Dear Children’s Hospital employees,
Thank you! I want to start by saying how eternally grateful I am for you all, especially during this time. I went to the Children’s Hospital a lot as a child, and it holds a special place in my heart. You all are so courageous for healing others and working in the “front lines”! Work hours must be crazy. Thank you for making the world a better, healthier place one day at a time! Everyone out there is amazed by you all and what you all are doing, and I hope you all know that! Thank you for taking care of our siblings, cousins, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends, coworkers, etc. who have been affected by the virus, and continuing to help others who have not. The world is grateful to have your care and help at this trying time. I hope you all are managing to find joy in something, even with all of the stress and sickness happening right now! Thank you all for everything that you do!
Best,
Luciana, sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis
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by Cristeta Boarini, 826MSP, and Skylar Burkhardt, 826 National
Few expressions of gratitude are more meaningful than a personalized letter. In this lesson, students reach out to essential workers…
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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 Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.