Grade 8
NarrativeWritingI’m a 13 year-old in West Town. I walk the streets searching for answers. I ask myself, Will I make it? I wake up every day knowing it’s a battle for survival, a battle to achieve my desires for who I want to become.
Despite my city’s issues, I think of the word purpose. If it wasn’t for Chicago I wouldn’t have a place to call home. Sirens go off, lights are flashing, traffic is moving, and the wind is blowing. The sunset of my city gives me a reason to turn the other cheek and see the beauty of life.
What do I want? I don’t ask for much, but if there’s one thing I want, that would be peace. A chance to have all colors united in equality. No judgement, just a place where I can be who I am and make a change.
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by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
Willa Jones, Grade 8, Salt Lake City, UT
A young author explores a memory of stimming and captures the depth of their experience in a sparkling poem: "wishing I could shift into whatever form. / UNBOUND by what society expects. Free."
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 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 Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
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.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
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 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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
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