×
Grades level iconsGrade 6
Genre information iconFantasy/SciFi, Narrative
Resource type iconWriting

The Tunnel

by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
About the Author

Valary K. is a sixth grade student at Sandburg Middle School and she hates working. Her favorite part about writing is the brainstorming part of it and her least favorite part is the writing or typing. Her favorite day is Saturday and she goes to church and then sleeps right after. She likes food a lot and especially African cuisine. She wants to be an anesthesiologist when she grows up to be an adult.

It was a beautiful afternoon, and we decided to go visit my aunt. I was exhausted on the road, and I eventually dozed off.

“Why is it taking so long? I said.

“I am so over this,” my brother also said.

The road we were on was very old, and nobody every really went there. My dad had previously used this road, at least that’s what he said. We got closer to a tunnel, and unfortunately our car broke down. My aunt’s place was close by, and the sun was getting lower and disappearing. We got out and went in toward the tunnel.

It was unusually cold in the tunnel, and there was water everywhere on the ground. Suddenly I felt uneasy. My head started to spin and my whole body was covered in goosebumps and chills. I was scared. I looked down and saw little creatures that looked like mice. They were very tiny, with sharp teeth and fur covered bodies. The wind blew and the little creatures were no more. I had many questions but no answers to them, and that made me more anxious and scared. In a very short time, I found myself standing in an unknown place. There I was, standing in the middle of a room. The room had a stench, a rotten smell. I knew that someone or something was surely out to get me.

From 826 MSP’s original publication, More Than One Voice.

See More Writing at this Level

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Origins of Fries

by Kathryn, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry
STEM

A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.

Grades 5–6
Writing
A New Life

by Joseline, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Meanwhile at Jump City School…

by Christian, 826michigan

Media
Narrative

In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.

Grades 5–8
Writing
The Great Achievement

by Marco, 826LA

Narrative
Playwriting

A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!

Grades 6–8
Writing
Bryan

by Elsy, 826LA

Media
Narrative
Poetry

Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cheezy

by Madison, 826 New Orleans

Poetry

This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Life Before and After Becoming President

by Kelis, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

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!

Grade 6
Writing
Then the Saltiness Kicked In: Musings on MFK’s Five-Course Meal

by Isabella, 826CHI

Informational
Narrative

A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Freedom

by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA

Poetry

A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.

Grade 6
Writing
A Beam of Light Through the Corona Darkness

by Khari Garris, New York, NY

Poetry

A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Acorn Avenger

by Jalen, 826NYC

Poetry
STEM

A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.

Grades 4–6
Writing
Breathe

by Juna, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.

Grade 6
Writing
Save the Penguins, Save Ourselves

by Jacore, 826 Valencia

Informational

An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Before I Knew How to Shine

by Brigid, 826CHI

Narrative
Poetry

A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Letter to Kiwi

by Amaya, 826michigan

Narrative

A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Thing That Changes My Life

by Liliana, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Laughter Means You’re Alive

by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu

Poetry

This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.

Grades 6–7
Writing
A Willow Tree

by Renee, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.

Grades 5–6
Writing
This is Just to Say

by Yanni, 826NYC

Poetry

This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Yellow Like Bananas

by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.

Grade 6
Writing
Realm of Virtues

by Ari, 826CHI

Narrative

In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Haikus

by Robert, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Marshmallows

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Poetry

In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.

Grade 6
Writing
And Soon: Musings on Food Memories

by Armaan, 826CHI

Informational
Memoir
Narrative

This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Golden Girl and Lolo

by Leslie, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.

Grade 6
Writing
If History Comes Back to Bite Us

by Gael, 826CHI

Poetry

A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Always Dreaming

by Harrison, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.

Grades 6–7
Writing
NEW DRUG, MIRACA, CURES ALL ILLNESSES

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Narrative

A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.

Grade 6
Writing
Sir Shaggy McPatches

by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Grades 5–6
Writing
Spyman

by Jesús, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!

Grades 1–6
Writing
A Rapper Legend

by Natalie, 826 Valencia

Informational

A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Seeing Snow

by Ramatoulie, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Farm

by John, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Adventures of Nutriman and Junkster

by Saeed, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!

Grades 6–7
Writing
Daddy Longlegs

by Chelsea, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Scarlet’s Adventures

by Penelope, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!

Grade 6
Writing
A Doorway Between

by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia

A poem about living in the space between two cultures.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Listen

by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Earth

by Kaitlyn, 826NYC

Informational
Poetry
STEM

A creation myth reimagined in a poem.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Worried

by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.

Grade 6
Writing
Dear Mom

by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP

Narrative

A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cat Tweets

by Marisa, 826michigan

Fantasy/SciFi
Media
Narrative

A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow

Grade 6
Writing
Untitled

by Kevin, 826NYC

Informational

A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Owl Girl

by Athena, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Informational
Poetry
STEM

An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Jackie Chan

by Luis, 826LA

Narrative

This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Day That Changed My Life

by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.

Grade 6
Writing
Dear Future President

by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO

Persuasive

A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Cinnamon the Corgi

by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!

Grades 5–6
Writing
My Father’s Surprise

by Emmanuel, 826DC

Memoir
Narrative

A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.

Grades 6–8
Writing
SO SPRINGY!

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about spring!

Grades 6–7
Writing
It Went Wrong

by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia

Narrative

A school dare gone horribly wrong!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Writing with You

Vivien Norton, Age 12, 826michigan

Poetry

A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.

Grade 6
Writing
Mermaids, the Job for Dreamers

by Mady, 826 Valencia

Informational

A student examines the mermaid industry today through a historical lens that begins in the late-nineteenth century, turning fantasy into a profession.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Sea Lettuce

by Talia, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative
STEM

A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.

Grades 6–7
Writing
We’ll Still Try: The Fight of the Standing Sioux Against the Dakota Access Pipeline

by Destiny, 826NYC

Persuasive
Poetry
STEM

In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Happy

by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.

Grades 1–6
Writing
How to Prank Your Mother

by Lina, 826 Valencia

Informational

A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Cloud vs. Wind

by Daphne, 826 Valencia

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!

Grades 6–8
Writing
Rap for Stan Lee

by Luis, 826LA

Media
Poetry

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.

Grades 6–8
Writing
The Crane in the Constellations
by Cartoon Network

by Alondra, 826CHI

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Ode to Sonia Melara

by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.

Grade 6
Writing
Just Crack Once in Awhile: Musings on School Lunch

by Guinevre, 826CHI

Persuasive

A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.

Grade 6
Writing
Dancing Paper

by Gael, 826CHI

Poetry

A poem about becoming a dancer.

Grade 6
Writing
Dividing By Zero

by Sophia, 826CHI

Poetry

In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.

Grade 6
Writing
Ava

by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP

Fantasy/SciFi

A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Fight for Civil Rights in the Bathroom

by Satis, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.

Grades 5–6
Writing
The Programmer

by Milo, 826NYC

Narrative
STEM

A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.

Grade 6
Writing
Juntos/Together

by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia

Persuasive

A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.

Grade 6
Writing
The Fire in my Heart

by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC

Fantasy/SciFi

The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.

Grade 6
Writing
Ode To Jayden

Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC

Poetry

A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.

Grades 6–7
Writing
Blank Sky

by Uma Cantone, 826NYC

Narrative

Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Pride / My Life

Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC

Poetry

Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.

Grades 6–8
Writing
Dear Mom

by Jin, 826LA

Narrative

This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Globes

by Meredith, 826michigan

Poetry

A poem about globe-sized dreams.

Grades 5–6
Writing
‘Salam, I Come in Peace’: Muslims Stand UP Against Islamophobia

by Marisa, 826NYC

Informational

A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Pickup Lines Cheesier Than Cheddar

by Uma, 826NYC

Poetry

A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.

Grade 6
Writing
Haikus

by Charlotte, 826CHI

Poetry

A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.

Grades 6–7
Writing
The Freezy Pen

by Giovanna, 826NYC

Informational
Narrative

An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.

Grades 5–6
Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?

by Elaine, 826 Boston

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!

Grades 5–6
Writing
Tree Poem

by Simone, 826michigan

Poetry
STEM

A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.