I was playing video games with my best friend, Joe, like a normal Friday. Suddenly, the TV started to vibrate, and a hand came out from the TV. The hand had a very sharp knife. The knife was as sharp as a shark’s tooth. As Joe and I saw that sharp knife, we ran to the kitchen and hid under the table. Suddenly a really deep and scary voice said, “You can hide, but not from . . . ”
I heard heavy breathing at my side. I thought it was Joe, so I whispered, “Shh.”
“What?’’ Joe said.
So I looked to my right, but before I could react, the guy with the deep, scary voice screamed, “ME!”
“AAAH!” we screamed.
We ran upstairs, and went to my bedroom. Joe was hiding in my closet, I was under my bed. Suddenly I heard footsteps outside my door. My door started to open slowly. The sound that the door made gave me goosebumps. I heard my closet open.
To be continued . . .
From the 826 Valencia publication You Shouldn’t Believe Everything They Tell You
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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 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
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 Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
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 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 Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
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 Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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 Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
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 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 John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
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 Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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 Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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 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 Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.