Grades 11–12
Fantasy/SciFi, NarrativeWritingWe had been walking for three hours, and now it was completely dark. All that we had was one flashlight, but we had run out of batteries. It was very windy, and the only sound was the rustling of leaves and the swaying of tree branches. Even though we had been walking for hours, the surroundings looked the same as if we had been walking the same path this whole time. We decided to stop because we had started getting tired. My brother was tired of walking and wanted to find a way back, so he made a path into the woods. I told him to not do it, but my warnings did not stop him. As I watched him moving toward the woods, I told him that I would stay on the path. He kept walking. I then yelled for him to come back, but he kept walking, leaving me worried about his safety and if he could find his way back. As he left I started to feel awkward as if something was near me. It only took three minutes and I started calling his name, but I didn’t get a response back.
Then, I started to panic, and the worst possible scenarios played out in my mind. I called him again, louder than before, and I heard something that would mark me forever – the roar of an animal. The roar was similar to that of a tiger. I froze. My mind returned to our arrival at the camping site, where a native told us a story about a creature that lived in the woods. In his story, he believed it was not some monster or creature in the woods, but an old witch who was immortal. He told us that this witch could transform into a beast. Every detail of this story was replaying over and over in my mind as I stood paralyzed, trying to determine the distance and direction of that roar. I wanted to call out for my brother, but I didn’t want to alert the roar’s owner to my location.
Then I remember another part of that story – the witch could play mind games with people, controlling their thoughts. It had all made sense. The creature, or witch, was real. The long walk through the path was his mind games with us, watching us the entire time. Now I was afraid and alone. I decided to run, and as I started to run away I heard the roars getting closer and closer, and then I woke up in the woods.
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
by Princess McDowell, the 826 Dallas Project
Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize…
Faceless: Untold Side Effects of Culture, Race, & COVID-19 is a collection of student writing that spans genre, space and time before, during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Supported by The 826 Dallas Project as part of their first-ever Young Authors Book Project, students from two Ethnic Studies courses at Trinidad Garza Early College High School in Dallas, Texas wrote honest and searing works that weigh the longstanding sins of American racism with the new realities of virtual learning and social distancing.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Quardasha Mitchell, The 826 Dallas Project
In this compelling poem, the author navigates her relationship with America as a young African-American woman.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Augustus Griffith Jr., 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
by Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Corazón, 826 New Orleans
In this essay, a student threads their identity across cultures, histories, and places, engaging with legacies of violence and the movement of people.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Alexis G., Grade 11
In this narrative, the author uses vibrant language to explore their identity, in all its complexity, through different landscapes.
by George S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A writer implores people to get outside and touch grass because you never know what you might find!
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
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