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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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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.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
2.719 Million People

by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Boston’s Chinatown is my home, but it is in a crisis.

by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston

Memoir

A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.

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 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.

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.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Jackie Chan

by Luis, 826LA

Narrative

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

Grades 9–10
Writing
Dandelion

by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia

Poetry

Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.

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.

Grade 9
Writing
Gone

by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.

Grades 9–12
Writing
The Achilles Heel

by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP

Poetry

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

Grade 12
Writing
Transgicomedy

Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.

Grade 12
Writing
Cake for the Culture

by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans

Narrative

This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.

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 7
Writing
Heart-Beat

by Sahir M., Grade 7

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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.

Grade 11
Writing
Touch Grass

by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Informational
Persuasive
STEM

A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!

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.

Grade 12
Writing
The Heart of New York

by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.

Grade 7
Writing
The Particle Accelerator / El Acelerador de Partículas

by Angel, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.

Grades 11–12
Writing
Unexpected Opportunities

by Brandon R., 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Why Do Borders Exist?

by V.G., 826LA

Poetry

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

Grade 8
Writing
The Terrific Tale of Transferring

by Angel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Life Puzzles

by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI

Poetry

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

Grades 8–12
Writing
A Challenge

by Shayne Williams

Narrative

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

Grade 7
Writing
A Place as Me

by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC

Narrative

A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.

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 10–11
Writing
Me

by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston

Poetry

A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.

Grade 9
Writing
Used To Be Booty, Now I’m Good

by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu

Poetry

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

Grade 8
Writing
Lessons of a Lifetime

by Jiaxi, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.

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 11
Writing
To My Dearest, Vivianne

by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi

An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.

Grade 8
Writing
Alex Nieto: The Unsung Hero of the Everett Community

by Jason, 826 Valencia

Informational

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

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 8–9
Writing
Confused

by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

Grade 8
Writing
Meanwhile at the Creek…

by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.

Grade 8
Writing
3 and 1: The Golden State Warriors Came Close

by Emmanuel J., 826NYC

Informational

An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.

Grade 12
Writing
Unglamorous Transgender

by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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 8
Writing
The Deadly Ivory Trade and What It’s Really Costing Us

by Piya, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

Grades 11–12
Writing
The Great Assimilation

by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.

Grades 8–10
Writing
David & Daniel

by David & Daniel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Thoughts Onto Paper

by Pretty S, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.

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.

Grades 11–12
Writing
My Uncle Nilton…

by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston

Narrative
Persuasive

In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.

Grades 7–8
Writing
jalapeño + love

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

Grades 9–10
Writing
My First…

by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.

Grade 8
Writing
When People Come to See Me

by Arielle B., Grade 8

Poetry

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From and What I Want

by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

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.

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
I Remember

by Vivian, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

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 6–7
Writing
It Went Wrong

by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

Grades 10–12
Writing
she, he, them

by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC

Poetry

In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.

Grades 7–8
Writing
The Wallet

by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia

Narrative

The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.

Grade 8
Writing
We Are All Family

by Rafael, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

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 7–8
Writing
Hoverboard Failure

by Kevin, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

Grades 6–7
Writing
We’ll Still Try: The Fight of the Standing Sioux Against the Dakota Access Pipeline

by Destiny, 826NYC

Persuasive
Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

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 9–10
Writing
Retrospect

by Kevin G, 826 Valencia

Narrative

This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.

Grade 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

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 7
Writing
Doomungous

by Mateo, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Narrative

An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.

Grade 10
Writing
Black Power

by Anthony, 826DC

Poetry

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

Grades 10–12
Writing
I’m Not Home But I Am

by Sally Phan, 826 Boston

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.

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 12
Writing
The Cage We Share

by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA

Poetry

A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.

Grade 8
Writing
I See

by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia

Poetry

In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

Grade 8
Writing
My Latino Self

by Arianny, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem that celebrates being Latino

Grade 11
Writing
Who I’ll Always Be

by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC

Poetry

In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

Grade 10
Writing
Are You White?

by Isabella, 826NYC

Poetry

This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Henry & Matthew & Santiago

by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.

Grade 12
Writing
Wentworth

by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Technology Gives Me a Way In

by Jonas K., 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.

Grade 11
Writing
I Cannot Be Defined

by Alexis G., Grade 11

Narrative

In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.

Grade 8
Writing
All I Want

by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about wanting more from life.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Freezy Pen

by Giovanna, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative

An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Who I Am

by Duanté, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A personal narrative about race and identity.

Grades 6–7
Writing
NEW DRUG, MIRACA, CURES ALL ILLNESSES

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Narrative

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Grades 5–8
Writing
The Great Achievement

by Marco, 826LA

Narrative
Playwriting

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

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 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!