×
Grade 9
Fantasy/SciFi, Narrative
Writing

Used To Be Booty, Now I’m Good

Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Rey is a ninth grade All Nations student. He plays football and also wrestles. Rey’s favorite food is bacon.

I was playing basketball and I didn’t get picked because the people I was playing with thought I was booty. But I had to show them how good I was. They made me salty because of that. Then after I didn’t get picked, so the next game I went to the outhouse cause we were on the rez and there were no bathrooms in the gym. But as I was halfway walking, some got-dang ALIENS came outta nowhere and abducted me.

When I was up in their ship, they said they saw me not get picked in basketball and they said they were gonna give me super crossover powers. So when I got back to earth I was trash-talking everybody and I crossed them with my super crossover powers. I shot the ball and I made that ball. And then I went to a tournament that was run by the NBA. The winner would get a contract with the Timberwolves.

But when I was walking home the night before the tournament, I had to walk through a dark area and I just looked up and saw them aliens again and they abducted me again.

They said, “We can’t let you keep the powers because you’ll become the best ever.”

So I was like, “WTH.”

And then they dropped me out of the ship and then I went home.

I couldn’t sleep all night just wanting to show all them aliens how good I could be without the powers. So that day I went to the tournament really confident. I had to show everybody how good I was.

It was a five-man tournament so I had to find people to be on my team. I got all of the homies. I got Stephan, Trey, Robert and my brother Joseph. We won the whole tournament and me and all the homies got NBA contracts with the Timberwolves. I had a great career. And then I became the best ever to play basketball. The GOAT. I started from the bottom now I’m here. Came up from the proj. Used to be booty, now I’m good.

From This Resource

by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP
Grades 9–12
Lessons
Change the Ending, Take Back Your Power

by Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry

In this lesson, students explore the genres of historical and speculative fiction before they reimagine a time they felt powerless…

See more Writing at this level

Grades 8–9
Writing
Jazmine & Vanessa

by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.

Grades 9–11
Writing
Gift of Love

by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC

Poetry

A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Giving Shelter

by Steysi Hailee, 826LA

Narrative

A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.

Grade 9
Writing
Strength, Bravery, Selflessness, and Dedication

by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Kneel Down for What You Believe In

by Caroline, 826 Valencia

Informational
Persuasive

A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.

Grades 7–9
Writing
New Sport: Pencils

by Jason, 826michigan

Informational

Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".

Grades 9–10
Writing
The Rez Girls Are Powerful!

by Navayah, 826 MSP

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.

Grade 9
Writing
Note to Self

by Gilbert, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.

Grade 9
Writing
The Great Under

by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Technology Gives Me a Way In

by Jonas K., 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.

Grades 8–12
Writing
It Might Not Always Disappear

by Sian Laing

Narrative

When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.

Grade 9
Writing
Gone

by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative

Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Reuben & Giselle

by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Two students write to each other about where they came from, what they love, and a few mishaps along the way in an exchange of letters.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Where I’m From

by Charles, 826 MSP

Poetry

A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.

Grade 9
Writing
Here, Queer, Yet Not Really

by Mercury, 826CHI

Informational
Media
Persuasive

A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Thoughts Onto Paper

by Pretty S, 826 Valencia

Memoir
Narrative

Glimpse into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Haunting Picture

by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National

Narrative
Persuasive

One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.

Grades 7–9
Writing
Fruit Woman Saves the Day

by Pia, 826NYC

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
STEM

A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Booking an Adventure

by William, 826LA

Memoir
Narrative

A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Christopher & Bryan & Jahir

by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.

Grades 9–12
Writing
Racial Autobiography

by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP

Memoir
Narrative

A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Henry & Matthew & Santiago

by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

A compilation of letters written by three students across one city filled with thoughts on books, sports, music, family, and musings on Valentine’s Day.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Retrospect

by Kevin G, 826 Valencia

Narrative

This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Dandelion

by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia

Poetry

Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.

Grades 8–9
Writing
The Saga Continues

by Calvin, 826michigan

Narrative

A laugh-out-loud personal narrative about a crush. Has your heart ever beat so fast it might get a speeding ticket and a $500 fine?

Grades 9–10
Writing
An Indescribable Place

by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia

Poetry

This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.

Grades 9–12
Writing
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

by Ryker, 826michigan

Informational
Narrative

Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”

Grades 9–12
Writing
Stupid Blue Screen

by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC

Narrative
Poetry

Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.

Grades 8–10
Writing
David & Daniel

by David & Daniel, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.

Grades 9–12
Writing
A Glitch in the System

by Soraya, 826NYC

Poetry

This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.

Grade 9
Writing
You Deserve More

by Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP

Narrative
Persuasive

In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.

Grades 8–12
Writing
A Challenge

by Shayne Williams

Narrative

Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.

Grades 8–10
Writing
Bryanna & Kayla

by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI

Memoir
Narrative

Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.

Grades 8–9
Writing
Shout-Out Poem

by Anjum, 826CHI

Poetry

A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).

Grades 9–12
Writing
The Achilles Heel

by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP

Poetry

A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.

Grades 7–12
Writing
My Family Interview

by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP

Narrative

A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.

Grades 9–10
Writing
Beat of the Drum

by Aniah, 826 MSP

Poetry

A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.

Grade 9
Writing
My Language

by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP

Poetry

A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.