Grade 9
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingKyla Edwards, originally from Brooklyn, NY, attends New Harmony High. She is a Youtuber, entrepreneur, and aspires to be a millionaire. She has a passion for architecture and has plans on going to the University of California, Los Angeles.
“And that is what Kolantia used to be, the sinking city of New Orleans,” my history teacher, Mr. Thomas, said. All week he had been teaching us that our civilization wasn’t always like it is now and how environmental issues brought us to where we are today. I looked out the window, as a great blue whale passed by. I always liked them, but they were rare these days.
Ringg! “Alright, don’t forget the homework, 1-7.”
Everybody, including me, scrammed out without paying attention to what he said.
My mom had been waiting outside in the sub for 2 hours because I made a mistake and told her that this Friday was a half-a-day, when it was actually next Friday. I knew she was mad, which is why I was trying to hurry.
“Chanel, wait!” Louis said while running down the hall. Louis was tall and chocolate. He always had a fresh haircut with a crisp lining, and his puff was always perfect. Just the right amount of curls and the right amount of fluff.
“You left your headset in class. How were you going to go outside without it?” Louis said laughing.
“I don’t even know. I’m in such a rush, I nearly drowned myself,” I said.
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t,” said Louis. I blushed, put on the headset, and ran into the sublimator where Louis locked it and made sure it was airtight. I looked at him and he gave me a thumbs up.
I opened the last door and a ton of oily water pushed me against the cushion in front of the door.
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by Jeff Carver, New Harmony High, New Orleans & Kyley Pulphus, 826 New Orleans
Young writers imagine a world that has lost their home city due to various threats: environmental, cultural, and supernatural.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
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.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
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 Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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