Grades 6–7
Fantasy/SciFi, Narrative, STEMWritingDigestive Man is the superhero of Jungleville. He goes around to the local farms. The reason he does this is because he is the saver of animals. At night he goes around the farm and feeds every animal healthy foods so they can eat right. There is a villain getting in his way – Corn Boy and his sidekicks the Factory Farmers.
One night, Digestive Man was feeding the animals. He felt like someone was watching him from a distance. As he looked up in the sky he saw someone in a bright yellow suit with a bag of corn. It was Corn Boy! As Corn Boy was about to land on the ground, Digestive Man hid from him. Corn Boy started feeding the cows corn, and that was the last straw for Digestive Man.
Digestive Man came out of his hiding spot and confronted Corn Boy. “We meet once again, Corn Boy,” said Digestive Man. Corn Boy and Digestive Man had met once before, but they hadn’t seen each other since then. Digestive Man saw the bag of corn. Using his telekinesis, he threw the bag of corn as far as he could. He locked yes with Corn Boy. Corn Boy started running at Digestive Man with his superspeed, but Digestive Man saw it coming. There was an animal’s cell that was empty, so Digestive Man tricked Corn Boy to run into it. Digestive Man locked up the cell and gave him corn to eat and see how he liked it.
Once that was done, Digestive Man cleaned up the rest of the corn. He got his bag of grass to feed the cows. He felt like something was still in his way. He went to the factory farmers’ houses and reset the farmers’ clocks. He went back to the animals and fed them before the morning.
Digestive Man felt like his job was done so he left the farm and left Corn Boy in the cell. Digestive Man flew back home. He felt like he saved the animals from Corn Boy, and gave the animals food they deserved, rather than food they couldn’t digest.
This book is a collection of superhero stories written by 7th graders at PS/MS 7 Samuel Stern in East Harlem. Each story engages with different food justice issues, from the harmful conditions of factory farming to the contamination of our drinking water. For six weeks, these young authors worked with 826NYC volunteers to craft original stories about a superhero bringing salads and fresh vegetables to school cafeterias, a villain who is a slice of pizza, and a monkey who saves the day. So grab a refreshing apple and get ready to meet some of the greatest superheroes you will ever encounter.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
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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 Sahir M., Grade 7
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by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Alonso, 826 Boston
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by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
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 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 Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
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by Liliana, 826DC
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by Lesly, 826 Valencia
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by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Luis, 826LA
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by Marisa, 826NYC
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by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
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by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Renee, 826NYC
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by Luis, 826LA
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by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
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by Milo, 826NYC
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by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
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by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Joseline, 826DC
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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 Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
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 Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by 826NYC students
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
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 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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
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 Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
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 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 Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
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 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 Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
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 Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
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 Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
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.
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