Grade 5
Fantasy/SciFiWritingCamilla, age eleven, lives in a nine-story building in San Francisco. She can be smart and is very creative.
Normal imaginary friends come and go, but my imaginary friend, Sky, is not normal; she will never leave my side. Sky is, or can be, a bit goofy, but she knows when to be goofy and when to be serious. She likes to be a people-pleaser because when she was in other imaginations, she didn’t feel like herself. It was dark, gloomy, lonely, and she was underappreciated.
I met Sky one day when I drew her and she started popping into my imagination. Sky lives in Funky Town, which she built in my imagination. Sky is in Funky Town whenever I’m not with her. Sky does karaoke in Funky Town, both when I’m with and without her. In Funky Town, it’s bright and colorful and it smells like whatever you want it to smell like. When I’m by myself, Sky joins me. Sky has a talent of when she can turn something from drab to fab.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With Paramount Pictures’ latest film IF as inspiration, children around the nation put pens to paper to bring their imaginary friends to life through writing. Together, 826 and Paramount Pictures published three books of youth writing inspired by the upcoming film, starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., Jon Stewart, Awkwafina, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Carell.
See the lesson that inspired the writing here. Learn more about the project here.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
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 Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
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 Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
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 Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
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 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 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.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
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 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 Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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 Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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 Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
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!
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
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 Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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 Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
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.
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