Grades 8–9
Informational, PersuasiveWriting“Please stand for the national anthem.” At almost any sporting event you go to, you’ll hear a booming voice recite some variation of these words before the game begins. You then do as instructed. You rise. You don’t think about it; you don’t consider what it signifies, shows, or means. Without hesitation, you just rise. But a few athletes have thought about it, hesitated, and have not done as instructed.
Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe are two athletes who have chosen to kneel during the national anthem. Though both are admirable for doing so, the case with Rapinoe is a little different. As Victor Mather said in an article in The New York Times, “While Kaepernick was on a professional league team, Rapinoe is on the national team and was representing her country, raising the stakes. She was aware of this pressure and still chose to kneel.”
Now that I’ve explained why this is a big deal, you’re probably wondering what would have made it seem worth it to Rapinoe to do this. What made it seem worth it was the fact that the night before their match against Thailand, not even two miles from the hotel she and her teammates were staying at in Columbus, Ohio, a thirteen-year-old boy, Tyre King, was fatally shot by a police officer. What made it worth it to her was that she recognized that the flag doesn’t protect every American equally. What made it worth it to her was that, as a gay American, she knows how it feels to stand (or kneel) before the flag, looking at it, and understand that it doesn’t protect all of her liberties the way it does someone else’s.
As you would imagine, her actions caused an uproar of reactions, both good and bad. Though she did point out that it’s her First Amendment right to peacefully protest, many people still believe that she was disrespecting the flag. She responded to this in her letter to the Players’ Tribune: “I can understand if you think I’m disrespecting the flag by kneeling, but it is because of my utmost respect for the flag and the promise it represents that I have chosen to demonstrate this way. When I take a knee, I am facing the flag with my full body, staring straight into the heart of our country’s ultimate symbol of freedom – because I believe that it is my responsibility, just as it is yours, to ensure that freedom is afforded to everyone in this country.” In addition, while the U.S Soccer Federation doesn’t necessarily agree with her decision to act this way, they didn’t enforce any sort of punishment on her, even after she kneeled for the second time.
The action she’s taken to try and make a necessary change in the country we live in are brave, inspiring, and admirable. It is actions like this that become the stepping stones for change to truly happen. Sometimes it’s good to stop for a moment, take a knee, and think about what you’re doing so blindly and without hesitation.
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by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
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 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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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