If I could be anything
I’d choose to be the sky
Sitting all by myself
And watching birds fly
I would be very lonely
And so, I would cry
But one day sitting in the air
Blowing my cool breeze
I’d realize something wonderful
While watching a flock of geese
I am useful and helpful
And successful, too
I only want to be myself
And you should just be you
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by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Matthew, 826CHI
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!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
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!
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Johny, 826 LA
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.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Levi, 826NYC
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.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by L.M., 826CHI
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.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.