Our story begins in the Realm Of Virtues, a dimension created for the dwellings of holy and precious Virtue Spirits that inspire all intelligent beings to have more meaningful lives. The Realm of Virtues is an ethereal resting place decorated with shining temples so magnificent, humans couldn’t begin to imagine what they look like. Virtue Spirits can teach their Virtue’s practices and contact other life forms by thought. Anja, the Spirit of Creativity, both tirelessly enlightens other Spirits and inspires mortal citizens of other dimensions. Anja favors humanity and sees a great future for them, as does her ally, Aurelie, the Spirit of Kindness. Aurelie loves to spend time on planets, like Earth, for she loves to see the blossoming of botanical treasures, especially plum trees. After a long frolic on Earth, Anja and Aurelie came back to the Realm of Virtues, exhausted. Roan was extremely displeased. She is the Spirit of Combativeness.
Roan was angry because she thought Aurelie didn’t deserve a virtue. Anja heard this and protested on behalf of Aurelie. Roan disagreed and said that kindness was an insipid waste of time. Roan shoved Aurelie aside and tried to manipulate Anja into joining a chaos rebellion with a well-recognized spirit teacher, Leopoldine. Anja refused to join the revolution, so to spite her, Roan warned her to be careful with whom she joins, and then stormed off to find Leopoldine. Aurelie regained her strength and joined Anja. Aurelie became suspicious of Roan.
Lots of days later, Aurelie and Anja were walking around the space and saw Roan getting ready to zoom down on a bunch of innocent humans. Anja shouted to Roan, and Roan said, “Nothing you do is ever going to stop me.” Roan was out of control. Aurelie and Anja held Roan back, but she broke free. Roan was loose among the humans.
Leopoldine came rushing to Anja and Aurelie and asked, “Where is Roan?” then told Anja and Aurelie what Roan was thinking. “Roan just wanted to be significant to the other virtues,” said Leopoldine.
Anja rushed down to earth and found Roan possessing humans and doing dangerous things. Anja called to Roan and said, “Roan, I know you wanted to be noticed by the other virtues. I know you want to be cared for… by Leopoldine.”
Roan stopped, and looked up at Anja. “How do you know?” she raged.
“Listen, Roan,” Anja said patiently, “if you continue this chaos rebellion, Leopoldine will not accept you as a virtue.” The question of Why? hung in the air.
“Leopoldine knows you crave Determination. But this doesn’t bring you that. This brings you pain, Roan.” Anja took a deep breath.
“Roan, I will not let you do that to yourself!” Anja screamed, fear flashing in her eyes.
Roan stopped to look at Anja, and all the humans fell unconscious. Roan said, “Anja, what if I want this pain? No one can stand the sight of me in the spirit realm. The best I can do is hurt myself. Not even Leopoldine thinks I’m significant.” There were tears in (humanoid) Roan’s eyes.
“Oh, Roan,” Anja started to say, rushing towards her.
“Stop.” Roan stuck up her palm, and Anja was eerily surprised.
“I don’t want your pity.” Roan stopped, and looked up at the sky. “I’d rather be in Eternal Banishment than live as ‘the Spirit of Combativeness.’” Roan plopped down on some debris and sighed, “Anja, I’m not going to be a spirit anymore.”
“What?” Anja squeaked in disbelief. “You can’t… Roan… That’s impossible.”
“No, Anja,” Roan said confidently. “I will disguise myself as a human.”
No materials available for download.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Mady, 826 Valencia
A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Khari Garris, New York, NY
A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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 Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.