Grade 8
PoetryWritingArielle is an inspiring artist and a lover of reading and writing. She wishes her poem will inspire people to look beyond first appearances and acknowledge what’s hiding behind the smile. Arielle hopes that her writing can help people relate to others and bring confidence to those who can relate to this poem on a deeper level.
When people come to see me, they photograph the sparkling waters and white sand beaches.
They choose to remember the looming palm trees and beautiful sunrises.
In their eyes, I am a place of serene beauty and calm.
But what about the things they don’t see?
What hides beneath the endless waters.
They know it’s there, they choose to ignore it all.
They fear darkness and uncertainty.
They fear the creatures they can’t understand and the riptides that will pull them in.
They choose ignorance rather than acknowledge the storms that rage overhead.
Hiding behind their walls as the clouds roll in, and those who live below the waters begin to stir.
The people cower in fear of its fury.
For they know, when the darkness settles, there is no stopping the storm of pain and anger that is to come.
And when the dark passes.
The waters calm once again and laps back at the land.
Trying to clean up the broken pieces its anger created.
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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 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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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 Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Mariah Valenzuela, Minneapolis, MN
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poet uses her voice to speak up for those who have been silenced in the indigenous community.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
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 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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
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 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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
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 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 Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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 Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
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 Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
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 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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
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.
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