×
Grade 8
Narrative
Writing

My Home, My Life

Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.

I’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.

See more Writing at this level

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 7–9
Writing
New Sport: Pencils

by Jason, 826michigan

Informational

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

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 8–10
Writing
Christopher & Bryan & Jahir

by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

Grade 8
Writing
All I Want

by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about wanting more from life.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
Changing the Lunch Menu for the Better!

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Persuasive

A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Shout-Out Poem

by Anjum, 826CHI

Poetry

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

Grades 6–8
Writing
Happy

by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students

Poetry

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

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.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Listen

by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

Grade 8
Writing
The Sun Radiates With Light

by Cora B., Grade 8

Narrative

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

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.

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.

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
My Flight

by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey

Poetry

In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.

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 6–8
Writing
Bryan

by Elsy, 826LA

Media
Narrative
Poetry

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

Grade 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

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.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Volleyball Blues

by Lesly, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A sports poem about the losing blues.

Grade 8
Writing
I Remember

by Vivian, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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

Grades 8–10
Writing
Bryanna & Kayla

by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

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 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 8
Writing
Where I’m From

by Cayden, 826DC

Narrative

This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
2.719 Million People

by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative

A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.

Grade 8
Writing
My Latino Self

by Arianny, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem that celebrates being Latino

Grades 7–8
Writing
jalapeño + love

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

Grades 7–8
Writing
Who I Am

by Duanté, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A personal narrative about race and identity.

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.

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 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
BLM

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Poetry

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Grade 8
Writing
Ode to My Grandfather

Amara, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

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

Grades 7–8
Writing
School Blues

by Jamie, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Just Glitter and Be Questioning

by Eva, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

Grades 7–12
Writing
My Family Interview

by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP

Narrative

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

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
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 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.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
Wage Gap: Who Does It Affect?

by Xaria, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

Grade 8
Writing
Optimism

by Mya, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

Grade 8
Writing
When I Laughed the Hardest

by Diego, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

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.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Manifesto

by Djeneba, 826michigan

Poetry

A student’s manifesto!

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 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 6–8
Writing
Rap for Stan Lee

by Luis, 826LA

Media
Poetry

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.

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From

by David, 826CHI

Narrative

A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.

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?

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 8
Writing
Memoir

by Laila, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

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
Confused

by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

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.

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 7–8
Writing
Irritating Noise

by Curtis, 826michigan

Poetry

A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.

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
What walking the red road means to me is

by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN

Poetry

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.

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.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Persuasive Letter

by Renée, 826NYC

Persuasive

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

Grade 8
Writing
Co-ed Teams, Yes or No?

by Ella, 826 Valencia

Persuasive

A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.

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.

Grade 8
Writing
Christmas

by Jeff, 826CHI

Narrative

In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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
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 8
Writing
Friends Should Be Forever

by Sharon, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about finding true friendship.

Grade 8
Writing
How to Know if You’re Awake

by Tylor, 826NYC

Informational

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

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 8
Writing
Finding Out I Have a Brother

by Natalie, 826CHI

Narrative

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

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.