Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingThis collection of zany, adventurous monster tales—penned by fourth and fifth grade students from Brentano Math & Science Academy in Chicago—invites you to walk within dark tunnels, through explosive science labs, and into strange forests to explore beastly worlds unknown. Each piece provokes, tantalizes, and surprises you... perhaps even makes you gasp—or shout—OMG! An 826CHI Young Authors' Book Project.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
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 Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Elena, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
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 Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
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 Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
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.)
by Matthew, 826CHI
Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
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 Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
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 Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
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 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.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
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 Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A bullying incident on the school bus itches its way out.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
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 Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
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 Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
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 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 Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
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 Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
bookmark
