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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
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This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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A demand to the public stop to buying ivory that seeks to explain the devastating effects of poaching on elephant and rhino populations.
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From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Jason, 826 Valencia
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This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
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by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
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by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
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by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
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by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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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.
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A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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A persuasive argument for co-ed teams in the face of gender stereotypes, supported by results from primary research conducted by the author.
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A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
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A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Calvin, 826michigan
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This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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 David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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A poem about unrequited love.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
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A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
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A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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by Pia, 826NYC
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A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
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An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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