×
Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, Narrative
Writing

Luna in the Battle for Preservation

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.

Far away, there was once a sea kingdom named Benzo that was made out of rare gems. The gems were black opals that were really pretty, because they had all the rainbow colors in them. It looked like a rainbow universe! The kingdom was also made out of clams made of abalone shells, which are really shiny.

The kingdom was full of beautiful galaxy stones. The galaxy stones made the kingdom really pop. The kingdom was as valuable as a million diamonds. People fought to own it.

“It’s mine!” people would yell.

“No, it’s mine!” other people would shriek back.

In the kingdom lived lots of mermaids. The chosen one, the special one, was Luna, but she just didn’t know it. Luna always wore a necklace that was really special, because not only did it help her keep her powers, but her mom gave it to her when she was a baby. She had worn it ever since.

Luna’s power was love. She could also turn into a human and go to the human world on land—Luna called it the Magical World, but she’d never been there. Luna had 21 other siblings. She actually had 22 other siblings, but she didn’t know she had an extra sibling. She always loved it when somebody said the word “love” or when people fell in love!

One day, Luna went on an adventure and found a necklace that read Luna and Venus. Luna right away thought, Who is this person called Venus?

Luna took the necklace and told her dad, Martian. Her dad had no answer and kept quiet. Luna kept pleading with her dad to tell her, but he wouldn’t budge.

Over time, Luna got madder and madder, and more curious.

“Don’t do it, Luna. Curiosity killed the cat!” her family would say.

Eventually, Luna ran away to find out who Venus was.

All the other mermaids got together with Luna’s dad and sent out a search party to try to find her.

Luna searched for days and months until she found what she was looking for.

On Luna’s journey, she met a friendly fish named Bubbles. They got so attached that Bubbles followed her on the rest of the journey.

And then she found it, in the middle of nowhere. For Luna, finding the cave was as hard as learning how to drive, since she’d never been to the Magical World.

“Finally, a cave that actually looks warm and cozy! I hope that there aren’t any Sea Guardians inside,” Luna muttered as she slowly got ready to attack.

Luna didn’t want there to be Sea Guardians because they were meanies! They were a clan that protected really deep, hidden caves in case anything suspicious happened. Luckily, there weren’t any Sea Guardians inside.

Luna had been trying to find a cave to sleep in during the night. When she entered the cave, it was dark, and somehow someone had enchanted the cave so it could look like a normal cave.

Luna saw a girl who had an evil fish friend named Mr. Pufferstein. The girl was all red—she looked really creepy with her red eyes, red hair, and red fire dress. Mr. Pufferstein was as evil as an old penny-pinching, fire-breathing dragon.

The girl said, “Puff, go get me the fairy. Soon, Benzo will be mine! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Puff said, “Yes, master Venus.”

Meanwhile, as this conversation was going on, Luna was camouflaged behind a rock. She was shocked. Puff had responded “Venus.”

But how was this possible? The girl’s name was Venus!

Venus also said, “Then I’ll get Luna!”

Luna got up from behind the rock and said, “Hey! I’m the one you want.”

Luna shot a love spell to make her acceptable again. The spell was supposed to make Venus good again, but Venus dodged the spell and shot a spell to Luna. Luna fell, but it didn’t harm her. Meanwhile, Puff was fighting with Bubbles. Puff used to be Bubbles’ best friend when they were small, but he was tricked into joining the evil group, a.k.a. the Deadly Finns.

Anyway, this fighting went on forever, until Venus shouted, “Nobody can stop me from ruling the King—.” Venus was about to finish what she said, but Luna interrupted and exclaimed, “Love is good, as sweet as can be, don’t forget to make this person good again!”

Luna shot the love spell and Venus fell to the ground, lying unconscious. She was unconscious for five months. When she finally woke up she looked different, and she was exceptional.

Venus had blue, wavy hair that sparkled, a flowery outfit that matched, and light blue eyes.

Venus woke up, afraid of her surroundings. Venus told Luna everything about how she turned evil. She explained, “I was tricked by the Deadly Finns! They gave me a drink that made me do everything they would say!”

Luna gasped at the news.

Venus responded, “It was terrible!”

Luna said, “I can’t imagine all that you’ve been through!”

They welcomed Venus back to Benzo by throwing a parade. Martian welcomed Venus by giving her tons of gifts. Luna felt very happy Venus was back. She had never met her before, and she was happy to welcome someone new to her family.

From This Publication

This 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.

See more Writing at this level

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Origins of Fries

by Kathryn, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

Grade 5
Writing
Haikus

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.

Grades 4–5
Writing
My Full Yard

by Marisol, 826michigan

Poetry

A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Ronald’s Redemption

by Levi, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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.

Grades 3–5
Writing
How to Escape Chocolate Quicksand

by Winta, 826DC

Informational

A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Scarlet’s Adventures

by Penelope, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!

Grade 5
Writing
Dance

by Elena, 826michigan

Poetry

Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Three Poems Put Into One

by Yarely, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cheezy

by Madison, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

Grade 5
Writing
Saving Space

by Kelis, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?

Grade 4
Writing
L.A. Is Here For You!

by Caleigh, 826LA

Persuasive

A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.

Grade 5
Writing
I Wish / Deseo

by Jeffrey, 826DC

Poetry

In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Obsidian Door

by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?

by Elaine, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

Grade 5
Writing
George Washington’s Meal

by Eric, 826CHI

Narrative

This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Our School

Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan

Poetry

An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Scary Stories

by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.

Grade 5
Writing
The Story of Betty
by Cartoon Network

by Natalia, 826CHI

Narrative

A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.

Grade 4
Writing
Blue Stuff

by Elian de Leon, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Memories Through the Ages

by Keila, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Beans, Rice, and Chicken

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.

Grades 4–5
Writing
WrestleMania 21-1

by Brayan Luna, 826michigan

Poetry

In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.

Grade 5
Writing
How to Survive Fifth Grade

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational

An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Annabeth and the Death-Eating Ghost

by L.M., 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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.

Grade 4
Writing
Alan Going Hungry

by Alan, 826DC

Poetry

This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Thing that Changes My Life

by Liliana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.

Grade 5
Writing
The Worst Day Ever!

by Ana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!

Grades 5–6
Writing
‘Salam, I Come in Peace’: Muslims Stand UP Against Islamophobia

by Marisa, 826NYC

Informational

A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Letter

by Ehmely, 826CHI

Informational

A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".

Grades 4–5
Writing
You’re the Chosen One

by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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!

Grade 5
Writing
The Sky

Elsie, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.

Grades 1–5
Writing
Me, Myself, and I
by Cartoon Network

by Kevin, 826LA

Poetry

A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Queen Anne’s Lace

by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Me

by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.

Grade 5
Writing
Poem

by Abdinasir, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.

Grade 5
Writing
What It Would Be Like In the Future! 2040

by Maia Sears, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!

Grades 4–5
Writing
The Thing That Came from Above

by Joshua, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cloud vs. Wind

by Daphne, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!

Grades 1–6
Writing
How to Prank Your Mother

by Lina, 826 Valencia

Informational

A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.

Grade 5
Writing
Slow

by Sumaya, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.

Grades 4–5
Writing
How to Capture the Mermaid from the Scary Forest

by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Tree Poem

by Simone, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Agent Smitty: The Athletic Astronaut

by Benny, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Narrative

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.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Chesley’s Life

by Marie, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!

Grades 4–5
Writing
Relationship Poem

by Erriyanna, 826michigan

Poetry

An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Earth

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

Grade 4
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Muawiye, 826 Boston

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.

Grade 4
Writing
Meanwhile at the Bear Cave…

by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans

Media
Narrative

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.

Grades 3–4
Writing
My Ghost Story

by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Funning

by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC

Poetry

A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.

Grade 4
Writing
The Walls are Plain

by Rechab T., 826DC

Poetry

This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Stuffed Crust

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Mi Casa and The Skatepark

by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.

Grade 4
Writing
An Ode to Tacos

by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Marshmallows

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Poetry

In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.

Grades 3–4
Writing
Delicious Pepperoni Pizza / Pizza de Pepperoni Deliciosa

by Alexa, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cat Tweets

by Marisa, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow

Grades 3–4
Writing
My House/Mi casa

by Fatima, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.

Grade 5
Writing
Marvin and the Dream Monster

by Marvin, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.

Grade 4
Writing
Who Wants Love?

by Quinn, 826CHI

Narrative

A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.

Grade 4
Writing
I Am From

by Antoni L., 826DC

Poetry

In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.

Grade 5
Writing
The Miners

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Magical Jealousy
by Cartoon Network

by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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.

Grades 4–5
Writing
How Bullying Makes You Feel
by Cartoon Network

by Lux, 826NYC

Informational

A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.

Grade 5
Writing
The Story of Ivan Lane

by Kayamaghi, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Owl Girl

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Poetry
STEM

An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Spyman

by Jesús, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!

Grades 3–4
Writing
Memories Through the Ages

by Keila S.O., 826michigan

Poetry

An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Globes

by Meredith, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about globe-sized dreams.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Lonely Homeless Child
by Cartoon Network

by Kayla, 826LA

Narrative

This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Eastern Gray Squirrel

by Reyes, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Naomi, 826michigan

Narrative

A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.

Grades 5–8
Writing
The Great Achievement

by Marco, 826LA

Narrative
Playwriting

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

Grade 5
Writing
Jack, aka DJ Beatmaker, on How to Stop Bullying

by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans

Informational

In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.

Grades 3–4
Writing
Mourning Cloak Butterfly

by Ciaran, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.

Grades 4–5
Writing
If We Were In Charge

by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Sea Lettuce

by Talia, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Sushi Plates and Crisp, Clean Paper

by Maria, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.

Grades 3–4
Writing
The Perfect School Where Nothing Goes Wrong

by Clara, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!

Grade 5
Writing
The Spirit of Janet

by Natalie, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.

Grade 5
Writing
Feeling Trapped, Now Gone

by Claire, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Weirdness of 1:00 A.M.

by Felix E., 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.

Grade 5
Writing
Me, Myself, and I

by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston

Poetry

A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines

Grades 5–6
Writing
Worried

by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.

Grade 5
Writing
The Spy in the Red Venom Suit

by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...

Grade 5
Writing
I Wish / Deseo

by Javier, 826DC

Poetry

A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.

Grades 1–6
Writing
A Rapper Legend

by Natalie, 826 Valencia

Informational

A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.

Grade 4
Writing
Why?

by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A bullying incident on the school bus itches its way out.

Grade 5
Writing
Superheroes Rule

by Salimatou, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar

by Uma, 826NYC

Poetry

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Girl With the Sweater

by Jekaya, 826 Boston

Narrative

A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Life Before and After Becoming President

by Kelis, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

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!

Grade 4
Writing
Meanwhile at the Bear Cave…

by Yaretzi, 826LA

Media
Narrative

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.

Grade 4
Writing
On the Inside

by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia

Narrative

In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Seeing Snow

by Ramatoulie, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Animal Poem

by Mohamed F., 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.

Grades 5–6
Writing
This is Just to Say

by Yanni, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Future is a Reflection of Yourself

by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.

Grades 3–5
Writing
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct

by Charlie, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.

Grade 4
Writing
10 Tips on How to Defend Someone Who is Being Bullied

by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston

A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.

Grade 4
Writing
The Funniest Olive Ever

by Christian, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Corn and Sun

by Olivia, 826NYC

Narrative
Poetry

An elegy for corn.

Grade 5
Writing
Mighty and the Three Kids

by Oscar, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

The story of a lifetime—literally.

Grades 3–4
Writing
How to Breed a Dragon

by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia

Poetry

Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.

Grades 5–6
Writing
My Father’s Surprise

by Emmanuel, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Superhero Stories

by K.M., 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.

Grade 4
Writing
My Future Self

by Will, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A student imagines life in the future.

Grade 4
Writing
Summer

Ren, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.

Grades 4–5
Writing
The Story of the Wrecked Arm

by Violeta, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!

Grades 3–5
Writing
Timber Rattle Snake

by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Programmer

by Milo, 826NYC

Narrative
STEM

A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

Grade 4
Writing
Breathe

by Juna, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.

Grades 5–6
Writing
A New Life

by Joseline, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.

Grade 5
Writing
Once Upon a Time in the Crisis of 3016

by Matthew, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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!

Grades 4–5
Writing
The Story of the University of Pedro and Noel

by Noel, 826 Valencia

Narrative
Persuasive

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.)

Grades 3–5
Writing
I am Innocent: A Dragonbolt Story
by Cartoon Network

by Johny, 826 LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

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.