Grade 10
Narrative, PoetryWriting“She’s a pig,” he yelled
“No respect for women,” she said
“I am a young woman,” I plead
“Vote for me,” he screamed
“You’re a girl,” they tell us
“That’s a man’s job,” they say
Funny thing is
Without us
They have no name
Names aren’t really important
Nowadays
Anyways
It’s all about the color
Then
Bang-Bang!
They have
Bullets…no gun
Stage…no audience
Body with draining blood
It’s like having
A mouth
But no voice
And worst
Of all
All of the above
Always guilty
Without a choice
It’s become more clear
Because
Of their
Inherited pigment
They can be
Killed
Targeted
And
No one
Can help
Because the
“Heroes”
Are the ones doing the crime
Any day
At
Any time
Bodies lay there
Lifeless
And
Still
Just like mannequins
Behind the protective window
But real-life mannequins aren’t
Really protected
Instead they are
Used and abused
And left in a
Storage room
No materials available for download.
by Rebecca Darugar, 826NYC
Students examine relationships between art, poetry, politics, and current events, and reflect on personal experiences while writing social justice poetry.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
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 Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 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 Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
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 Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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 Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
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