Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingIt was May 22, 2012 and I went to school just like any other day. My godmother picked me up later, and I was so happy because I hadn’t seen her in a long time. She took me to my house and everyone was there, like everybody in my family. I walked in my house. It was quiet. I saw everyone crying and hugging each other. I went by my mom and she hugged me and my brother, Alex. She said, “Guys, yesterday when you heard me crying and yelling it was because of your dad. Someone killed him…” At that moment, I just started to cry.
I didn’t go to school for a week or more. I was surprised because I just transferred schools and the one I am at now sent me cards about how my dad was the best. I think everyone knew my dad because at school he coached most of the sports. That’s what he loved to do. My old school also sent me cards and I missed them, but I still talk to them now.
As I said earlier, my dad knew lots of people. When my family went to the funeral, I thought it was just going to be my family, but it wasn’t. All his friends were there and some other people I didn’t know, but I guess they knew me. The first day of the funeral we had to wear Cubs gear because my dad loved the Cubs. That day was the day of the wake. Everyone got to say goodbye. The next day, my family got to say our last goodbyes. That was the day we went to the St. Adalbert church and the entire church was filled. Some people had to stand outside and everything. When we went to the church, some people who were very special to my dad, plus my mom, held the casket and walked it down the aisle. When the mass was over and people tried to leave, it was like a maze. I saw some people that I haven’t seen in forever. We went back to the funeral home and buried him. It was very hot that day and everyone was wearing black. The people who worked there put the casket in the hole they dug. Everyone was touching the casket and crying. Everyone got to grab the dirt and put it over the casket. Some people put roses and things they loved on top of the casket, too.
I went back to school a few days later and I thought it was going to be horrible. I walked into class and everyone was just hugging me and saying sorry, and just tried to keep me happy. Later when we went to recess, I found out that they had planted a tree in the garden. There is a stone with my dad’s name by the tree. I was really happy to hear how much they cared about my dad.
When that happened, it didn’t really hit me that my dad had died. Now I understand, and when I try to talk about my dad, it hurts and I cry. On the day he died, his birthday, we sometimes go to see him at the cemetery. We bring food and baseball stuff because the park is across the street. We have so much fun, but at the end when it is time to say goodbye, I think of all the good memories I had with him.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
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A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
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Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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A poem about spring!
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