Grade 8
PoetryWritingJude is an eighth grade student at De Marillac Academy. He loves cars and enjoys learning about them and watching them race.
I am like a taco.
My family is all the ingredients for me.
My dad is the tortilla.
He holds the family together
and protects the family,
just like a father.
My mom is carne asada.
She is one of the most important ingredients.
Carne asada takes time.
It takes hard work to make
and takes warmth,
just like a mother.
Cilantro is like my aunt.
Cilantro could be peppery,
but at times it is savory
The times it is savory is when we would get invited
and spend time with her.
To spend time with my aunt—it is very fun but very fast.
It is very hot.
In Christmastime it is very colorful in Mexico,
Like a cilantro and an aunt.
My cousin is salsa verde.
He is the most fun flavor of them all.
My cousin is really fun.
He is the one who takes me on trips.
My cousin would take me go-karting.
Every taco has salt,
and in every family there is a grandpa.
Salt is always there in food,
and a grandpa is always there,
getting along with people.
Salt is the thing that has started flavors, just like a
grandfather.
The onions would be my grandmother.
They would start out
spicy and grumpy,
but then they make things taste better.
My sister is the limon.
Most of the time it makes things taste really good,
but sometimes it is really sour.
Limon gives everything flavor and fills me with joy.
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 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 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 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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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 Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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 Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
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 Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
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