Grade 10
PoetryWritingI write for my rights.
I write for peace and freedom.
My writing matters to everyone because it has meaning.
Writing explains my feelings.
I have a lot of things to write about.
My ideas will help a lot of people, right now or in the future.
The most important thing is to not give up on writing.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 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 Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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