Grades 6–7
Fantasy/SciFi, Narrative, STEMWritingOne Monday night in the month of May…
“Man, today for lunch was salted french fries and greasy burgers, but tomorrow is going to be a festive, fresh, eat healthy, Taco Tuesday,” said Dylan (otherwise known as Nutriman) in his bed. He can’t believe how people’s faces are going to be when he brings out the tacos.
The next morning, Dylan went to class with his friend Josh. “Wow, man, it’s already fifth period, five minutes until lunch,” said Josh.
“See you later… Nutriman, ha ha ha!” Josh muttered and cackled under his breath.
Dylan came out of the bathroom wearing his suit. “This is a job for Nutriman!” he said. He walked into the lunchroom and there he saw everybody groaning and holding their stomachs. “What happened to you?” Dylan asked a fellow classmate.
“Some guy in spandex tights came and put junk food and fried foods on our plate. I took a bite and it felt good, but it also hurt my stomach. We ate more but it made it worse. Ahhh,” his classmate said as he was in pain.
“Who could have possibly done this,” Dylan said. Dylan saw Josh walking to the lunchroom. “Fellow citizen,” Dylan said in a manly voice. “Why aren’t you sick and groaning like them?”
“Uhh… because I am a vegetarian, yeah I’m a vegetarian and didn’t eat that food,” said Josh.
“Okay, thank you, sir,” said Dylan. He went home and thought about who had done this. “Hmm… Ant Man… Red Fury… Dr. Sickmania? Who could it be?” said Dylan.
The next day at School, Dylan thought about it. “Well… Josh did sound like he was cackling, and I did get a tingly feeling in my throat when I was talking to him, but why would my best friend do this?” he asked himself. “It’s time to crack this case and find out who did this. I need help and I know just the right person: Captain Nutrional, a good friend of mine.”
Nutriman talked to Captain Nutritional. Captain Nutritional said, “The plan can be that I would offer Josh junk food to give to the kids, which would actually be Kale brownies.”
“Got it,” said Nutriman.
In the cafeteria, Nutriman said, “Cap, come on.”
“I checked fingerprints and it’s either your friend Josh or some kid named David,” said Captain Nutritional.
“What?! Maybe it is Josh. But Josh has been my friend since kindergarten,” said Nutriman.
“Ha ha,” said Junkster (aka Josh) walking up to them.
“I can’t believe it is Josh, and not only that, but the plan has been foiled,” said Nutriman.
“Attack him head on,” said Captain Nutritional with a confident voice.
“Nutriblast!” shouted Nutriman as he blasted fresh greens and beans at Junkster.
“Give me the power of calcium,” said Captain Nutritional, also aiming greens at Junkster.
“Ahhh! The vitamins have destroyed me!” yelled Junkster. “Don’t worry, Nutriman and Captain Nutritional, more villains will come and avenge me. Avenge, I say! Avenge!” yelled Junkster.
“Josh, no,” said Nutriman.
“It’s over,” said Captain Nutritional. The day was saved. Vitamins, nutrients, and calcium were restored back to the food in the cafeteria. Everything was healthy again.
This book is a collection of superhero stories written by 7th graders at PS/MS 7 Samuel Stern in East Harlem. Each story engages with different food justice issues, from the harmful conditions of factory farming to the contamination of our drinking water. For six weeks, these young authors worked with 826NYC volunteers to craft original stories about a superhero bringing salads and fresh vegetables to school cafeterias, a villain who is a slice of pizza, and a monkey who saves the day. So grab a refreshing apple and get ready to meet some of the greatest superheroes you will ever encounter.
by Joseline, 826DC
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by Destiny, 826NYC
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A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
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This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
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A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
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A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
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An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
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A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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 Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
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 Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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!
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
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 Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
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 Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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 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 John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
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 Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
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 Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
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 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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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