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 Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people.
by Numan Khan, age 16, 826 Boston
A bilingual "I am" poem filled with conviction and courage.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, Grade 10, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
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 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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
Alex P., Grade 10, 826 National
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
Hanna D. P., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
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 Amalia O'Brien, Grade 10, Novato, CA
A letter to the future Madame President of the United States.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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 Sharoya Bracey, 826NYC
In this memoir, the narrator recounts the struggle of being the bigger person in a very small space.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Karla M., 826LA
A poem for lovers of love and the moon.
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.
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 Terra C., Grades 10-11, 826NYC
A student recalls their journey on how they discovered their LGBTQIA+ identity.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
by Jasmine J, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on her origins to deconstruct social borders and seize her boundless 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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Yazmine-Gizelle, 826DC
This poem uses a fundamental poetry technique, repetition, to share the writer's future plans.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
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.
Leenoa/LeeLee A., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A young poet laments on an unrequited love.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
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 Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Unique C., Age 15, 826 Valencia
Maya Angelou inspires this student's will to, despite everything, still rise.
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 Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 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 Sergio M, 826 Valencia
This piece reminds us that a smile is not always what it seems.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
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 Justis Porter, age 16, 826 Boston
A neighborhood ode filled with sights and sounds of the poet's street.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
Kaprice D., Age 15, 826 New Orleans
A writer builds love with her family through a shared special word.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
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 Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Aphra, 826CHI
A student considers realistic happy endings and the representation of LGBTQIA+ youth through the analysis of two webcomics.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Alphonsine M., 826LA
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
by Anthony, 826DC
This poem gives insight to what it's like growing up Black in America.
by Tammy Fong, 826NYC
A soccer-filled, feud-fueled memoir.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Olivia H., 826CHI
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
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