Grades 6–7
NarrativeWritingThere was a dare in the abandoned school, but it went wrong.
Hi, I’m Janelle, and my friends are Steven, Jocelyn, Lili, Diego, Alvin, Enoc, Eli, Yajahira, Aalyah, Maribel, Dorian, and Richard. Eli and Steven were going to be the ones doing the dare. The abandoned school was called Buena Vista Horace Mann.
“Do I really have to do it?” my friends asked.
“Yes, you have to,” I responded.
My friends and I were planning what Eli and Steven could do for the dare. We gave them forty dollars to buy what they needed.
They bought some chips, sandwiches, water, and Lunchables. Also, there was a rumor that Buena Vista Horace Mann used to be a hospital, so it was haunted and scary. I believed that, but I knew it wasn’t true because how could a school that supposedly used to be a hospital be haunted? I thought that that would be impossible. It got to be nighttime and we all met at the school. We had all the snacks and everything ready. Steven and Eli went into the school and started to look for a place where they felt safe. The dare was to try and stay in the school for at least the whole night, and if they did we would go to Six Flags. They found a safe place to stay, but they were also thinking about exploring the school.
They explored the school and when they did, they heard a very loud scream. It sounded like a girl screaming, “Help! Please, help! I’m dying!”
They started running because it sounded close to them. It made them more scared because the bathrooms were supposedly even more haunted than the school. If it was a hospital, that was one of the patient’s rooms where they died. It had happened to other patients in the same room, or that was one of the other rumors.
Then they heard another scream that sounded a little farther from where they were. They started running again, as fast as they could to their safe place. Once they got to their safe place they saw that some of their stuff was gone. They started to get even more scared because first, they heard two yells for help, and when they got to their safe place, some of their stuff was gone, like it was scattered all over the place.
They got hungry and they started to eat some food, but not all of it because some of it was gone.
“Hey, Steven, I’m starting to get scared. What else could happen?” Eli said.
“Eli, it’s okay. We’re not going to die, it’s only some of our stuff missing, Eli. We’re okay, as long as we at least have food and water to eat and drink we’re good,” Steven said, exhausted from running and out of breath.
They finished eating and then again they heard a big BOOM!
They started running and yelled as loud as they could.
They heard, “Help, help please, I’m in danger!”
They found somewhere to hide and hid there. My friends and I heard them too. We started running as fast as we could to go look for them, but we couldn’t find them because they were hiding. We all went everywhere and separated to go looking for them. Richard, Alvin, Diego, Enoc, and Dorian found only Eli. He had something all over him, and they didn’t know what happened to him. Steven, Yajahira, Maribel, Jocelyn, Lili, Aalyah, and Eli all went missing and they never came back . . .
Until Janelle, Enoc, Richard, Alvin, Diego, and Dorian all heard a little girl singing, “Ring around the rosie, pockets full of posies, ashes ashes, we all fall down.”
Everyone heard it and started running, and then they all bumped into a clown. They screamed and ran. The clown was chasing them, then the clown caught Richard. Everyone else escaped.
Then everyone saw a bright light that looked like an exit to get out of the school. They ran to it but then . . .
They all ran into the door, but the clown had tricked them with an outside background and a bright flashlight. They all got caught. Everyone got scared and wanted to escape at the same time, so Enoc made a plan. He whispered it to everyone, everyone agreed on the plan. The plan was for Dorian to say, “La Llorona!” because clowns were supposed to be scary people, but they were scared of La Llorona.
That didn’t make sense, but I got why they were scared. Anyway, back to the plan.
When Dorian yelled, “La Llorona!” the clown was going to run away and we were going to escape. Diego was going to whisper to Dorian when he was ready to cut the ropes. Then Dorian was going to yell and everyone was going to escape through the window.
“Dorian, I’m done cutting the rope. Yell it,” Diego said.
So Dorian said, “LA LLORONA!” The clown ran so far away we didn’t even see where he went. Then Diego untied everyone’s rope and we all escaped through the window.
From the 826 Valencia publication You Shouldn’t Believe Everything They Tell You
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Khari Garris, New York, NY
A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.
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 Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
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 Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Mady, 826 Valencia
A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
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 Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
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 Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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 Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
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 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 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 Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
bookmark
download
Share