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 Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
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.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
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 Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
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 John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
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 Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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 Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
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 Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
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 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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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 Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
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 Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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 Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.