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
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 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 Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Glimpse into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
A smile isn’t always what it seems.
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.