Grade 8
Informational, PersuasiveWriting“You might look at yourself and think, ‘How can I be prettier? How can I be more desirable to the people of whatever gender I’m after?’ How can I get noticed?’ Women today are struggling with the ideal body image. Each country differs from the rest, but it is still an on-going issue. Some of these issues include self-harm, eating disorders, and depression. Women’s body image is so prevalent that Hillary Clinton has spoken about it in the New York Times: “We’re not going to be Miss Universe. I have to tell you,” she continues, wrapping up, “so let’s be the best we can be. Let’s be proud of who we are.”
We know a lot about America’s body image. Women in America are expected to be skinny, white, tall, educated, blue-eyed, etc. Although some women fall into these categories, they are often self-conscious and unhappy. Other countries are also drastically different from America. In a photo article comparing different ideal body types in different countries by the Huffington Post it was stated, “Photos from China and Italy were dramatically photoshopped to have very thin legs and arms. Images from Columbia, Mexico, and Peru reflect the traditional beauty standards of those areas, with tiny waists, large breast and curvy hips.”
How can we make a difference? We need to eliminate the stereotypes. Women and girls don’t need to walk around unconfident or afraid of being rejected. By accepting how we look and not judging others, we can eliminate negative body image in America and other countries. Let’s stand together and unite!
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by Christian Z., Age 14, 826 Valencia
A poet recounts his day out at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
by Duanté, 826 Valencia
A personal narrative about race and identity.
by Byanna & Kayla, 826CHI
Two students across one city bond by writing letters to each other about the people they love most.
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 Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Andy, 826CHI
In this memoir, a few friends bond over a rare Pokémon Go catch.
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In this poem from the forthcoming anthology, Poets in Revolt!, a student walks through her neighborhood searching for hidden stories.
by Sharon, 826CHI
A memoir about finding true friendship.
by Salome Maldonando, 826CHI
A poem about unrequited love.
by Xaria, 826 Valencia
An argument against the wage gap that prevails in the U.S. and across the globe.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Victor, 826CHI
An epic memoir about an epic volleyball match! Who will win: the teachers or the students?
by Arielle B., Grade 8
This poem invites readers to remember that people are often going through more than choose to show.
by Angel, 826CHI
A student writes about the transformative experience of changing schools.
by Rafael, 826CHI
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by Calvin, 826michigan
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by Anonymous, Grade 8, 826 Boston
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A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Pia, 826NYC
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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 Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Renée, 826NYC
A persuasive letter detailing to the recipient the pointlessness of writing a persuasive letter. A helpful example for reluctant writers.
by Eva, 826 Valencia
A student celebrates the journey of discovering whom to love.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
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by Jack, 826 Valencia
An argument against the overconsumption of sugar outlines the ways its effects are anything but sweet.
by Roger, 826 Valencia
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A student reports on the death of a college student from Bernal Heights, San Francisco, who neighbors believe was killed due to racial profiling.
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An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
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 Fahima Dahir, 826 MSP
A poem about the strength and limitations of language and shared culture.
by Sebastian Cendejas, 826CHI
A student reflects on how much Chicago means to them.
by Inge S., Age 13, 826CHI
Part riddle, part observations, this poem leaves the reader with big things to think about.
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 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 Cora B., Grade 8
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by Sara Sofia Becerra L., Age 14, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love for music with the world.
by Iliana, 826CHI
A student searches for answers in their community.
by Jeff, 826CHI
In this piece, a student describes Christmas as a holiday best spent together.
by Jiaxi, 826CHI
A student’s worldview is forever altered after a lesson on the Segregation Era and Jim Crow.
by Jamie, 826 Valencia
A metaphorical poem about frustrations, from homework to homelessness.
by Diego, 826CHI
On the funniest day of this student’s life…
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
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 Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
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 Jazmine & Vanessa, 826CHI
Over a series of letters, two compassionate and resilient students develop a deep friendship sealed in writing.
by David, 826CHI
A student writes about the smell, taste, and pace of their neighborhood.
by Vivian, 826CHI
A narrative about loving to run—and learning to never quit!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Calvin, 826michigan
A student professes love—to a jalapeño!
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The misadventures of finding a missing wallet.
by Isabel, 826 Boston
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by Anjum, 826CHI
A shout-out poem to some things missed (Hyderabad) and celebrated (Mom).
by Laila, 826CHI
A memoir about losing a parent—and a community’s support.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A middle school student firmly protests the flavor and quality of her school’s lunches.
by Lesly, 826 Valencia
A sports poem about the losing blues.
by Emmanuel J., 826NYC
An avid basketball fan discusses the rise of the Golden State Warriors through its individual players.
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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by William, 826LA
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by Natalie, 826CHI
Weaving together Spanish and English, a student shares the discovery of a family secret.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Kevin, 826NYC
An informational briefing on a horrible incident in the year 5176 that changed the hoverboarding industry forever.
by Mya, 826CHI
A piece packed with vivid description about taking risks at an ice rink.
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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 V.G., 826LA
A poem that muses on the purpose of borders in question and answer format.
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by Jason, 826michigan
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by Tylor, 826NYC
A lean but essential checklist for readers to determine if they are awake.
by Cayden, 826DC
This poem lists all of the pieces that make up the writer's whole.
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A student’s manifesto!
by Kiara, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student explores growing up young and black in Chicago.
Amara, 826 New Orleans
An ode celebrating an important figure in this student’s life.
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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 Jabari, Grade 8, 826 Valencia
A poem about wanting more from life.
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