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 Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
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A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
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In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
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A personal narrative about race and identity.
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
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An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
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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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
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by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
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A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Gael, 826CHI
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by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
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This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
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 Asa, 826CHI
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by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
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 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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
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 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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
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 Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
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A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
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 Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
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A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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by Madison, 826 New Orleans
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by Liliana, 826DC
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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.
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A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
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 Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
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 Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
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A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Christian, 826michigan
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by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.