Grade 4
Memoir, NarrativeWritingHi, my name is Ava! You should know that my favorite food is pasta. It’s delicious. I have a few special skills: I horseback ride and draw. Not many people know that I’m shy. I talk very quietly to people.
It was a cold winter day. I was walking down the stairs into the auditorium. I almost tripped, but I was focusing on my homework. In my head I was saying, “Ten times two is 20 so 20 plus 39 equals 59.”
“All the buses are here!” yelled Ms. Stacy.
Lane, Andrea, Donna, and I all walked to our bus. As the bus doors opened we all squished through the door. We took the first two seats. We sat down and sank into the bench on the bus. Then I heard Donna say, “I’m done with my homework.”
“Me too,” I said.
Lane and Andrea were still working, so me and Donna chatted quietly.
A few moments later, Andrea and Lane unzipped their bags and put their paperwork away. Then, for some reason, Donna blurted out, “Hey, guys what clothes size are you?” Everybody said medium or small. Well, I didn’t say anything. I chose not to tell. Our bus ride continued slowly. Nobody talked. I pretended that the conversation did not happen.
Once we were super close to our stop, right out of the blue, Donna said one of the rudest words ever and started comparing everyone’s weight again. She said she and Lane were skinny and Andrea was medium. Then, she looked at me and said, “Not to be rude, but you’re sort of FAT.”
My brain was like a blank piece of paper. Why would she say that? I felt tears swelling up in my eyes. Then I heard the door squeak open. I quickly filed off the bus and walked slightly ahead of everybody. I felt hot tears run down my face. Andrea sped up and caught up to me. I quickly wiped away my tears. She was now right next to me. Andrea put her hand on my shoulder and asked, “Hey, are you okay?” I didn’t know how to answer. I just said, “I’m fine.” I didn’t tell anyone about the situation, not even my parents.
A month later the incident itched all the way out. I finally decided to tell my mom everything. She was glad I told her. I don’t know what happened to Donna, but a few days later she apologized. We hugged and now I’m so glad we’re friends.
I look back on this moment and remember that horrifying feeling. I get a little chill every time I think of it. I hope it never happens again.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
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A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
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A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
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In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
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by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
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by Fatima, 826michigan
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Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
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by Maria, 826 Valencia
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A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
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A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
Ms. Lowe’s Fourth Grade Class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit, Michigan
An example of a "Neighborhood Poem" created as a class as part of 826Michigan's Rare Air/Aire Raro Young Authors' Book Project.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
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This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
by Selene Freudenberg, 826michigan
This hero’s journey leads an unlikely suspect into a land of books with a plot-disrupting villain who must be destroyed in order to save a multitude of characters, including Harry Potter!
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
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by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Noel, 826 Valencia
The creation story of a new school, reimagined to improve learning. (Paid for by Taylor Swift with free water bottles, an Italian restaurant, a movie theater, and a comfortable and safe environment.)
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Vanessa, 826CHI
A story about a mermaid named Luna and the epic battle to save Benzo, a rainbow-colored kingdom, using the power of love.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Benny, 826 Boston
Inspired by Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this piece contains a series of journal entries and rules for a new sport by fictitious NASA operative Agent Smitty.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Yaretzi, 826LA
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn how a thoughtful surprise can brighten a friend's day.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Muawiye, 826 Boston
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that the act of inclusion begins with feeling empathy.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
by L.M., 826CHI
The story of a lonely ghost named Annabeth, a plan to kidnap children on Halloween, and an unlikely encounter that reveals the true nature of friendship.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Levi, 826NYC
An origin story for healthy food, involving an epic battle between purveyor of high-fructose corn syrup, Ronald McDonald, and a heroic band of chefs.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
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This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
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A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Alongkorn, 826 New Orleans
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that unlike wasabi gummies, there is no expiration date for making amends.
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This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
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