Querida abuela,
Solo quiero que sepas que ha sido muy difícil desde que falleció mi abuelo, pero todo estará bien. Ahorita me siento un poco triste pero al mismo tiempo un poco feliz. La razón porque estoy feliz es porque al menos te tengo a ti y a mi mamá. Sé que mi abuelo fue un padre y esposo muy amable, bueno y cariñoso a ti y a mi mamá. ¿También me gustaría saber por qué te casaste con mi abuelo? También quiero saber como tu y mi abuelo se conocieron. Y te quiero decir que me esta llendo bien en la escuela. Después de la escuela me gusta estar en mi casa viendo la televisión, y también a veces escribo cuentos.
Con amor,
Ayelen
Dear Grandmother,
I just want you to know that it has been very difficult since my grandfather passed away, but everything will be fine. Right now, I feel a little sad, but at the same time a little happy. The reason I’m happy is because at least I have you and my mom. I know that my grandfather was a very kind, good, and loving father and husband to you and my mom. I would also like to know why you married my grandfather? I also want to know how you and my grandfather met. And I want to let you know that I’m doing well at school. After school, I like to be at home watching TV, and I also write stories sometimes.
With love,
Ayelen
from 826 Valencia’s original publication, Relax & Let Me Tell You a Story
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia
A student bravely faces the first day of school.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Yasmeen W, Grade 3, 826 Valencia
In this descriptive short story, a student overcomes their fear of turning on their video.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Levi, 826NYC
An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Madhav, 826michigan
In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
by Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Sabir, 826 MSP
In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Sebastian, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Lukas, 826 New Orleans
A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.