Grade 11
Informational, Persuasive, STEMWritingTouching grass can mean a few different things, but I mean it in the literal sense. Make your life come to a screeching halt, walk to your favorite park, crouch down, and stare at the grass.
Count how many bugs you see.
How many blades of grass are there? (I once got to 473, but I bet you can go higher.)
Are there any fungi? (They have some of the most diverse colors in the natural world and can be very different from one another, but with a book about fungi and mushrooms—which you can find at your local library—you can begin to identify them)
Is there anything you can’t identify? Write it down or draw it in a notebook.
Now, touch everything. Feel the plethora of grass intertwined, let the ants crawl on your hands. If you’re scared of centipedes or spiders, maybe try getting to know one first. The last time I had a chat with a spider, they told me about the last close call they had with a newspaper, and how their friend, a western conifer seed bug, had died from violence in their community (an old lady’s fly swatter).
Get a pinch of dirt between your index finger and thumb, and grind it around. Ponder upon what compounds and molecules are in your hands. Are you near a road, where all the odd chemicals from vehicles have seeped into the earth, or are you near a photosynthesizing plant with nodules in its root system that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria? What do all these distinct things provide to their community?
To conclude, lie down and listen to what is happening underground. If you look around for tiny holes, you might find a chipmunk home to eavesdrop on.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
This poem uses analogies to describe all of the pieces of the writer's personal history.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
A student compares themself to the place they live, New Orleans, as both evolve through great obstacles.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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 Maya M., Grade 11, Newburg, OR
A student reflects on the memories they made while backpacking.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 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 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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Riti Shrestha, 826NYC
In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
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 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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Elsy M.E., Grade 11, 826 Valencia
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
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 Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
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