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.
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Yamilet J., 826LA
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by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
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by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
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by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
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by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
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by Rockelle Rodd, Grade 11, 826NYC
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by Jana C., 826LA
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by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
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by Raheem, 826 New Orleans
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by Olivia H., 826CHI
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem explores the aftermath and lasting impacts of school shootings.
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A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Abby S., Grade 11, 826 Boston
An author reflects on their correspondence with their friend from the past.
by Denisse Reyes Gonzalez, Age 17, 826NYC
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
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by Alphonsine M., 826LA
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by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
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by Junaynah R., Grade 11, 826NYC
Full of exquisite imagery, this poem explores the idea of second chances.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
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Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
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by Keyshana, Grade 11, 826CHI
Black strength, beauty, and pride soar in this poem as a student discusses overcoming brutality and discrimination.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Arianna R., Grade 11, 826 Boston
A beautiful ode to home and self.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
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 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 Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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 Jeremy Hsiao, 826 National
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem reminds activists that "to change everything, we need everyone."
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
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 Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
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by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
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by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
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The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
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In this poem, metaphor is used to describe who the narrator is.
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One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
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In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
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