Okay, so I like this girl. Her name is [redacted]. So I’m all like, “Dang [redacted] so fine, but she probably won’t notice me” every day of my life, just being an awkward pimply teenager as usual. I swear, if I wasn’t thinking about [redacted] twenty-four seven, I was probably thinking about food, but still. So anyway, I’m at this hair salon, which is called *Censored* Cuts. So, I’m at *Censored* Cuts texting my good pally <<404>> about the [redacted] situation, and who “ships” us or whatever. I’m sitting in a leather chair gushing sweat like Niagra Falls, heart beating so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine, and I’m just debating with myself about whether or not I should confess my feels to [redacted]. Luckily <<404>> and [redacted] were at school still with a few of my other friends, so it wouldn’t be so awkward. Probably. I was clammier than a seafood place, white-knuckles clenching my phone, and finally pouring my feelings out at my keyboard like a glass of water, hoping that texting [redacted] would make me feel better. BOY WAS I WRONG! Not like I got rejected or anything, more like everybody, myself included, was flipping OUT. Suddenly, I was being swamped with texts and calls from <<404>> and his brother—error—even WHILE I WAS ON THE TOILET. So, I’m sitting on the toilet and <<404>> is all like being mysterious and not responding, and every now and then she’ll be all, “her phone died broseph” or send a word of encouragement while—error—is just textin’ and callin’ like crazy about everything and WOW OH MY GOD WAS I TERRIFIED. And when I did finally get an answer back from [redacted], she was just as awkward as me, all vague and all. But, finally I did run into her, and her two friends jumped on me like guard dogs and scoped me out like a freakin’ telescope fan club. It was terrifying to be sure. Anyway, I’m out of time, but this was all about a week ago so THE SAGA CONTINUES.
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by Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
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A poem that celebrates being Latino
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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A student searches for answers in their community.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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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 Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
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by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
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A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
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.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
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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.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by William, 826LA
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by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
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by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
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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 Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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A student’s manifesto!
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A poem about spring!
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Jonas K., 826 National
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by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.