Grade 8
PoetryWritingItzel questions everything and makes everyone and everything question her. She can have bursts of inspiration until her hands are sore from typing too much. Itzel also identifies herself as a koala for a good reason; she is very protective of those she loves.
As I am walking down
the streets of the Tenderloin,
I see people
sitting and lying.
They have no one to depend on
but themselves,
and nowhere to go.
So I say,
Let’s help them.
They all have a story,
but no one really cares
to ask about it.
But as time goes,
some will.
One day
we’ll hear their perspectives.
So I say,
Let’s help them.
As I’m walking down
the streets of the Tenderloin,
I see most of them with pets,
but mainly dogs.
They have them around
because they say a dog is a human’s best friend.
So I say,
Let’s help them.
I’m walking down the streets,
my hometown,
I see all of these people.
by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
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 Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 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 Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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 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.
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