Grades 7–8
NarrativeWritingMs. Fong grabbed the talking piece and said, “Hello, my name is Ms. Fong and we are gonna do a community building activity where we say our name, gender, and race.” Ms. Fong’s hands left the talking piece to the person to her left and they passed it to the next and the next until it got to me. At first I just stood there and didn’t say anything. It seemed like I was there for 1,000 years until I finally said, “My name is D-Duanté and I’m a boy and I’m black.” (By the way, I had a stuttering problem when I was little.)
Then one kid yells, “No, you’re not. You’re white.” The whole class just stared at me as I looked dumbfounded, and didn’t know what to say so I just passed the talking piece to the next person to get the attention off of me.
After class when I was outside a few kids huddled around me and said, “Why you wanna be black?”
And I mumbled, “I don’t want to be black, I am black.” But no one believed me and through the day I kept thinking, Am I black?
When my mom picked me up, I jumped in our long black car and told her what happened and her first response was, “I don’t care what any of those kids say. You’re black, don’t let nobody tell you nothin’ different.”
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by David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 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 Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
From the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, this poem features a student battling with the voices constricting her freedom.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Ibrahim, Grade 7, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, 7th grader Ibrahim thanks Nurses for the heart and soul they put into caring for their patients and fighting disease.
by Issa Caothien, 826NYC
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that if you work together, you're golden!
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Rafael, 826CHI
A student remembers an afternoon adventure around town and explores what Chicago and community mean to him.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
by Cora B., Grade 8
This narrative uses nature imagery, to help the reader walk through a day in the speaker's shoes
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 Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
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 Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem about a place where ideas can grow.
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 Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Caroline, 826 Valencia
A student explores U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel in protest during the national anthem.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
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 Pia, 826NYC
A student reimagines food justice: Fruit Woman must convince Junk Food Man and Cheesecake Boy to eat their fruits and vegetables.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
by Madison, 826CHI
In this compelling essay, a student rejects apathy and explores what really matters in conversations about solving gun violence towards black and brown men.
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
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 Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
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 Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Dayana Alvarado, 826CHI
A student shares finding home in two places: Mexico and Chicago.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
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 Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
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 Jason, 826michigan
Making bottle flipping look like child's play, this piece outlines rules for the new, competitive Fantasy Sport "Pencils".
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 Sahir M., Grade 7
This poem uses metaphors to describe who the speaker really is.
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 Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
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 Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
A poem that celebrates being Latino
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
A poem that portrays the arc of a love story told through the gift of a cigarette lighter.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
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 Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
by Angel, 826CHI
Several friends harness a new source of energy and develop superpowers—with a surprise ending! Both Spanish and English versions available.
by V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Annapoorani L., Grade 7, Seattle WA
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
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