Grade 7
PoetryWritingMy name is Jiyu (she/her), and I live in San Jose. I’ve lived here most of my life, since 2014. I live with my loving parents and have loved to draw and write ever since I was little. I also love to hang out with my friends and play video games.
Doubt
I feel like I don’t belong.
The bell on the door rings in the studio.
It sounds the same as it was the last two years.
The white uniform pants I got are now uncomfortably up to my calf.
The familiar coach explains to the other kids that I visit Korea in the summer.
All of the other kids look at me in unison, and I feel as if the moment of silence lasts forever.
Then, all of the other kids begin to talk to me, asking me where I came from.
I giggle. There is no silence between us that I was worried about.
It feels like they have known me for a long time.
We talk and chat, and time goes by so fast.
I belong.
기
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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Jeremiah Borgella, Grade 7, 826NYC
This powerful poem is a reminder that being Black is a superpower.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Alonso, Grade 7, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving seventh grade, from a recent seventh grader in Boston.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
by Luis, 826LA
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games one night turned into a nightmare.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Christian, 826michigan
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.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
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