Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI step onto the solid ice and I glide forward. The cold seeps through my equipment and hits my skin. It stings my lungs as I inhale. The raw wind whips through my hair and lashes at my face. Across the floor, trails of sharp lines are created as experienced skaters flay the ice. My body is stiff and I feel incompetent in the face of so many experienced skaters.
I am discouraged by my inexperience. I scramble to the side of the rails as a quick skater moves behind me. I cling for dear life, believing that if I let go for two seconds, I will leave with fractured bones. I scramble around the edge of the rink with the same incompetent motions, never letting go of the rail.
A boy much younger than me holds onto the wall just like I do. However, the boy is venturing onto the ice, and he pushes himself off the railing with caution. He walks in his skates like a penguin and I reason he will inevitably fall among the whirlwind of skaters. He does, but as quick as he falls down, he steadies himself and progresses on with his skating. Determination springs from the boy.
Gradually, he gets better, bringing his right foot back, next to the left, and zigzagging across the ice. He takes slow strides, never rushing or trying to impress anyone. He keeps his eyes on the path, remaining in a steady position. Trusting his body after a while, he seems relaxed and seems to have the perfect technique.
By the end of the night, my feet ache and my ankles are swollen; I had stayed glued to the rails the whole time. Discouragement rang through me. I never let go because if I did, I knew I would have fractured a bone. If I had let go, perhaps I would have learned something . . . but I didn’t.
No materials available for download.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
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.
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 Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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 Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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 Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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 Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
bookmark
download
Share