Grades 8–9
PoetryWritingCHIDI was born in San Francisco, and he’s twelve years old. He likes basketball, video games, and school. He wants to study math in college, and be an NBA player in the future.
Light-headed
Heavy-Heart
A syncopated pulse
Lost for words
Inherently mute
My palms feel cold…
With ebony hands gripping the vermilion ball
My body sways like a windy tree
I shoot the ball hoping that it swooshes like the wind
I played Basketball,
Under the luminous light
Idle in the street
Hearing a Raggedy Tune
with a pain so deep…
I can no longer feel
With a melanin tune
I heard that Negro’s empty hearted voice
I heard that Negro sing,
The piano moans…
Howls like a desperate crone
I heard that uninhabited crowd
Like a ghost in an abandoned town
Ain’t nobody
…but ma self
Put ma troubles
…on a shelf
Like history was built
…for myself…
***
This piece was originally published in 826 Valencia’s Breathing Between the Future and the Past.
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 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 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 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 Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 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 Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Karla Amayo, 826LA
This bilingual poem describes the happiness and comfort of visiting family in Mexico.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 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 Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 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 Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Liana H., 826LA
The author of this piece shares her journey to feeling confident in her Salvadorean identity.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Yashawa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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 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 Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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