Grades 3–4
InformationalWritingFOOD
Have you ever imagined how the first piece of chocolate ever made tasted? If you had been in Mexico over three thousand years ago, maybe you would know! Imagine yourself in present day Mexico, biting into a sweet, spicy, chocolatey dish that leaves the color brown and orange on the plate. You eat it with bread and chicken. It is soupy and filled with spices, or on top of a tostada. This is called mole. It is my favorite Mexican dish. Secondly, panuchos are another Mexican dish with black beans inside and topped with lettuce, chicken, onions, and guacamole. If you want lemon you can sprinkle it on. Amazing!
CITY
Imagine a park with ice cream and a market, delicious food, stores, and many playgrounds. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). A fun fact about Day of the Dead is that for the parade and events, people bring flowers and the favorite pan dulce (sweet bread) of their dead loved ones. Mérida is a city in the state of Yucatán that is awesome to visit. In Mérida you can swim, eat ice cream from ice cream trucks, see loved ones, and see the churches. There is an event in Mérida called the Grameos every month. The locals wear two-piece dresses that are colorful and white dresses that have embroidered flowers on them to these events.
PICTURE THIS
Dinosaurs all over, crying and roaring in fear. Scientists believe that the “Big Bang” meteor hit the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico about sixty-six million years ago. This is also where the ancient civilization of the Mayan people used to live. Families lived in square-shaped buildings made of bamboo, wood, and mud. They slept in beds made of thatched grass. You can see the ruins of the cities where the Mayans lived in Chichén Itzá!
This piece was originally published in Dear Detective, I Know Who Ate All the Hot Dogs by 826 Valencia.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
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A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Nathan Chavez, Grade 3, Oakland, CA
This poem shares a deep love for the one, the only, the GOAT of stone fruit. . . avocados!
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.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
Nur Schlenker, age 10, 826 Valencia
Experience the sights and sounds of Halloween in this vivid poem.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
Miracle W., Age 9, 826DC
A speaker named Hershey paints their absurd and creative world.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Sabir, 826 MSP
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by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
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 Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
Axel Fuentes-Cruz, age 9, 826 Valencia
Three friends meet a frightening fate in this terrifying tale.
by Fatima, 826michigan
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by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
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 Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
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This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
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by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Ahlaam, Grade 4, 826 MSP
Burglars beware. . . a nine-year-old witch fights crime!
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.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
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 Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
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 Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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 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 Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia
A student bravely faces the first day of school.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
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 Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
Christina L., Grade 4, 826 MSP
We are a reflection of the people we love and who love us.
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
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 Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Travis Cao, Age 8, 826 Valencia
This poem shows the importance of saying thank you to yourself!
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
Day M., Grade 4, 826 MSP
An ode to a poet's love for their culture and family.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
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 Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.
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 Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Sahni Yokley-Wash, age 9, 826 Valencia
Will this story's brave hero be able to survive a frightening forest adventure?
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
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 Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?
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 Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
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 Alexander C. Hernandez, Grade 4, 826 Valencia
A story about a dog who gets a second chance.
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about how to act with kindness in the face of bullying.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
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 Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Yasmeen W, Grade 3, 826 Valencia
In this descriptive short story, a student overcomes their fear of turning on their video.
by Iman Abdullah, Grade 4, 826NYC
This joyful letter to everyone's favorite pop star sings! Are you "Ready For It?"
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
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 Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
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