Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingI’m from Chicago. All of Chicago is like my house, but with a lot more people. It is a place where I can enjoy myself and have a lot of fun. It is also a place where I know people who care about me, love me, protect me from evil, and lead me to the good things in life. The people are nice, funny, fun, kind, and joyful toward others. Here, we are all family and act like one. We work together and respect each other the way we want to be respected.
In 3rd or 4th grade, I was at my old school. It was the end of the day and I was walking down the hall. When I got to the main pickup area, I saw my grandma and my cousin T.J. He was home from the Air Force. I ran up to him and hugged him. After, my grandma left and it was just me and him. He took me to eat. I told him about how I went to eat at a casino, and how school was going, and how much better I am at basketball now. Then, after we ate we walked to his house. We walked by some girls and he was like, “I’ma get you a girl.” I was like, “No, I’m too little!” So the girl just took a picture with me and him.
Finally, we got to his house and played video games on his Xbox 360. I asked if I could have one of his games and he said yes. Then he took me home and I played the game he gave me. He talked to my grandma, then he left. I said bye.
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by Luke, 826 Valencia
An essay shared in English and Spanish discusses the effects of global warming on penguins and their source of nutrients, krill.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
In an exchange of letters, three students across one city share stories about where they came from and the places that matter most.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Luis, 826LA
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Gabriela T., 826 Valencia
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that inclusive leaders take action—they don't wait for others to make a difference.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Reuben & Giselle, 826CHI
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.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Calvin, 826michigan
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?
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Piya, 826 Valencia
A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
by Ella, 826 Valencia
A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by William, 826LA
A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
An essay in English and Spanish that traces connections between two movements in modern American history for the rights of people of color.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Henry, Matthew, & Santiago, 826CHI
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.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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