Grades 4–5
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingDlarim lived on the southern part of the planet Glarth. Planet Glarth was lush, humid, and had lots of lakes that were as deep as oceans and as green as toxic slime. All of the monsters were gross, ugly, slimy, and horrible. They had sharp teeth and they were tall as redwoods, strong as bulldozers, and scary. They had five arms, but it was hard to tell because of all of the slime on them. They were as fat as elephants and each had 12 eyes and seven legs.
Dlarim was a good monster—not ugly, gross, or big, because he cleaned himself up. That made the other monsters think he was weird. He had less limbs and weight than the other monsters, because he was smaller. That made him scared of the other monsters. He really wanted a friend that he could trust, but he couldn’t trust anyone—they tell the other monsters that he was a good, and who knows what they might have done? They might have put him into a special school to make him have a blank attitude. Then, he would not have been good or evil, helpful or unhelpful. He would not have had any feelings. Or, they might have brainwashed him to make him actually evil, and Dlarim did not want any of those things to happen.
Dlarim was working on making a spaceship to get to another planet to find a friend, but he couldn’t tell anyone, because they would have gotten suspicious.
“I can’t wait ‘til I’m done building this spaceship!” Dlarim excitedly whispered to himself.
Dlarim was almost done with the spaceship. It was big enough for only one living thing and its luggage to fit. It had large holes at the bottom for the fire to come out so it could fly. It had one window on the only door on the spaceship. VRRRR, BANG, BANG, VRRRR. He drilled in the last screw. Dlarim turned all the switches on.
“Lift off in 10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . . 7 . . . 6 . . . 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1. Goodbye, planet Glarth!”
Dlarim laughed as the engines of the spaceship turned on, fire came out of its bottom, and it flew to who knows what planet.
The next thing he knew, he landed on a planet: planet Earth.
“Where am I?” Dlarim asked.
When someone saw him, she called the police. Two scientists named Sky and Jeremy were both very smart and had lab coats. Sky had curly short black hair and a below average height and weight. Jeremy had slick brown hair and an average height and weight. They’d found out about an alien on planet Earth.
“We have to get that monster!” Sky exclaimed.
“But how?” Jeremy asked.
“We have to find him and chase him down. We don’t know how fast he can run or how smart he is,” Sky answered. They had no idea. Dlarim had six legs and was as smart as Albert Einstein. The scientists tried to capture Dlarim, and they chased him into my house.
When I saw him, I was scared. I didn’t know what to do.
“What are you?” I gasped.
“I am Dlarim. I am from planet Glarth. Can I hide here?” he asked. “The scientists are trying to get me.”
“Yes,” I said. “For how long?”
“As long as it takes for the scientists to give up,” Dlarim answered.
“OK, but stay hidden from my mom. She will freak out if she sees you,” I warned him.
On the third night that he was there, the scientists kidnapped Dlarim and put him in a car. They almost made it to the lab when Dlarim used his laser eyes to escape. He started running home.
The scientists learned from their mistakes, so they made a cage out of metal that couldn’t be melted by any heat from planet Earth.
Dlarim’s laser eyes were out of this world, literally, so he escaped again.
The rover on Mars soon found a metal that could hold Dlarim.
So, when Dlarim and I were playing at the park, the scientists snuck up behind him and captured him. He tried to escape, but the metal successfully held him.
The scientists were about to give him shots when I came in and tried to help him escape. I tried to steal the key from Jeremy, but he kept it in his pocket and he put a lock on this pocket. I tried to break the metal cage, but that obviously didn’t work if Dlarim could not escape. When I went out of the lab, a UFO came, and there was another alien like Dlarim!
I went to go talk to him, and he was a good alien like Dlarim of the same species from planet Glarth. His name was Hsoj. I found out that he was from the northern part of planet Glarth. That part was cold and gloomy, and it rained every day. Hsoj came to Earth because he thought he was the only good monster, too. Hsoj and I made a plan to help Dlarim escape. He wanted to help because he was a good alien too, and he thought it wasn’t right for someone to lock an alien up to do tests. He distracted the scientists by running past them and having them chase him while I stole the key and helped Dlarim escape.
Three years passed and the scientists chased them down, but finally they gave up. After that, Dlarim and Hsoj came out of hiding, and we all were friends. We went to school together and everybody heard about what happened. We played games. Not video games though, because with their 8 fingers on each hand, they would always win. We just did normal things that kids do, except that they are aliens.
Everything that happened after that was normal. Not really, because there was an alien living in my house . . . but you know what I mean.
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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 Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
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 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 Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
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 Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Camilla S.R., Grade 5, 826 Valencia
A student describes her imaginary friend from Funky Town.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
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 Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
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 Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by Marvin, Grade 5, 826CHI
A troubled ghost haunts a boy’s dreams.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Pearl L., Age 10, 826DC
A story about Rory the dragon, the defender of all genders.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
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 Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
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.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Caira N., Grade 5, 826NYC
A student lists all the reasons why her school is the best!
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
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 Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
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 Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Hanako M., Age 10, 826michigan
A "sense"-sational poem about the flowers in their yard.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
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 Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
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 Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
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.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
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 Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
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 Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
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 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 Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
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 Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
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 Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
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 Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
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 Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
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 Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Norah, Grade 5, 826DC
A student describes her mystical worm imaginary friend.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
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