Grades 9–10
MemoirWritingPerla lives in Washington, DC and attends Paul Public Charter School. Perla is 15 years old. Perla likes to spend time with her family. Perla loves k-dramas. Perla also loves to play soccer. Perla wants to be able to get a scholarship to university. Perla wants to be a doctor in the future.
In English my name means precious.
In Spanish it means introversion is smart to analyze what
surrounds me.
It means that I like the summer
Perla which means a perla of the sea.
It is the name of the sea.
It is like the number 14.
A pink and purple color.
My name is small like a perla of the sea.
At school my name is Perla or Perlation.
At home, my name is Julieth of Juli
My name comes from the sea.
This piece was originally published in Nuesta Vida by 826DC.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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?
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Savannah, 826NYC
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Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Anjum, 826CHI
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by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
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.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
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.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
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.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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