Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingPurpuly is 15 years old and lives near a very sandy beach located on Wilton Street. Purpuly’s house is oval and the outside is painted lavender and the inside wallpaper is tan. In the winter, it never gets cold because it stays as warm as a teddy bear in a baby’s crib. She sleeps in a closet filled with hot and cozy blankets. Purpuly has long, pretty, flowing hair and is furry, blue-eyed, and five feet tall with short feet. She was born in a brown dark cave with webs everywhere. Her insides are caring like a bunny, sweet as a candy bar, and nice like a baby.
Purpuly’s superpowers are to cook fast, clean fast, shop fast, and she has super speed in general. She has a squeaky voice, like an old wooden door in a creepy haunted house that also sounds cute. She likes to sing, dance, shop, and watch TV. She drives her blue Lokana car to go to work. Her dream is to have a mansion with a water slide that is orange, because she likes the color orange. She is afraid of spiders. Her secret is that she loves books, but she tells people that she hates books.
Purpuly loves tuna sandwiches a lot. For lunch, eats tuna. One day, she was going shopping for tuna, bread, and orange juice at Jewel. She went to the canned food section and got the tuna, then went to the bread section to get her white bread . . . but it was too high up to reach.
“Can you give me the bread up there?” she asked an employee. The employee got a ladder for Purpuly to reach.
Purpuly smiled and screamed out loud, “Thank you!”
She went to the juice section and got three orange juices. Purpuly went to the cashier and got out her credit card from her blue purse. She swiped her card down, then she entered her PIN. She put her food and drinks in a big brown bag. She came out of the store with a yellow cart and went to the parking lot for her blue car. Purpuly backed up the car slowly and got out of the parking lot.
She was driving to her oval house at the beach when all of a sudden a person called Nanu—a monster who loves to go outside to play or shop at stores—hit Purpuly’s blue car with her precious brand new, pink car!
Purpuly tried to get out of her car but her arm was broken like a wrecked ball. She screamed out, “My arm, my arm!”
Another person ran out of their car to help Purpuly get out.
The person that helped Purpuly called the ambulance for help.
“Hello, um, I need an ambulance on Elmer Street!”
Nanu and Purpuly got into an argument.
Purpuly’s cousin came from cold Canada later that day. They took her home after she came out of the hospital.
“You are okay, breathe in and out, Purpuly,” said her mother.
“OK,” she said, in a sad mood. Her arm was in pain.
Her family came to see her broken arm. Some of her cousins were British and Italian. They were going to stay with her, because she could not do a lot of stuff like cook or clean and write letters. Her family went to the hospital to check on Purpuly’s arm.
“Please help my daughter, please,” whispered her mom.
Purpuly went to Nanu’s house to talk about the car accident. Then they went to Rock’in Coffee to get coffee and donuts. They talked about what happened.
Nanu said, “I am sorry that I crashed into you, I was feeling dizzy and I am mad at you also, because it was my brand new car that I got at Cars Are Me.”
Purpuly said, “It’s okay it happened, but my arm is still hurting. My cast will help, the doctors said.”
Nanu said, “Let’s have a party and let’s be friends.”
“OK”, said Purpuly.
Purpuly had a party at Purpuly’s house and Nanu and Purpuly became friends. They had chips, pop, pizza, and cupcakes. They had a dance-off and Purpuly’s cousin won.
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This collection of zany, adventurous monster tales—penned by fourth and fifth grade students from Brentano Math & Science Academy in Chicago—invites you to walk within dark tunnels, through explosive science labs, and into strange forests to explore beastly worlds unknown. Each piece provokes, tantalizes, and surprises you... perhaps even makes you gasp—or shout—OMG! An 826CHI Young Authors' Book Project.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
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 Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
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 Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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 Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
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 Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
by Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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 Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
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 Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
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 Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
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 Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
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!
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 Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
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.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
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 Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
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 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 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 Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
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