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 Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
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A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
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Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
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by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
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When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
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The A.M., Grade 10, 826 Boston
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by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Jonas K., 826 National
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One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Shayne Williams
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by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Pia, 826NYC
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
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 Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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 Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
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 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 Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
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.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
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by Anjum, 826CHI
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by Mia Pereyra, 826 Boston
A powerful poem about taking pride in being bilingual.
by Jason, 826michigan
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Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
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Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Anthony, 826DC
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by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Regina, 826LA
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Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Gilbert, 826LA
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by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
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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.
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by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
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by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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