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 Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
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 Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
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 Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 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 Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Yojannie Pizarro, Age 17, 826 Boston
This poem explores the beauty of friendship.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
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 Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
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.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
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