Grades 7–8
NarrativeWritingI love jalapeños. No, Seriously. Stop laughing. I buy them weekly from my local grocery store, and I take them out for dinner and to the movies and stuff. Then, a day before I have to buy new ones, I chop them up and put them into a delicious salsa dip and have a funeral for them. I have a lot of sad salsa funerals.
My neighbors think I’m a nut job, but I’m not. I’m a pepper job. They don’t know what it’s like to swoon at the sight of a serrano or pucker up to a poblano.
But the real love of my life is a batch of fresh, organic jalapeños. Why? Because they’re spicy. They’re rebellious. They don’t play by your rules. If you double-cross a jalapeño, you get the seeds.
They’re also just really cool peppers. That ñ is off the chain. FIN.
Just kidding. It’s not over yet Calvin can’t stop his pen, so I’ll profess my love to the jalapeño some more.
Why do I love thee? Let me count the ways:
No materials available for download.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
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 Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 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 Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 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 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 Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 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 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 Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
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 Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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