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 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 Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Carolyn Danielle Wong, Age 9, 826 Valencia
In this poem, the writer showcases self-love and joy.
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
Roberto Misael Aguilera, Age 9, 826 Valencia
Discover the fearful T-Rex Koala--koala by day, monster by night!
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Damian A., Grade 4, 826CHI
A student describes their bear-y fun imaginary friend.
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 Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
Nur Schlenker, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student paints two images, one of Halloween night, and the second of home.
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Stefany Moreira, Vivi Small, Ana Rosas, Eugenia Rosas, and Jason Carrillo, 826NYC
This poem describes a warmer, tastier world run by young people.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
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 Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
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 Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
by Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Maribel O.G., Grade 4, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student gets to know a new teacher and discovers that things are not always as they seem.
Dominick Contreras Rodriguez, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student traces his identity through food and family.
Raquel Campos, Age 10, 826 Valencia
Three friends, inspired by a stream of butterflies, bake a beautiful cake.
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!
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
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 Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
by Donald W., Grade 4, 826michigan
A student describes their very helpful imaginary friend.
Ren, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student explores what summer means to them.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
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.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
Noah Jean Marie, Age 9, 826NYC
A poet captures the freedom of dancing.
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 Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
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.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Jaceon B., Grade 4, 826 New Orleans
A student describes their butter covered imaginary friend.
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 Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Hope L.C., Age 10, 826DC
A silly story about dragon fruits -- no wait, fruit dragons!
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 Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
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 Keila, 826michigan
An "I Am From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Brayan Luna, 826michigan
In this poem, a student vividly recounts watching The Undertaker perform a signature chokeslam on WrestleMania. Written in Spanish and English.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
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.
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