Grades 8–10
Memoir, NarrativeWritingREUBEN is an African American male who is talented at basketball. His dreams and hopes are to be in the NBA. He knows that it will be hard, but he also knows that he can achieve it by working hard and staying focused. He wishes to be successful, fulfill his dreams, and make his family proud.
GISELLE is a fourteen-year-old who lives in Chicago and attends eighth grade. She enjoys eating, cleaning, and sleeping. She loves Mexican food. She’s from Durango and Zacatecas. She wishes to travel the world. Giselle enjoys modeling, shopping, and makeup. She is a purple belt in
Taekwondo and would love to attempt boxing. She loves to party and dance to norteñas, corridos, huapangos, cumbia, and zapatiados. When she is older, she would like to live in Durango. She wants to be a lawyer and a successful person.
Dear Reuben,
To begin with, my name is Giselle. I’m fourteen years old. I was born in September in Chicago. I’m Mexican American and both my parents are Mexican. Therefore, I speak English and Spanish. I have seven siblings, and with me, we’re eight. Only three of us are here and the rest are in Mexico. How many siblings do you have?
I listen to banda, trap rap, bachata, and a little of musica urbana. My favorite singers are Drake, Kodak Black, Maluma, Romeo Santos, Future, Cluco, Banda MS, and Ariel Camacho. I play basketball, and I have practice on Tuesday and Thursday. I like trying new things, making people laugh, having fun, and partying a lot with my friends. I love food! The type of food I like is Mexican food. It’s the best.
But enough about me. I would like to know, how was the beginning of your freshman year? Do you play any sports? If so, which one? What sport do you hate? How old are you? When’s your birthday? What type of music do you like? Can you describe yourself using five words?
What is the first memory you ever had? The first thing I remember remembering is my friend Jasmin. She died when I was in sixth grade. Today would actually be her birthday, December 20, 2016. How I feel about this is sad because I really miss her a lot.
You’re probably gonna think I’m weird, but what type of shoes do you wear? I hope you can answer all of my questions. I hope we can get to know each other more! I guess that’s it.
Sincerely,
Giselle
~
Dear Giselle,
Hello, my name is Reuben. I’m African American and I play basketball. I’m really talented and I play JV, also known as Junior Varsity. The position I play is shooting guard, which also known as the 2. I like to play video games like AK, Call of Duty, GTA, and Madden. I play on PS4. My favorite food is Hispanic food because I grew up around a lot of Hispanic people. They lived in my neighborhood and they were my really close friends, basically my family. I enjoy being around friends. Whether we’re just hanging out or playing basketball, I love being with my bros.
What does freedom mean to me? Freedom to me was the day I got my cast off after I sprained my arm. When I was in camp, when I was younger, we were playing on the monkey bars in the park. We were unsupervised because our camp leaders weren’t watching, so I was jumping to all of the bars and I slipped because the bar was wet. I fell and sprained my arm, but I didn’t tell anyone. When I got home from camp, I told my dad. He was upset and mad that I hadn’t told anyone. So, we iced it for a while and used Icy Hot packs. We used the whole box.
The next day, we went to St. Francis Hospital to get x-rayed and have my arm checked out. They brought me into the room and x-rayed my arm from all different angles. We found out what was wrong and it was a sprained arm. I had to wear this cast for about six months. I was upset because this cast held me back from activities and sports that I would’ve liked to play. So, time went by and the day finally came when I could finally get this cast off. After he took it off, the doctor told me to keep exercising so it could get back to full strength. He recommended swimming, and once we left the facility I went straight to the beach. I was very happy and glad that I got it taken off.
Peace out,
Reuben
~
Dear Reuben,
Hey boi, wassup! You sound like a very fun and interesting person. Thank you for sharing that amazing letter with me. The story you told me was amazing! I really appreciate it. I feel bad for you having that cast on for so long. I would have gotten stressed and taken it off. I’m glad that you’re okay now, but if you’re in a camp, aren’t you supposed to supervised 24/7?
There was this one time when I fell down the stairs and I didn’t tell anyone either. That day I had a modeling casting and my heel fell off. I fell all the way to the bottom of the stairs then got up like nothing happened. Everyone came rushing, but I just played it off like I was fine.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in person soon. It was nice meeting you through these letters.
Giselle
P.S. Can you give me some tips for basketball?
~
Dear Giselle,
Thank you for liking my story. I really appreciate it. Yes, camp supervisors are supposed to watch us, but at the time they were just talking to one another and had their backs turned away from us. Yeah, that’s what happened.
I have questions about your modeling casting. First off, I hope that when you fell you didn’t hurt anything and that your modeling stuff continues to go well. Also, how did you fall down the stairs that day? Did you trip? Were you coming up or down from the stairs when you fell?
Is modeling what you to do for life? I know what I want in life is to be successful in my education, in basketball, and in my whole life. It’ll for sure be a challenge, but I know for a fact that I’m up for it. I’m proud to be working hard to achieve my goals and staying focused.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Yours truly,
Reuben
No materials available for download.
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
by Maria Villareal, 826CHI
Students will exchange letters with students from different classes or schools. By listening to others’ stories and sharing stories of…
826CHI and the students of the 2017 Young Authors Book Project present their new book, P.S. You Sound Like Someone I Can Trust. Within this compilation of letters between 8th graders at Emiliano Zapata Academy and 10th graders at Amundsen high school, 62 teens reflect on their identities, share their hopes and anxieties about the future, open up about loved ones’ deaths, and swap K-Pop and Netflix recommendations.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Sabrin, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
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 Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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 Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 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 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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
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 Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s 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 Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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 Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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