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 Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
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.
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.
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This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Brigid, 826CHI
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A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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A student searches for answers in their community.
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Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
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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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by Christian, 826michigan
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by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Christopher, Bryan, & Jahir, 826CHI
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by Cora B., Grade 8
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by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
by Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
by Curtis, 826michigan
A rhyming (inverse) ode to a very irritating noise.
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by Jason, 826michigan
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A teen discovers the power of books to transport him to another world, and shares his excitement about becoming a published author.
by Sahir M., Grade 7
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by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
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A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Lola, 826 Valencia
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by Mateo, 826CHI
An informative entry on the meaning and usage of a student-inspired word: doomungous.
by Pia, 826NYC
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by Jamie, 826 Valencia
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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 Djeneba Soumaoro, 826michigan
A student’s manifesto!
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Salvador M., Grade 7, 826DC
A peaceful reflection on what type of place a student would be.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Cayden, 826DC
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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 Sela, 826 MSP
This poem holds big dreams for the speaker's future.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
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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 Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Arianny, 826 Boston
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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 Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
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 Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Rafael, 826CHI
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by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
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 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 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 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 Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by V.G., 826LA
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by Itzel Medina Luna, 826 Valencia
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In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Isabella Serrato, Grade 7, 826 Dallas Project
This poem uses sound devices to enhance the overall tone.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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 David & Daniel, 826CHI
In this heartfelt exchange of letters, two students bond over food, videos games, and some scary adventures.
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A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
by Elizabeth W., 826 Valencia
A persuasive piece for women and girls to unite and cultivate a culture of body image positivity.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by CA, Grade 7, 826CHI
A writer's honest view of who they are and their potential.
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 Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
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 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 Alonso, 826 Boston
An insightful set of instructions for surviving a day as a 7th grader in the Boston Teachers Union School.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Isabella C., Age 13, 826 Valencia
The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Sam, 826CHI
In this poem, a student pits mathematics against the unknown.
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 Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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 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 Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
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 Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Asa, 826CHI
This narrator embarks on a mysterious vacation in the sky!
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
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