Grade 5
Fantasy/SciFiWritingOnce there was an island called Dragon Island, where all dragons could roam free. There were lots of boys and girls, but
Rory was a little dragon who didn’t feel like a boy or a girl. So, they went to the dragon king and announced how he felt. But that landed him in federal prison. They fed Rory yucky food like rotten apple cakes and stale broccoli.
But while Rory was in prison, more people were expressing their feelings as other genders. A few days later Rory was sitting in their cell when the doors opened, and two other dragons came in to join them. One told Rory that he had the body of a girl but felt like a boy and the other said they felt like a boy and a girl. They said that everyone on the island was talking about Rory, and how hey got put in prison because they were protesting gender restrictions. The next day, when the guard came to bring them food, they broke out the door and were free.
Then Rory flew as high as they possibly could and yelled at the top of their lungs, “TOWN MEETING!” All the dragons of the island heard and flew to the town field immediately! Once everyone was there Rory started talking. They didn’t care if they went to prison yet again, Rory was going to prove their point whether the dragon king liked it or not.
Rory orated all about how if dragons did not feel like a boy or a girl or both or feels like the opposite gender it is fine. As Rory spoke, the dragons of Dragon Island kissed and cheered and that is how other genders came back to the world.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
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 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 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!
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.
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 Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
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 Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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 Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
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 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 Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
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 Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
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 Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
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.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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 Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
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