Grades 8–9
PoetryWritingMariah enjoys playing ALL the sports in the book. She is Native American and is a part of the Lac Courte Oreilles tribe. She started to write poetry as an escape route, and she truly enjoys it and wants to expand her capabilities. Mariah wants to inspire youth to do their best even in the worst conditions.
What walking the red road means to me is
I’m walking for myself and for my people
There’s power to what WE behold
We are walking with positive attitudes and thoughts
No stone should ever be left behind
Because we are all one
I am walking a clean road for my mother, uncles
For the ones who can’t be here
My grandmothers, my grandfather, sisters, brothers
My future sons and daughters, my community
Mamma raised a hustler
But that doesn’t mean I got to be on the corner selling drugs
That means Imma grind to whatever I put my mind to
That means there’s power behind MY name
Power behind these words
That means my pencil is my weapon
That means I am Native American
And I am walking for Indigenous Women!
In response to: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
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 Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Chris O., Age 15, 826 Valencia
A freshman describes their first day of school on their own.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 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 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 Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Aniah, 826 MSP
A student is lifted up by the dance of her ancestors.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
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 Mercury, 826CHI
A student explores the representation of LGBTQIA+ minorities and youth in US pop culture.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
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 Sabrin, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 9th grader Sabrin discusses how she feels both happy and sad, and thanks nurses nationwide for bringing her peace through their work.
by Rey, Grade 9, 826 MSP
Aliens give this student superpowers to help him fulfill his greatest dream.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Kevin G, 826 Valencia
This narrative calls us to see the world through the perspectives of others.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
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 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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Charles, 826 MSP
A student reflects on his life, stemming from the life of his father.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
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.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
by Kyla Edwards, 826 New Orleans
This creative short story explores a snapshot of what a future New Orleans might look like amid climate change.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Navayah, 826 MSP
Through redefining a label, a student reclaims a piece of their identity.
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 Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Kalyn Jackson, 826 New Orleans
Through this short story, Kalyn explores ideas of home and change in an altered world.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
Yashasa Fluker, Grade 9, 826 New Orleans
A student describes the eeriness of liminal spaces.
by Pretty S, 826 Valencia
Peek into the mind of a student who considers artistic influences in her life.
by Maggie Munday Odom, Kailua, HI
This poem personifies Earth as a mother coping with the brutalities of climate change.
by Elizabeth W, 826 Valencia
Even though we may look different, we remain united with one another.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
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 Samuel Wang, Grade 10, 826NYC
A poem about the complexity of love exchanged during the holidays.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Gilbert, 826LA
One teen writes a letter to his 14-year-old self, citing his past fears but looking towards his present, a brighter future.
by Sammie, Grade 9, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a freshman at South High School in Minneapolis thanks care workers for supporting our local and national communities during this global pandemic.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
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 Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
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.
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