Grades 9–10
MemoirWritingRicardo lives in Washington, DC and attends Paul Public Charter School. Ricardo is 15 years old. Ricardo’s favorite movie is 300. Ricardo likes to play soccer. Ricardo wants to be a chef.
In English my name means brave king.
In Spanish it means fuerte.
lt means hot.
It is the name of vladimir.
It is like the number 13.
A sad color.
At school, my name is Rica.
At home. My name is Ricardo.
My name comes from mom.
This piece was originally published in Nuesta Vida by 826DC.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
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Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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 Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
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by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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 Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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 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.
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 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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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 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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their 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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
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