On the first day of school, I was feeling scared and sad. Then Romina gave me a hug. I felt happy. Then Diego gave me a hug too. I felt so happy that we were friends and made more friends. My friends and I were a little confident so I never felt scared and sad again.
Then when I got free time, I saw somebody who was sad.
I asked, “What happened?’’
He said, “Somebody hurt me.” I grabbed him and gave him a hug and we were friends. I made more and more friends. I felt more confident and made friends in my class.
from 826 Valencia’s original publication, Relax & Let Me Tell You a Story
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Madhav, 826michigan
In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.
by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Lukas, 826 New Orleans
A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Yasmeen W, Grade 3, 826 Valencia
In this descriptive short story, a student overcomes their fear of turning on their video.
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Sabir, 826 MSP
In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
by Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Sebastian, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?