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Grades level iconsGrades 5–8
Genre information iconNarrative, Playwriting
Resource type iconWriting

The Great Achievement

Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

Scene 1

Setting: On an airplane

Marco: Are you enjoying the trip to Mexico?

Emmanuel: Yes, but something’s not right!

Pilot: Mayday! Mayday! We’re going down!

Marco: So that’s what’s not right!

Pilot: Find the nearest exit, we’re landing on water.

Narrator: Emmanuel and Marco take parachutes for a soft landing.

Emmanuel: Look, there’s an island! Let’s go there because we might find something or someone that can help.

Scene 2

Narrator: They swam to the island and found some coconuts.

Marco: Look! Maybe we can use the plane’s bits to make shelter.

Emmanuel: Whatever we do we have got to do it fast because in the distance, it looks like a storm!

Marco: C’mon we’ve got to try. Let’s collect rubbish to make a hut!

Narrator: Eventually their hut is complete.

Emmanuel: Quickly, get in! Close the hut!

Narrator: Lightning struck the hut and the tiny island is on fire!

Marco: Look out for that palm tree!

Emmanuel: This island is unstable! Look there—zombies!

Marco: Noooo! We died! Do you want to play Minecraft again?

Emmanuel: Sure!

Epilogue

Together: We ended up playing Minecraft again and again until we won the achievement we wanted to win. It’s called… Ultimate Survivor! The lesson of this story is: don’t get carried away with a video game!

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The Big Strike

by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.

Grades 4–5
Writing
No Name the T-Rex Koala and his Adventures

Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!

Grades 3–5
Writing
Why Green Crayon is Cool

by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.

Grade 5
Writing
The Sky

Elsie, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Globes

by Meredith, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about globe-sized dreams.

Grade 8
Writing
Wage Gap: Who Does It Affect?

by Xaria, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.

Grade 6
Writing
Dividing By Zero

by Sophia, 826CHI

Poetry

In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.

Grades 7–8
Writing
jalapeño + love

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A student professes love—to a jalapeño!

Grade 6
Writing
Save the Penguins, Save Ourselves

by Jacore, 826 Valencia

Informational

An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Earth

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Annabeth and the Death-Eating Ghost

by L.M., 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.

Grade 5
Writing
Baby Bird

by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Fight for Civil Rights in the Bathroom

by Satis, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Mom

by Jin, 826LA

Narrative

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Jackie Chan

by Luis, 826LA

Narrative

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

Grade 8
Writing
Friends Should Be Forever

by Sharon, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about finding true friendship.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Yellow Like Bananas

by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Halloween Night & At Home

Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Future is a Reflection of Yourself

by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.

Grades 3–5
Writing
I am Innocent: A Dragonbolt Story
by Cartoon Network

by Johny, 826 LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

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.

Grade 5
Writing
The Story of Ivan Lane

by Kayamaghi, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cheezy

by Madison, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

Grade 8
Writing
We Are All Family

by Rafael, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.

Grade 8
Writing
Alex Nieto: The Unsung Hero of the Everett Community

by Jason, 826 Valencia

Informational

A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Always Dreaming

by Harrison, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.

Grade 6
Writing
Then the Saltiness Kicked In: Musings on MFK’s Five-Course Meal

by Isabella, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative

A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!

Grades 4–5
Writing
Floyd

by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!

Grade 8
Writing
Completing the Pokédex

by Andy, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Sea Lettuce

by Talia, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.

Grade 7
Writing
New York + Her Plans

by Sela, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Yerba Buena Gardens/Jardines de Yerba Buena

by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.

Grades 4–5
Writing
You’re the Chosen One

by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!

Grade 5
Writing
Superheroes Rule

by Salimatou, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!

Grade 7
Writing
Crystal Truth

by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI

Poetry

A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Thing That Changes My Life

by Liliana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.

Grades 4–5
Writing
The Story of the University of Pedro and Noel

by Noel, 826 Valencia

Narrative
Persuasive

The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)

Grade 8
Writing
Where I’m From and What I Want

by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.

Grade 6
Writing
Sir Shaggy McPatches

by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Grades 4–5
Writing
The Thing That Came from Above

by Joshua, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Haikus

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.

Grades 5–6
Writing
This is Just to Say

by Yanni, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Day That Changed My Life

by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Animal Poem

by Mohamed F., 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.

Grade 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

Grade 8
Writing
The Sun Radiates With Light

by Cora B., Grade 8

Narrative

This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes

Grades 5–6
Writing
A New Life

by Joseline, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.

Grade 6
Writing
Just Crack Once in Awhile: Musings on School Lunch

by Guinevre, 826CHI

Persuasive

A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.

Grade 8
Writing
Meanwhile at the Creek…

by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia

Media
Narrative

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.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Jazmine & Vanessa

by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Superhero Stories

by K.M., 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Freedom

by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA

Poetry

A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Ode to My Grandfather

Amara, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Marshmallows

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Poetry

In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Thank You Teacher

Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.

Grade 8
Writing
Women United: Stand Together Against Being Critiqued

by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Volleyball Blues

by Lesly, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A sports poem about the losing blues.

Grade 5
Writing
The Story of Betty
by Cartoon Network

by Natalia, 826CHI

Narrative

A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Worried

by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Girl With the Sweater

by Jekaya, 826 Boston

Narrative

A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.

Grade 5
Writing
How to Survive Fifth Grade

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational

An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.

Grade 8
Writing
Optimism

by Mya, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Luna in the Battle for Preservation

by Vanessa, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Timber Rattle Snake

by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Chesley’s Life

by Marie, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!

Grade 7
Writing
Untitled

by Sam, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?

by Elaine, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

Grade 8
Writing
When People Come to See Me

by Arielle B., Grade 8

Poetry

This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.

Grades 3–5
Writing
My Family

by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Programmer

by Milo, 826NYC

Narrative
STEM

A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

Grade 5
Writing
Jack, aka DJ Beatmaker, on How to Stop Bullying

by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans

Informational

In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.

Grades 3–5
Writing
How to Escape Chocolate Quicksand

by Winta, 826DC

Informational

A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.

Grade 8
Writing
How to Know if You’re Awake

by Tylor, 826NYC

Informational

A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Beans, Rice, and Chicken

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Queen Anne’s Lace

by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Adventures of Nutriman and Junkster

by Saeed, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

Grade 6
Writing
Dear Mom

by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP

Narrative

A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.

Grade 8
Writing
I See

by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia

Poetry

In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Weirdness of 1:00 A.M.

by Felix E., 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.

Grade 7
Writing
Heart-Beat

by Sahir M., Grade 7

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.

Grade 7
Writing
7 / 5 / 2 / 1 / 1

by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project

Poetry

This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

Grade 8
Writing
I Remember

by Vivian, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Daddy Longlegs

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Eastern Gray Squirrel

by Reyes, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Naomi, 826michigan

Narrative

A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.

Grades 5–6
Writing
My Father’s Surprise

by Emmanuel, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.

Grade 6
Writing
Juntos/Together

by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia

Persuasive

A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.

Grades 8–9
Writing
The Saga Continues

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

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?

Grades 3–5
Writing
The Letter

by Ehmely, 826CHI

Informational

A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".

Grade 5
Writing
Poem

by Abdinasir, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Christopher & Bryan & Jahir

by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Ronald’s Redemption

by Levi, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Just Glitter and Be Questioning

by Eva, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Stuffed Crust

by Victor, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.

Grade 5
Writing
Mighty and the Three Kids

by Oscar, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

The story of a lifetime—literally.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Spyman

by Jesús, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!

Grades 3–5
Writing
Magical Jealousy
by Cartoon Network

by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

Grade 8
Writing
The Deadly Ivory Trade and What It’s Really Costing Us

by Piya, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Memories Through the Ages

by Keila S.O., 826michigan

Poetry

An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.

Grade 8
Writing
My Latino Self

by Arianny, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem that celebrates being Latino

Grade 8
Writing
It’s All About the Teamwork

by Victor, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?

Grades 4–5
Writing
Our School

Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan

Poetry

An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu

Poetry

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar

by Uma, 826NYC

Poetry

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Ode to Sonia Melara

by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.

Grade 7
Writing
A Place as Me

by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC

Narrative

A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.

Grade 5
Writing
What It Would Be Like In the Future! 2040

by Maia Sears, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!

Grades 4–5
Writing
If We Were In Charge

by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.

Grade 6
Writing
Realm of Virtues

by Ari, 826CHI

Narrative

In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!