Grade 10
PoetryWritingRegina is the type of person who, when you first meet her, seems very quiet. She is, in fact, the opposite. She is loud. She is a very big nerd and, when asked, she said that she believed that Bill Nye would win the Hunger Games against Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Is it a bird free of its cage,
told to be free and to roam
the heavens as she pleases?
No, there is no freedom
There will always be obligations,
responsibilities, faux motivations.
She flies through gardens
rosy, pink, and cute.
Intrigued she’s lured
only to her feet with thorns.
Her feathers tangled and damaged
by powerful winds carrying her
places of heartache and sorrow.
Lessons, ethics, and values obstruct
and pull at her Achilles heel
dragging her bruised feet to the
very ground she desperately wants
to leave.
She struggles with this freedom
as her head is filled with ideas
but her talons are dragged
to the ground.
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by Ola Faleti, 826CHI, with an introduction by Amanda Gorman, Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the U.S.
The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the…
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Ricardo L., age 15, 826DC
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
by Lizy A., 15, 826DC
Lizy describes her name as a promise of freedom and beauty connected to the sea and family, with unique meanings at school and at home.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Savannah, 826NYC
Using dialogue and detailed description, this poet investigates whose voices are heard and whose voices are left behind when injustice occurs.
by Tala, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 10th grader Tala asks essential workers what motivates them to keep going during these difficult times, offering her own views on hope for the future.
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 Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Cindy, 826LA
A student compellingly argues that immigrants deserve respect and to be free of discrimination.
by Isabella, 826NYC
This poet rejects judgement based on the color of one’s skin.
by Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Samantha Wint, Grade 9, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to explore many dualities of the narrator's life.
by Jana C., 826LA
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
by Joanne H, 826 Valencia
In this poem, a student’s experiences in two countries meld together as she seeks out her true home.
by Perla C., 15, 826DC
Perla connects her name to the sea, summer, and soft colors. It reflects her quiet strength, curiosity, and the different identities she carries at school and home.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
by Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Sabrin, Grade 10, 826 MSP
The written word is a powerful tool, and this poem shares a few reasons why the author continues to write.
by Luciana, Grade 10, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a sophomore at South High School in Minneapolis gives thanks to Children’s Hospital employees.
by Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
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 Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless future.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Quran Samad, age 15, 826 Valencia
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
by Jose S., 15, 826DC
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
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