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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Evelyn Escamilla, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
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.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Yvanna Bodiana, Age 13, 826 Valencia
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of opposition.
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.
Sizwe H., Age 13, 826michigan
A poet appreciates their loyal riding partner.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Chidi A., Age 12, 826 Valencia
A poet hears the weight of history like music when playing basketball.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
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.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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 Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Judethan Garfias Muñoz, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
Mahera A., Age 12, 826CHI
What happens when the only thing two people have in common is their love for each other?
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 Blanca Estrada, Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem explores all of sides of a tender heart.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
Willa Jones, Grade 8, Salt Lake City, UT
A young author explores a memory of stimming and captures the depth of their experience in a sparkling poem: "wishing I could shift into whatever form. / UNBOUND by what society expects. Free."
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
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 Violet Roberts, Grade 8, 826DC
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place, and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student reflects on identity.
by Crystal Colorado, Age 12, 826 Valencia
This poem will take you to the beach and make you wonder if it was all a dream.
by Cayden, Grade 8, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the 826 National anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Renée, Grade 8, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
Zain L., Age 13, 826CHI
A poet fights to understand a crucial question.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
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 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.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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