Grades 3–5
Memoir, PoetryWritingKeila is a brilliant nine-year-old girl who was born in Honduras. Now she lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her mom, dad, a playful sister, and an awesome brother. Keila gets inspired when someone says, “friendship” because she has lots of friends. She is grateful for her hobbies and talents such as gymnastics, writing on a 300-page notebook, and arts and crafts. Three words that describe Keila are talented, 100% rebel and 99% flexible. Last of all, she likes to talk about Honduras.
* * *
Keila es una niña brillante de nueve años que nació en Honduras. Ahora vive en Detroit, Michigan, con su mamá, su papá, una hermana bromista, y un hermano estupendo. Keila se inspira cuando alguien dice “amistad” porque tiene muchos amigos. Aprecia sus talentos y pasatiempos incluso gimnasia, escribir un cuaderno de 300 páginas, y manualidades. Tres palabras que describen Keila incluyen: talentosa, 100% rebelde, y 99% flexible. Por fin, le gusta hablar de Honduras.
I am from Great Lakes Mall
in a huge deer hunting shop with my family.
From being in the shop for
one complete hour.
From going to the shooting range
and teaching each other how to aim.
From my brother hunting deer
on the mountains.
From my brother going with my abuelo hunting.
From a five-foot-long,
white bear that I took a picture with.
From a one-foot-long fish,
I felt I wanted to make fried fish.
I am from the smell of nachos,
hot dogs,
and hamburgers.
From my mom making nachos out of
platanos and carne.
From eating together,
crispy,
toasted
hamburgers.
From sitting on a wooden table,
opening a box of
Italian supreme pizza.
From anchovies, green peppers, pepperoni,
cheese, and black olives.
From tasting
spicy pizza sauce as hot as
the sun in my mouth.
I am from watching
wild ducks migrating.
From my cousin’s living room in
North Carolina.
From eating candy warheads
that made my cousins go CRAZY.
From games of Twister.
From The Three Stooges movie that
we laughed and laughed at.
I am from laughter and fun with Taty,
Fanny, and
Abey.
Chaos in Minecraft with
farm animals running around,
getting lost because I
forgot to close the door.
Uh-oh.
From working together to destroy
Steve in Minecraft pocket edition.
I am from my piano.
It is surrounded by boy stuff.
From teaching myself with a piano book,
from recorded tunes in my piano memory.
From playing piano for
two years!
From happy songs stuck in my head.
From me starting to
learn new songs.
* * *
Yo soy de centro comercial de los grandes lagos y
en una tienda grande de cacería con mi familia.
yo por
una hora completa.
Desde que fuimos al puesto de cacería
y aprendimos unos a otros.
Con mi hermano a cazar venados
en la montaña.
Mi hermano va con mi abuelo de cacería.
Desde cinco pies de
largo y me tome una foto con el oso blanco.
Y vi un pez de un pie de largo,
y sentí que quería hacer pescado frito.
Se venía el olor de nachos,
perros calientes
y hamburguesas.
Y mi mama a me hacía nachos de
plátano con carne molida.
Comimos a juntos
hamburguesas,
crujiente
tostada.
Nos sentábamos En una mesa de madera.
Abrimos una caja de
pizza Italiana suprema con carne.
Chile verde, pepperoni,
queso y aceitunas negras.
Y se sentía
en la boca caliente como
el sol.
Yo estuve viendo la
migración de los partos salvajes.
Desde la sala de mi prima en
Carolina del Norte.
Y Comíamos dulces warheads
que mi prima se puso impaciente.
De los juegos de Twister.
De la película de los Tres chiflados que
reimos y reimos.
Con risa y diversión con Taly,
Fanny y
Abbey.
Caos en Minecraft con
los animales que corrían
alrededor porque se
no olvidó cerrar la puerta.
Uh-oh!
Trabajamos juntos para destruir
la edición de Steve en Minecraft.
Mi piano.
Y yo estamos rodeados de cosas de niños.
Para aprender por mi mama en el libro de piano.
Yo grabe los tonos en la memoria de mi piano.
Para tocar piano por
dos años!
La canciones felices en mi mente.
para
aprender nuevas canciones.
by Brandan Pierce, 826michigan
by Brandan Pierce, 826michigan
In this project, students explore poetry as a way of explaining and defining the world around them via the people,…
Rare Air / Aire raro is 826michigan's Young Author's Book Project for the 2015–2016 school year written by the fourth-grade students of Ms. Lowe's class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit and it is FULL of firsts for us. It is the first YABP written in Detroit. The first YABP of poetry. And the first that is completely bilingual (English and Spanish). With a foreword by inaugural poet Richard Blanco, and introduction by volunteer and retired teacher Sandy Karolak, Rare Air / Aire raro is full of exceptional and charming poems on family, neighborhood, and memories. Poems were translated into Spanish by students, family members, and volunteers to allow for students to share their voices with their community. So join fourth-grade writers of Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in feeling the rare air in this beautiful book of bilingual poetry. A bilingual collection of poetry written by fourth graders at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit.
by 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.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Noel, 826 Valencia
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.)
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.
by Kelis, 826michigan
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!
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Madhav, 826michigan
In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Benny, 826 Boston
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.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by L.M., 826CHI
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.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Levi, 826NYC
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.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Sabir, 826 MSP
In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Yasmeen W, Grade 3, 826 Valencia
In this descriptive short story, a student overcomes their fear of turning on their video.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Sebastian, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia
A student bravely faces the first day of school.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
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.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
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.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Matthew, 826CHI
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!
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
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!
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Yaretzi, 826LA
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.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Lukas, 826 New Orleans
A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.
by Johny, 826 LA
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.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
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