Grade 6
NarrativeWritingMabel lives in Minneapolis and is a sixth grader. She loves art and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. She has three dogs and a sister.
One day, when I was about five years old, and it was raining, I decided to go outside. In my underwear. And also repeatedly run around in circles. I remember the feeling of my wet feet slapping on the ground once every few seconds.
Slap.
Slap.
Slap.
I remember the rain pattering on my wet head and my knotted hair. As I stared up at the gray storm clouds, my eyes started stinging from the water droplets as if they were miniature knives. I heard the rain banging roughly on my nearby little blue house. I tasted the sweet, cold rain as it fell onto my outstretched tongue. I breathed in the evening air, and I smelled the pre-cut grass. I remember slipping on that wet, slick grass, like it was grabbing me and pulling me down. I remember falling. The only thing I don’t remember is crying or wincing from the pain. I only remember standing up and continuing to run until the sky was blue and clear.
I’m not sure why that moment felt so special. Maybe it was the cool texture of the grass under my feet. Maybe it was the feeling that I could run forever. Or maybe it was the feeling of being so free I could do anything. Whatever the reason, I will always remember that amazing feeling of being as free as a bird.
***
This piece was originally published in 826 National’s UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions
UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers’ Emotions began in the fall of 2024, when librarian and literacy ambassador Mychal Threets invited young people across the country to write about their feelings, their way. Together, we shared writing prompts and activities for students in grades K–12 to explore the depth and complexity of their emotions through storytelling. No feeling was too big or too small. No genre was off-limits. Writing has long been a way for young people to make sense of the world, to capture what matters to them, and to imagine new possibilities. This anthology is a window into how young people are feeling right now. Joy, grief, rage, love—all of it belongs here and in this moment. We invite you to read these pages as they were written: with an open heart, brave and unbound.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
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 Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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 Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
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 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 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 Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
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 Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
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 Makeia "Mason" Davis, Age 11, 826NYC
Not the Bacon Egg and Cheese Monster! This character profile brings a beloved breakfast sandwich to life in terrifying ways.
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 Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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 Ella H., Grade 6, 826DC
Settle in as this young storyteller spins a tale about Shady Street, where cats can talk and broccoli casserole helps solve conflicts.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by the Class of 640 at M.S. 88, 826NYC
This bilingual poem shares an excellent recipe for how to survive middle school.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
A student describes their fuzzy imaginary friend.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
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!
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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 Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games one night turned into a nightmare.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
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.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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 Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Juliana Anderson, Grade 6, 826 MSP
This action-packed sci-fi story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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