Grade 8
PoetryWhen she isn’t constantly opening up her laptop to jot a good writing prompt down, Soeun loves being with her family and talking with her younger sister. Soeun also loves spending her time volunteering at several places in school and outside of school, because she thinks volunteering is a way of telling people that they’re never alone. Soeun believes that everyone can produce heartfelt poetry as long as they know how to share their multitude of emotions with others.
I watch as the fluffy dove’s wings spread out to take flight,
the dove is perched there elegantly,
as if it’s above all of the necessities of the world,
ready to get to its destination.
The dove jumps out into the open,
jumping into a real life full of wonders,
takes off,
and flies.
The sweet dove soars through the sky,
flapping its wings gracefully.
Up,
and down.
Gazing out into the horizon, streaked with brilliant colors of red and orange,
waiting for my own flight,
wanting my very own,
wanting to soar high up into the sky just like the bird.
How come a simple dove can do it and I can’t?
How come it can fly up into the sky,
without any care,
flying side by side with the perfectly sculpted clouds in the sunset sky?
I know why,
I know how,
I know when,
I know that I’m going to take my own flight.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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?
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Djeneba, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
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.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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