Grade 5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingThis is the story of a lifetime, starting in the village called Dullahan Village. The village was a kingdom ruled by a king. The village was made up of brick houses, a forest, mountains, and a huge waterfall. The village was like a festival, full of decorations, pearls, crystals, and jewelry. All of the Dullahans were half-man, half-horse, with no heads. They wore decorations like rings, headbands, bracelets, and necklaces. All the jewelry gave them great powers like magic defense, magic attack, and magic strength. They were fearless.
The king’s son, Mighty, was so different that none of the Dullahans wanted him anymore. Mighty had once challenged three kids named Jared, Nyne, and Carly. He tried to defeat them, but he lost the fight. Jared had spiky hair that was dyed red and wore a shirt with a symbol for peace on it. He was adventurous and curious and he’d never give up on anything. Nyne had neat, well-kept hair that was light brown. He always wore shorts and a shirt with a symbol for curiosity on it, and he was good at climbing rocks. Carly had beautiful long, black hair, and wore a dress that flowed in the wind. She also wore pearls and a headband that was black but patterned with leaves like a princess. Jared and Nyne thought she was beautiful and always full of happiness.
One day, mysterious creatures came to Dullahan Village and attacked. Everyone was like, “I’ve never seen this creature before.”
The king called out, “Attack!” and Mighty came to accept his challenge. He started to fight with swords. Mighty made the last attack and wounded the enemy’s shoulder. The creatures’ dirty-faced leader cried, “Arghhhhhhh! I’ve never seen anyone fight like this!”
And off they went. The enemy leader went away, and people were cheering for Mighty.
His father was impressed, and he made Mighty a knight to protect people.
The next day, his father and Mighty were sitting together. His father said, “You did great out there, son. You protected our village.” Mighty thanked his father. Then his father bid him good night.
“Good night, Dad,” Mighty replied.
When Mighty went to sleep, his darkened room filled with dark spirits flying around. They went inside Mighty’s head. The next day, when Mighty woke up for lunch, he was talking in a scary voice, saying that all the Dullahans should be banished forever!
His father replied, “How dare you? This is how you repay me? You are kicked out of this village. Leave! Leave this instant!”
It was a harsh punishment, but hearing that the Dullahans would be banished had filled Mighty’s father with fear. All the Dullahans were super angry and upset. The Dullahans scolded, “You are a disgrace to your father! Mighty, why would you do this? We’re very disappointed, Mighty. Leave. You are banned from this village forever.”
When he tried to return, the other Dullahans just looked at him. They exclaimed, “Go away. Remember, you’ve been banned from this village.”
Then, Mighty made an announcement that he wanted forgiveness. He told his people that he was sorry because something was controlling his head, making him do what he did to his father.
The Dullahans responded, “No,” so Mighty cried and ran away.
He had nothing to eat or drink, but he still had his jewelry. He made fire. He had no comfort, he had no father, and something was happening to his brain. He got insanely crazy. He went out of control. He was not feeling good, and he was acting like something else—all of his body had changed. His eyes changed color, and his DNA changed. He had a headache and was complaining that his head hurt. His skin and his whole body were in pain.
Meanwhile, Jared, Nyne, and Carly heard a voice say, ”Swallow these light spheres,” so the kids swallowed some blue spheres they’d found. Something weird was happening. Their throats were burning and their shadows were different. Three mythical shadow creatures came out of their shadows. Nyne’s was a tiger, Carly’s was a gecko, and Jared’s was a bearded dragon. Now, the kids had even more magic and powers.
They left on a journey to get back to Snowflake Village, a village full of wooden houses and a wooden bridge. The village had a lot of snow and windmills. On the way, a giant lizard that was tied to a rope made them fall into a tunnel and into some ancient ruins.
Nyne noticed something: a dark cave full with treasures and mythical creatures. They discussed that the place looked familiar, and Jared said, “Yes, this is the ancient ruins, full of treasures and creatures like Poo Snake.”
Nyne was trying to explain the place to the others, and Carly was scared that the ancient ruins could be dangerous. In the ruins they met this creature who was a half-robin, half-human and wore a blue shirt. His legs were covered with feathers and his name was Bird Boy. Together, they joined forces and were more powerful. Together, they traveled all the way to their families.
Then, they saw something coming, and you know who it was? It was Mighty, running to those three kids. Mighty again accepted their challenge to fight, and the three kids used magic—all different kinds of magic. Mighty was using his sword and his power of Earth’s realm. Mighty tried to beat them, but they were too powerful. Mighty started getting weaker and weaker because the three kids had been upgrading their magic with the light spheres.
Mighty was defeated and thwarted by the three kids. The three kids cheered for their victory.
Back in the Dullahan Village, the Dullahans were sad and crying about Mighty, because they hadn’t seen him for a long time. They missed him after he was banished.
Meanwhile, inside the house, The King was watching the news and he heard that Mighty was dead. Mighty’s dad shouted, “Nooooooooooooo! Mighty, I am so sorry.”
The king made an announcement that Mighty was dead, and all Dullahans gasped and cried, saying, “Mighty was a great man, we’re so sorry.”
The king decided that the Dullahans should walk into the waterfall as a tribute to Mighty, since that was how Dullahans showed that they were in mourning. One by one, the Dullahans walked through the waterfall, and once the last one passed through, the entrance to their village became magically sealed.
To this day, the waterfall is still known as the Waterfall of Sadness.
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This collection of zany, adventurous monster tales—penned by fourth and fifth grade students from Brentano Math & Science Academy in Chicago—invites you to walk within dark tunnels, through explosive science labs, and into strange forests to explore beastly worlds unknown. Each piece provokes, tantalizes, and surprises you... perhaps even makes you gasp—or shout—OMG! An 826CHI Young Authors' Book Project.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
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 Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
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 Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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 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 Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
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 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.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
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 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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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 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 Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
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 Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
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 Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
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 Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
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 Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
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