Grades 5–6
InformationalWritingOn January 8th, 2016, a fifty-six-year-old Muslim woman named Rose Hamid attended a Donald Trump rally in South Carolina to protest what she saw as his anti-Muslim views. During the rally, she silently stood up wearing a shirt that said, “Salam, I come in peace.” Soon, Trump supporters started loudly chanting his name and pointing at her, and security appeared to escort her out. After the rally, she told news sources that some people around her asked if she was carrying a bomb.
“This demonstrates how when you start dehumanizing the other, it can turn people into very hateful, ugly people,” Hamid told CNN. “It needs to be known.”
Islamophobia is a mindset of fear and hatred toward Muslims. Islamophobic thinking casts Muslims as terrorists and often misinterprets Islam, the religion of Muslims. Even a name that might sound Arabic is at times enough information for many Americans to feel justified in profiling a person. For example, when Public Policy Polling asked 530 Republicans if they would bomb Agrabah, the fake city from the movie Aladdin, thirty percent said they would and only thirteen percent opposed it.
Because of these biases, fifty-one percent of Americans are against allowing refugees from war-torn Syria into the United States, since they may be Muslim. Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz even suggested letting in only Christian Syrian refugees.
People who are not Muslim but are assumed to be Muslim have also experienced discrimination and even violence because of Islamophobia. And Islamophobia is not limited to the United States. Waris Ahluwalia, a Sikh American actor and designer, was detained when boarding a plane from Mexico City back to the United States after refusing to remove his turban.
Attacks against Muslims in the United States – including threats to mosques and hijab-wearing students – have tripled since the November 2015 Paris attacks.
Hand-in-hand with Racism, Islamophobia can have an impact on the emotional and physiological health of Muslims. According to the Runnymede Trust, a think tank that works on racial equality, the constant worry of being targeted can lead to depression, anxiety, and even heart disease.
“Whenever politicians say really horrible things about Muslims in the media, the next day I feel really self-conscious going out into the street,” Aber Kawas, a twenty-three-year-old Muslim activist from Brooklyn, New York, told IndyKids. “So, I’m really careful about who I’m talking with and how I look. Inside, it causes a lot of anxiousness and nervousness.”
Kawas works at the Arab American Association of New York, helping refugees and immigrants, ninety percent of whom are Muslim. She says Muslim activism is relatively new in Brooklyn, but it is growing. Kawas hopes that by working with younger kids, she can make the future brighter for Muslims in the United States.
“I do workshops where I go to middle schools and high schools to talk about Islamophobia and racism,” she said. “When I do something like that, my hope is that the thirty kids in the room who did that workshop will go out into the world and not do those things to other people.”
Glossary of terms:
Salam: “Hello” in Arabic
Dehumanizing: The act of taking away the positive human qualities of an individual or group.
Arabic: The language of the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Sikh: Sikhism is a five-hundred-year-old religion with more than twenty million followers worldwide. To be Sikh is to be a person who practices Sikhism.
Mosque: A space where Muslims worship.
Hijab: A veil or Scarf worn by Muslim women.
No materials available for download.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
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 Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Levi, 826NYC
An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
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 Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
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 Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
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 Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
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 Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
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 Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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 Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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 Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
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 Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
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.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Matthew, 826CHI
Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
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 Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
bookmark
download
Share