccer fan.
***
From 826 Valencia’s original publication, Every Day I Get Better.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
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 Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
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 Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
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 Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
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 Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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 Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 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 Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
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 Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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 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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
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 Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
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 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 Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
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 Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
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 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 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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
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 Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.