Grades 9–10
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingNavayah has five siblings. She likes to eat French fries. She is a Native American at South High School and she likes dogs.
At my last school we had to have a partner. So this girl, her skin was way lighter than me. She had to work with me but she didn’t want to.
Then she said out loud, “I don’t wanna sit by some rezzy girl.”
Shortly after that an alien came and got her. The aliens took control of her mind. She now liked me!
The alien was a protective spirit. She was passed down to me by my ancestors. I guess you could say I inherited her from my mother. I would summon her when I needed an extra hand.
I do not appreciate being called a rezzy girl. It felt negative. The rez girls are powerful!
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by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
In this lesson, students explore the genres of historical and speculative fiction before they reimagine a time they felt powerless…
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
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One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
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by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
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A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
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by Jason, 826michigan
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The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Regina, 826LA
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem expresses the realization that a cage is not the only obstacle to a bird's freedom.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
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A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
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by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
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by Mercury, 826CHI
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Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
Lyric M., Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes how the bright sun and a calming tree bring her peace.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
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 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 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 Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
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by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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