Grade 10
Persuasive, PoetryWritingThis society has a mix of people. Some of them support trans youth, while some don’t
Some care, some don’t
The people who try to get trans children and adults killed are called transphobes.
Now there are others who are transphobic while still not wanting them killed, but still.
I sometimes, if not most of the time, feel insecure about being who I am.
My head almost always runs with thoughts that I’m not good enough because I am the way I am.
I’ve considered being a girl again because of the guilt I have.
But my heart wouldn’t be able to take it.
“You’re not a boy! Stop with this stupid act, Alex!”
“You will NEVER be able to achieve your dream of looking like a cis boy.”
“NONE of your friends see you as a ‘real boy,’ because you are NOT one in the first place! Stop with this! You are NOT valid!”
This is how it is most of the time. And it’s how some transphobes sound. It breaks me. It breaks my heart that some of them think and/or sound this way.
So I want the next president to provide three things for trans folks out there:
I want to be myself without being in fear someone will bash me for it.
Other states have even passed laws to restrict trans people from important things.
How stupid is that?! We need someone in office who will actually show their support for trans individuals who don’t have much, or nothing at all.
Because I’m speaking for EVERYONE in the trans community when I say:
We.
Deserve.
Better.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
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 Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
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 Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 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.
bookmark
download
Share
