Grade 11
PoetryWritingRowan was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are a junior in high school and hope to pursue a career in cultural anthropology. They are most often found practicing or performing lyra, among other forms of performing arts or writing.
A small pocket of sunshine peeking through the clouds.
So small, not a lasting impression but an impression
nonetheless.
Warmth on my back as I lay in a field, sun cascading on me
from above.
Small moments, quiet moments, moments of joy.
Still they are passing, fleeting, just as the sun will be covered by
clouds again.
Shade sweeping over and hiding the blissful heat.
Still the sun will shine again, I will feel it again.
Even if it is just another passing moment.
UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions began in the fall of 2024, when librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invited young people across the country to write about their feelings, their way. Together, we shared writing prompts and activities for students in grades K–12 to explore the depth and complexity of their emotions through storytelling. No feeling was too big or too small. No genre was off-limits. Writing has long been a way for young people to make sense of the world, to capture what matters to them, and to imagine new possibilities. This anthology is a window into how young people are feeling right now. Joy, grief, rage, love—all of it belongs here and in this moment. We invite you to read these pages as they were written: with an open heart, brave and unbound.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Manuel C., 17, 826DC
Manuel sees his name as joyful and strong, linked to faith, fun, and his favorite characters, with two names that reflect who he is at home and at school.
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Abner L., 17, 826DC
Abner explores the meaning of his name through color, joy, strength, and heritage, connecting it to culture, family, and faith.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Emmerson Todd, Grade 11, Novato High School, Novato, CA
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Tyler, Grade 11, 826DC
In this powerful letter to the United States Congress, this student stands up for representation of young people in government.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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 Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
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