Grades 7–8
PoetryWritingThere is a house in the sky
That’s not visible to the eye
There lives a person who loves tricky things
He was made to complete
Our confusing life games
He doesn’t sleep
He doesn’t go to bed
He is up late in night
Watching out for all our friends
Everyone has a puzzle
Dedicated to their troop
Mixed with family friends and others
Who will fill the whole group
Millions of puzzles
Billions of people
The man is up all the time
The pieces sprawled around the floor
Only little chunks finished,
But not put together
He has eternity,
but the puzzles don’t have forever
You just have to hope yours is finished
Before your life is over
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Alonso, Grade 7, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving seventh grade, from a recent seventh grader in Boston.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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 Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
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 Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
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 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 Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games one night turned into a nightmare.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
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 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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Jiyu Kim, Grade 7, Union Middle School, San Jose, CA
This poem shares the beautiful things that can happen when doubt fades away.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
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 Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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 Jeremiah Borgella, Grade 7, 826NYC
This powerful poem is a reminder that being Black is a superpower.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
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 Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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