Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI remember when I used to have races with family members. I always lost. I never gave up on running. I always ran and ran and ran. I was always sad when I was unable to beat them. Then one day I had a lot of energy. I could feel the wind in my hair and I could see my family members behind me. I felt myself moving faster and faster. I could hear the wind blowing in my ears. I was able to beat my family members. I got to the other side first and I was very happy about it.
I never gave up running after that. I continued running. After that, I never gave up on myself. I learned how to sprint. I am now able to run a long distance in a short amount of time. I love running and I am never going to give up running. I learned a lesson that day, and that is to never give up, because if you do give up, you never know what challenges you are up against. Every time I run, I remind myself that if you give up now, you are only hurting yourself. I still run today. I have races with my sister in the alley to help her with her 5K races. I have been running for a couple of years now. I love to run.
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by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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