Grades 8–9
PoetryWritingHere’s to my best friend Mahek, because when I am sad or bored she cracks jokes and makes me happy.
She is the best person I have ever met. Here’s to my sweet home, because there are many memories connected to my home and my family.
Here’s to my mother. She worked to give us a better future, and she is my role model because she helps everyone in need.
Here’s to the food I eat, the food my mom cooks best. Biryani is my favorite food because it’s made with love.
Here’s to my best friends, who are with me through every
difficulty and make me laugh when I am sad.
Here’s to the best day of life, Sunday. It is the best day because people like to go out and enjoy it.
Here’s to the ocean, which makes me feel calm.
The sound of the ocean, the only sound that makes me feel
better.
Here’s to my favorite singer, Drake, because he sings with heart.
Here’s to my city, Hyderabad, because I miss everything I left.
I love the culture, and the people who celebrate everything happily, and paint their houses with color because they love color.
Here’s to the best thing that God has created in the world, a mother, because she cooks, cleans for us, takes care of us, struggles for us, and faces everything in life, just for us.
She wants us to be happy in our lives.
My first and last thing I love so much is my mother.
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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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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 Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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 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 Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
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 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 Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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.
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