Grades 9–10
PoetryWritingMaggie Munday Odom is a 16-year-old poet and playwright whose work has appeared in and/or been recognized by the Oahu Fringe Festival, the Hawaii Women’s Voices Festival, the Playbuilders Playfestival, and the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She has performed spoken word poetry in the 2019 Honolulu Biennial and is the 2019 Hawaii State Poetry Out Loud Champion. She believes in using the power of conversation and communication to make the world a better place and applies this belief to both her art and her activism.
i cry more than i used to
but sometimes i can’t cry at all.
i sweat myself to sleep
under foggy blankets of
fear for our future.
my kindness is no longer soft
but hurricanes.
a mother’s pain is
the product of her
sons and daughters;
a hundred mistakes and a
million years of looks
away.
my rivers run with the sins of you,
my children.
so deaf
to my voice
over the sound of your own
greedy
complaints,
death wishes.
so young,
you treat me like
nothing
but the ground
beneath you
yet i am
life
itself.
a mother’s despair
is veins
choked up with nothing
but plastics,
acid tears, and
hopelessness.
how can i teach you to see past
your own palms,
shielding your eyes
from the mess of a
mother you have made me?
by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
Whether it’s the March For Our Lives, the Youth Climate Strike, or Black Lives Matter, young people are at the frontlines of combating injustice and changing the world. Poets in Revolt! brings together a diversity of student voices from communities across the country as they write to claim a brighter future.
by Jazlin Lopez, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
This poet draws strength and courage from her grandmother's love.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
Yashawa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Athena Celine Caasi, Grade 9, 826NYC, Brooklyn, NY
This poet is a tapestry, woven from threads of courage and kindness.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Gabby Hamelton, Grade 9, Hamilton, IL
This author learns to find community, empowerment, and joy at school.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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 Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
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 Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
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 Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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 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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Xiaoqing Cai, Grade 10, Greenbelt, MD
This dystopian sci-fi story reflects the issues and fears of today.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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 Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
A guiding light for all those who wander...
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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