Grades 6–7
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingI 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
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
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 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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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 Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
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 Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
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 Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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!
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
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 Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
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 Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
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 Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
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 Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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 Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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