Grade 12
Fantasy/SciFiWritingTina Nguyen is a seventeen-year-old from Dorchester, Massachusetts, who attends the John D. O’Bryant High School. Her main interests consist of social and climate justice, biology, the arts, and gardening. She aspires to continue her journey as a climate justice activist in her future professional life and wants to build a more equitable and green society and system for Massachusetts. She also hopes to pursue a side career of publishing creative writing pieces, and is currently involved in numerous literature clubs and organizations.
Pronouns: They/Them and She/Her (interchangeably)
Wentworth is an endearing character, resembling a short, chubby shark standing on shark-like legs with big, wide eyes and an “I ❤️ Tomatoes” T-shirt. Despite his intimidating appearance, he exudes childlike innocence and kindness, always eager to share and promote love and kindness. He’s a bit clueless about what’s happening most of the time, but makes up for it with his generous spirit and simple wisdom. Wentworth enjoys blowing bubbles, riding bicycles, and attempting to cook, although he’s a bit clumsy in the kitchen. Despite his habit of talking with his mouth open and occasionally spitting food, he’s quick to apologize and clean up. He lives in a fish tank but loves venturing onto land for activities like grocery shopping and biking. Wentworth’s special talents include breathing both underwater and on land, communicating with sea life and humans alike, and performing impressive acrobatics, like backflips and cartwheels. We met during a moment of vulnerability, when he jumped out of his tank to offer me companionship and advice during a rough patch. Now, we enjoy baking tomato-based recipes, cycling adventures, evening walks, and the occasional journaling session together. Wentworth has become not just a friend, but a cherished companion who brings joy and laughter into my life.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
With Paramount Pictures’ latest film IF as inspiration, children around the nation put pens to paper to bring their imaginary friends to life through writing. Together, 826 and Paramount Pictures published three books of youth writing inspired by the upcoming film, starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., Jon Stewart, Awkwafina, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Carell.
See the lesson that inspired the writing here. Learn more about the project here.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Nhu N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
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 Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
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 Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
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 Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
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