There are five species of rhino and seven species of elephants in the world on the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) endangered list. Animals become a part of this list due to many reasons ranging from climate change to habitat loss, but these certain species are on here for a specific reason: poaching.
Poaching is the act of illegally killing animals, usually to retrieve something valuable from the animal. These elephants and rhinos were killed because across the world, the market for their horns and tusks is part of a very large, very illegal business. This is known as the ivory trade.
Elephant tusks are made of ivory and rhino horns are similarly made of keratin. The ivory trade ships thousands of these horns and tusks all around the world each year. Ivory is used for many different things in many different ways. For example, in Southeast Asia, rhino horns and elephant tusks are believed to have medicinal properties and healing powers. All around the world, ivory is in high demand and prices are skyrocketing as the number of elephants and rhinos is lessening.
In the article, “Deadly Trade,” the author Bryan Christy says, “Last year, South Africa reported they lost 1,175 rhinos to poachers.” At this rate, rhinos and elephants will be extinct before we know it. It is important to preserve these beautiful animals before it is too late. It is our job to stand up to the killings of these innocent creatures and the trade that profits from their unjust murders.
You can be an advocate by never buying anything that contains ivory and spreading the word about what is happening to elephants and rhinos in order to get their tusks and horns. The ivory trade must end!
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Soeun Lee, Grade 8, Tenafly, New Jersey
In this poem, a student observes a dove's flight and reflects on their ability to soar.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 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 Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.