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Grades level iconsGrades 7–12
Genre information iconNarrative
Resource type iconWriting

My Family Interview

Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

My mother’s words burden me.

My mother’s name is Maria Vasquez and this is her story. Once my mom told me to sit down and hear what she had to say, I knew in my mind at least part of her life had to be painful to hear. She told me that she found a job at the age of 8 in Ecuador, where she grew up in a two-story house she had to clean and cook 24/7. Her boss paid her well and let her sleep in a room. She saved up her money her whole life and she enjoyed her job making tamales, cooking, cleaning. It was hard work for her. But also she told me that she didn’t have a mother or father, but she had a sister. Her sister took care of her and she taught my mother how to clean but the sister died right before she found a job. This hurt her so much but was able to focus on work and she cried all the time.

My mother’s words burden me when my mother finished talking about how hard she worked when she was a kid. She talked about the people she lost. She lost her father and mother in an accident and they were the only family members my mom had during the time when she was a kid. Her sister taught her many things and also disciplined her and helped her in a way. But then her sister died unexpectedly and she was left alone with no father, no mother, not even a sister, but she pulled through it. Then when she was in her late 30s, she got married to a person I didn’t know. She loved him so much they even had a cat, a house, and everything but then everything changed. Her husband died in a car crash and she was alone again then she was forced to put the cat up for adoption because she couldn’t take care of it anymore. She lost her job and she felt hopeless so she crossed the U.S.A. border for a new life.

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It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

Grades 11–12
Writing
How The Time Has Come to Be

by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

Grades 7–8
Writing
School Blues

by Jamie, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

Grades 10–11
Writing
When Mean Girls Attack

by Tammy Fong, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.

Grades 9–12
Writing
A Glitch in the System

by Soraya, 826NYC

Poetry

This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.

Grades 10–11
Writing
La Luna De Mi Vida

by Karla M., 826LA

Poetry

A poem for lovers of love and the moon.

Grade 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

Grade 8
Writing
Protest for the People of Color / Protesta para la Gente de Color

by Roger, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

Grade 8
Writing
The Sugar Trap: We Just Can’t Get Enough

by Jack, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive
STEM

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Golden Girl and Lolo

by Leslie, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

Grade 12
Writing
Lives on the Line

by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”

Grade 12
Writing
Two-Sided Latin Culture

by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Bigger Than You Think

by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.

Grade 8
Writing
Chaos in Antarctica! Millions of Penguins Dead!

by Luke, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.

Grade 9
Writing
The Great Under

by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.

Grade 8
Writing
The Terrific Tale of Transferring

by Angel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

Grade 8
Writing
When I Laughed the Hardest

by Diego, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

Grades 7–8
Writing
What Music Means to Me

by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

Grades 6–7
Writing
It Went Wrong

by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Amaya, 826michigan

Narrative

A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!

Grades 11–12
Writing
Nothing New to Us

by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project

Informational
Narrative

This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.

Grade 8
Writing
All I Want

by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about wanting more from life.

Grade 10
Writing
I Can Only Imagine

by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

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.

Grades 11–12
Writing
I’m Here to Stay

by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project

Narrative

This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.

Grade 11
Writing
These Walls

by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National

Poetry

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.

Grades 10–11
Writing
In Between

by Joanne H, 826 Valencia

Poetry

In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.

Grade 7
Writing
The Summer of 2097

by Asa, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!

Grade 10
Writing
Black Power

by Anthony, 826DC

Poetry

This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Bridge Between Worlds

by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.

Grade 9
Writing
Strength, Bravery, Selflessness, and Dedication

by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

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.

Grades 6–8
Writing
The Crane in the Constellations
by Cartoon Network

by Alondra, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

Grade 8
Writing
Chicago is My Voice

by Kiara, 826CHI

Narrative

In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.

Grade 7
Writing
Crystal Truth

by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI

Poetry

A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.

Grade 10
Writing
All Humans Are Equal: A Call for Immigration Reform

by Cindy, 826LA

Informational
Persuasive

A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Matricide: Addressing Climate Change

by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI

Poetry

This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.

Grade 11
Writing
Harmony’s Canvas: A Vision of Love’s Eternal Light

by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.

Grade 12
Writing
Querido/a presidente

by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR

Poetry

A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.

Grade 12
Writing
M

Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Stupid Blue Screen

by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC

Narrative
Poetry

Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Giving Shelter

by Steysi Hailee, 826LA

Narrative

A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.

Grade 12
Writing
Albin C.

by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Woods

by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.

Grades 8–9
Writing
The Saga Continues

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

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?

Grade 8
Writing
Women United: Stand Together Against Being Critiqued

by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Grades 7–9
Writing
My Language

by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP

Poetry

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.

Grade 8
Writing
Completing the Pokédex

by Andy, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

Grade 9
Writing
You Deserve More

by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

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.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Ode to Sonia Melara

by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Untitled

Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Volleyball Blues

by Lesly, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A sports poem about the losing blues.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Sunny Smiles

by Sergio M, 826 Valencia

Narrative
Poetry

This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Alanis T.

by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.

Grade 11
Writing
C’est La Maison (This Is Home)

by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Narrative

A beautiful ode to home and self.

Grades 9–10
Writing
An Indescribable Place

by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Booking an Adventure

by William, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

Grade 7
Writing
The Beginning

by Madison, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative
Persuasive

In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.

Grade 8
Writing
Voices

by Isabel, 826 Boston

Poetry

From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.

Grade 12
Writing
Nhu N.

by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.

Grade 10
Writing
Managing to Find Joy

by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.

Grades 10–11
Writing
My Name Is…Undecided

by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC

Memoir

A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Fight for Civil Rights in the Bathroom

by Satis, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.

Grade 10
Writing
Six Poems in Search of My Border

by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.

Grade 12
Writing
The Reason We Have Balance

by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.

Grade 7
Writing
Untitled

by Sam, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Ode to My Grandfather

Amara, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Dancing in This Hurricane

by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.

Grade 7
Writing
Heart and Soul

by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP

Narrative

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.

Grades 9–10
Writing
The Rez Girls Are Powerful!

by Navayah, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.

Grade 11
Writing
Eternal Youth

by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC

Poetry

Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.

Grades 7–9
Writing
Fruit Woman Saves the Day

by Pia, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Reuben & Giselle

by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Haunting Picture

by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.

Grade 8
Writing
Burning Love

by Lola, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

Grades 9–11
Writing
Gift of Love

by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.

Grades 10–11
Writing
Excerpt from “My Street”

by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston

Poetry

A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.

Grade 10
Writing
Check, Please!, Drop-Out, and Happy Endings

by Aphra, 826CHI

Informational
Media
Persuasive

A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Siempre Seré tu Mamá

Yamilet J., 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Who I Am

by Duanté, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A personal narrative about race and identity.

Grade 8
Writing
It’s All About the Teamwork

by Victor, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Mom

by Jin, 826LA

Narrative

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

Grades 8–9
Writing
Kneel Down for What You Believe In

by Caroline, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Adventures of Nutriman and Junkster

by Saeed, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

Grades 11–12
Writing
Where I’m From

by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view

Grades 6–7
Writing
Cinnamon the Corgi

by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!

Grades 8–9
Writing
Jazmine & Vanessa

by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

Grade 12
Writing
Still

by Franny, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Christian, 826michigan

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.