Grade 8
NarrativeWritingI am from Pilsen. My school was in Pilsen and most of my friends lived there, too. At night it is not the safest place to be, but it is my home. The streets smell like gasoline. The taste of the air is okay, not a bad kind or a good kind. I touch the broken-down houses and buildings. In the morning, Pilsen is packed with people rushing to where they are needed. It is filled with cars and buses keeping up with their morning schedule. In the afternoon, the hardworking people go home to rest and get ready for the next day. At sundown, my cousins and I wander in the night, lurking. The neighborhood has an eerie feeling to it at night.
My cousins and I continue to wander, trying to find something to do. We decide to go somewhere we don’t usually go at night and that is downtown Chicago. We have an amazing time downtown and then decide to head back and rest for the next day.
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by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
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.
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A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
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A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
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by Arielle B., Grade 8
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by Rafael, 826CHI
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Shayne Williams
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by Curtis, 826michigan
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by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
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Amara, 826 New Orleans
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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.
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by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
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by Iliana, 826CHI
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A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
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In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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 Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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 Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
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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 Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
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 Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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 Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
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by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by David & Daniel, 826CHI
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A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
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by Kiara, 826CHI
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by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
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