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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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Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

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

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 5–6
Writing
Scarlet’s Adventures

by Penelope, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!

Grades 3–5
Writing
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct

by Charlie, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.

Grades 4–5
Writing
How Bullying Makes You Feel
by Cartoon Network

by Lux, 826NYC

Informational

A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

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.

Grades 7–8
Writing
My Persuasive Letter

by Renée, 826NYC

Persuasive

A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Relationship Poem

by Erriyanna, 826michigan

Poetry

An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Kneel Down for What You Believe In

by Caroline, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

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.

Grade 5
Writing
Sky

by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Cinnamon the Corgi

by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!

Grades 7–8
Writing
Manifesto

by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan

Poetry

A student’s manifesto!

Grade 6
Writing
Dancing Paper

by Gael, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about becoming a dancer.

Grades 1–6
Writing
A Rapper Legend

by Natalie, 826 Valencia

Informational

A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.

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 8–12
Writing
A Challenge

by Shayne Williams

Narrative

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Golden Girl and Lolo

by Leslie, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

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.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cloud vs. Wind

by Daphne, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!

Grade 5
Writing
The Sky

Elsie, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.

Grade 6
Writing
Ava

by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.

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
Protest for the People of Color / Protesta para la Gente de Color

by Roger, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.

Grade 6
Writing
The Tunnel

by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!

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.

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.

Grades 4–5
Writing
The Story of Where I am From

Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A student traces his identity through food and family.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Origins of Fries

by Kathryn, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

Grade 8
Writing
My Latino Self

by Arianny, 826 Boston

Poetry

A poem that celebrates being Latino

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.

Grades 4–5
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Naomi, 826michigan

Narrative

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

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 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.

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 4–5
Writing
Corn and Sun

by Olivia, 826NYC

Narrative
Poetry

An elegy for corn.

Grades 8–9
Writing
What walking the red road means to me is

by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN

Poetry

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.

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.

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 8
Writing
20 Years From Now

by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about unrequited love.

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
Crawfish

by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.

Grade 8
Writing
The Sugar Trap: We Just Can’t Get Enough

by Jack, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive
STEM

An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.

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!

Grade 8
Writing
Burning Love

by Lola, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.

Grades 3–5
Writing
Me

by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP

Poetry

This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.

Grade 6
Writing
A Beam of Light Through the Corona Darkness

by Khari Garris, New York, NY

Poetry

A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.

Grade 5
Writing
Feeling Trapped, Now Gone

by Claire, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Bryanna & Kayla

by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Owl Girl

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Poetry
STEM

An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Life Puzzles

by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI

Poetry

Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.

Grade 6
Writing
Mermaids, the Job for Dreamers

by Mady, 826 Valencia

Informational

A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.

Grades 4–5
Writing
WrestleMania 21-1

by Brayan Luna, 826michigan

Poetry

In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.

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

Grade 5
Writing
Wormie

by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.

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 4–5
Writing
My Full Yard

by Marisol, 826michigan

Poetry

A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.

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!

Grades 8–9
Writing
Ode to My Grandfather

Amara, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

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

Grade 5
Writing
Once Upon a Time in the Crisis of 3016

by Matthew, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!

Grade 5
Writing
Love Spell

by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.

Grade 8
Writing
Optimism

by Mya, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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

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!

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 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 1–6
Writing
How to Prank Your Mother

by Lina, 826 Valencia

Informational

A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

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.

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 5–6
Writing
Freedom

by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA

Poetry

A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Confused

by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston

Poetry

In this poem, a student reflects on identity.

Grades 8–10
Writing
David & Daniel

by David & Daniel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

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.

Grade 7
Writing
Untitled

by Sam, 826CHI

Poetry
STEM

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

Grade 8
Writing
Friends Should Be Forever

by Sharon, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about finding true friendship.

Grade 5
Writing
George Washington’s Meal

by Eric, 826CHI

Narrative

This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.

Grade 5
Writing
Saving Space

by Kelis, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?

Grades 3–5
Writing
Memories Through the Ages

by Keila, 826michigan

Memoir
Poetry

An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.

Grade 8
Writing
Memoir

by Laila, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Who I Am

by Duanté, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A personal narrative about race and identity.

Grade 8
Writing
The Terrific Tale of Transferring

by Angel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.

Grade 5
Writing
I Am Energetic

by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia

Poetry

A student reflects on their love of soccer.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Hoverboard Failure

by Kevin, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.

Grade 5
Writing
The Most Joyful Place on Earth

Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC

Memoir
Narrative

A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!

Grades 8–9
Writing
Booking an Adventure

by William, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

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 6–7
Writing
We’ll Still Try: The Fight of the Standing Sioux Against the Dakota Access Pipeline

by Destiny, 826NYC

Persuasive
Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Grade 8
Writing
Finding Out I Have a Brother

by Natalie, 826CHI

Narrative

Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.

Grades 7–8
Writing
What Music Means to Me

by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.

Grade 8
Writing
Completing the Pokédex

by Andy, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

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

Grade 5
Writing
The Perfect Friend-Making Space

by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC

Informational
Persuasive

A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!

Grades 4–5
Writing
Mi Casa and The Skatepark

by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.

Grade 6
Writing
Untitled

by Kevin, 826NYC

Informational

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.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Happy

by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

Grades 7–9
Writing
New Sport: Pencils

by Jason, 826michigan

Informational

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

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!

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
When I Laughed the Hardest

by Diego, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

On the funniest day of this student’s life…

Grades 8–9
Writing
Shout-Out Poem

by Anjum, 826CHI

Poetry

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

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 6–7
Writing
Daddy Longlegs

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Bryan

by Elsy, 826LA

Media
Narrative
Poetry

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

Grades 7–8
Writing
Why Do Borders Exist?

by V.G., 826LA

Poetry

A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.

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 7
Writing
How to Survive the Seventh Grade

by Alonso, 826 Boston

Informational

An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.

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
Blank Sky

by Uma Cantone, 826NYC

Narrative

Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.

Grade 7
Writing
The Place in My Mind

by Renee, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem about a place where ideas can grow.

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 5
Writing
The Big Strike

by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

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

Grades 7–8
Writing
BLM

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Poetry

An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.

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 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.

Grade 5
Writing
The Spirit of Janet

by Natalie, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.

Grade 8
Writing
My Home, My Life

by Iliana, 826CHI

Narrative

A student searches for answers in their community.