Grades 4–5
PoetryWritingBrayan is a funny ten-year-old boy. He lives in a blue brick house in Detroit, Michigan. He has one awesome brother, one nice sister, a grateful mom, a funny dad, and two playful dogs. He is good at soccer skills and tricks. He is grateful for his family because they take care of him.
Brayan es chistoso es niño de diez años. El vive en una casa azul de ladrillo en Detroit, Michigan. El tiene un hermano asombroso, y una buena hermana, una grandiosa mamá, y un papa chistoso, dos perros juguetones, y es muy bueno jugando futbol. El agradece a su familia porque lo cuidan.
I see WrestleMania one time a year
With my uncle in his living room brown
and warm
with my dad and Sergio. Table full
of popcorn and chips and cans of soda.
We cheered for the Undertaker
vs. rude Brock Lesnar. The Undertaker’s
signature is the chokeslam.
The chokeslam hurts as much as a big car
accident.
We cheer like
“Go Undertaker!” so he will come back
Full of energy, and
“Get up, Undertaker!”
When he’s knocked down. His theme song
goes like
don don, then it goes like ahh ahh
It is loud as when a bomb bursts like boom.
Undertaker is like a
Demon. He can run fast,
Make his eyes white for
a long time. The pupil of the eye
you cannot see it. He has
long hair. He sais,
“You will RIP!” with
his eyes white,
and his hand across
his neck. He has long rope hair.
He has a cape as black as ink.
When the Undertaker lost,
he lost by pinfall. Pinfall is when you get
on top
of the wrestler and the ref counts one, two,
three.
Then they won.
My uncle punched the table.
It went pow!
He was as mad as a lion
who tried to catch a
cheetah for five hours.
I was mad as Brock Lesnar.
My brother fell asleep
five minutes before the match ended.
It was 2:21AM.
I was excited to
see WrestleMania 21-1. When I
got into the car, I fell asleep.
My dad carried my brother
to the car seat, and
my dad drove home
in our green truck.
I felt sad after the match because
Undertaker lost. I want to be a wrestler
when I grow up and
be the World Heavyweight champion.
Ye veo WrestleMania una vez al año
con mi tío en la sala café y
calentita
Won mi papá y Sergio. Mesa llena
de palomitas, papitas y soda de bote.
Estamos con emoción gritando por Undertaker
contra Brock Lesnar. La firma de
Undertaker es el chokeslam.
El chokeslam duele como si estuvieras en un
choque de carro grande.
Gritamos
con emoción “¡Dale más duro, Undertaker!”
para que se levante con mucha energía
cuando esta noqueado. Su canción de tema
empieza a tocar
Es tan fuerte como
una bomba.
El undertaker es como
un demonio. El puede correr muy rápido
y puede hacer sus ojos blancos por
mucho tiempo. Y dice, “Tu vas a
descansar en paz”
el tiene pelo
negro y una capa
negra como tinta.
Cando el Undertaker perdío,
Mi tío le pegó a la mesa estaba
enojado como un león
que estuviera tratando
de cazar a
una pantera
por cinco horas.
Estaba enojado con Brock Lesner.
Mi hermano se quedó dormindo
cinco minutos antes que se acabara la pelea.
Eran las 2:21AM.
Estaba emocionado
para ver WrestleMania 21-1. Cuando me
subí al carro, me quede dormido.
Mi papá cargó a mi hermano
a la silla del carro y
mi papá manejó
a la casa en nuestra troca verde.
Me siento triste después de la pelea
porque el Undertaker perdió.
Cuando yo crezca quiero ser un
Luchador campeón del mundo.
by Brandan Pierce, 826michigan
by Brandan Pierce, 826michigan
In this project, students explore poetry as a way of explaining and defining the world around them via the people,…
Rare Air / Aire raro is 826michigan's Young Author's Book Project for the 2015–2016 school year written by the fourth-grade students of Ms. Lowe's class at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit and it is FULL of firsts for us. It is the first YABP written in Detroit. The first YABP of poetry. And the first that is completely bilingual (English and Spanish). With a foreword by inaugural poet Richard Blanco, and introduction by volunteer and retired teacher Sandy Karolak, Rare Air / Aire raro is full of exceptional and charming poems on family, neighborhood, and memories. Poems were translated into Spanish by students, family members, and volunteers to allow for students to share their voices with their community. So join fourth-grade writers of Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in feeling the rare air in this beautiful book of bilingual poetry. A bilingual collection of poetry written by fourth graders at Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in Detroit.
by Ivan Newton Ponce, 826 Valencia
This poem uses sensory details to describe the writer's favorite places.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Claire, 826CHI
A poem about “unfinding” what was known and learning to explore.
by Caleigh, 826LA
A letter offering a concise yet compelling list of all that awaits in LA.
by Kelis, 826NYC
On the planet Mars, Zoe must defeat the supervillain Zygorn to avenge her family! Wait—was it all a dream?
by Dy’Stonie V., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
A poem that highlights the bond between grandparent, grandchild, and a sweet perfume.
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Walter Linares, Age 11, 826 Valencia
The secrets of a spy in a red venom suit unfold...
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Matthew, 826CHI
Originally written and recorded as a podcast, these two unlikely heroes and the technological crisis of year 3016 will have you gripping the edge of your seat!
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
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 Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Jonathan Rivera Navarro, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates and mourns a taco.
by Lyric White, age 10, 826 Valencia
A magical mountain quest to save a mermaid.
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 Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Reyes, 826NYC
A creative field guide to the eastern gray squirrel.
by Joshua, 826CHI
Alien monsters and a young boy forge a friendship over a dramatic series of events.
by Oscar, 826CHI
The story of a lifetime—literally.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
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 Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Antoni L., 826DC
In this poem, the author discusses their origins through metaphor.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Javier, 826DC
A student wishes for unexpected pops of color.
by Christian, 826 New Orleans
This poem uses personification to introduce the audience to an olive and its cousin, Jeff.
by Marvin, 826CHI
A troubled young man ends up in another boy’s dreams.
by Maia Sears, 826michigan
This student describes exciting things the future will bring, like elevators that can reach space!
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
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 Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
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 Salimatou, 826NYC
Together, a princess with superpowers and an orphan-turned-sidekick must save the king and queen of kingdom Atarica!
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 Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Salma, Grade 5, 826 Boston
A student reminds herself of the many ways she shines
by Sumaya, 826 MSP
This poem uses analogies to describe different objects the writer would like to be.
by Elena Chambers, 826michigan
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Eric, 826CHI
This student recounts a fictional chat with George Washington about the American Revolution over a meal.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
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 Olivia, 826NYC
An elegy for corn.
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 Violeta, 826CHI
A monster's routine trip for tuna sandwich ingredients results in a broken arm!
by Alan, 826DC
This poem describes the thoughts of hunger.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
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!
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
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 Lux, 826NYC
A student reflects on their experiences with bullying and how they’ll take a stand in the future.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Rechab T., 826DC
This poem takes a surreal approach to describing a scene.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
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 Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Natalie, 826CHI
A spirit named Janet haunts a dance studio as five young dancers arm themselves with a vacuum, a bottle, and the internet.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Elian de Leon, 826NYC
A poem that focuses on color and translates it into sensory details.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Will, 826michigan
A student imagines life in the future.
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Marie, 826CHI
A monkey named Chesley saves the animals of the forest from an evil Master!
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Maria, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
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 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 Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Luana Anticona Nolasco, age 10, 826 Valencia
An eerie encounter with a shapeshifter after a grocery run.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
An academically-inclined student passes on their favorite tips for having fun before fifth grade starts.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
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.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Robert, 826CHI
A poem that explores the struggles of mine workers.
by Victor, 826 Valencia
An ode to Beans, Rice, and Chicken.
by Camila R.G., Grade 4, 826LA
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
by Kenneth Vasquez, Age 10, 826 Valencia
A student reflects on their love of soccer.
by Dahlia-Rose, 826NYC
A field guide to Queen Anne’s Lace and a day in the life from a flower’s perspective.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Marisol, 826michigan
A young girl's poem about all the life she sees in her yard. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Ana, 826DC
A student learns an important lesson about staying calm while recounting a trip to Olive Garden that spiraled out of control!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
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 Charm R., Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
This poem tells the story of a courageous little bird.
Elsie, 826 New Orleans
In this poem, a student celebrates individuality.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Jack, Grade 5, 826 New Orleans
In this transcript, a student shares three clear actions to stand up to bullies.
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 Natalia, 826CHI
A story told by her grandfather leads Betty on a journey where fiction and reality collide.
by Erriyanna, 826michigan
An epic poem about a younger sister. English and Spanish versions included.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
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 Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Abdinasir, 826 MSP
This poem shares what someone might experience on Halloween.
by Giannyl Guerrero Cabral, 826 Boston
A practical list of ways anyone can stop bullying.
by Ava Tassinari, 826 Boston
A story about a bullying incident on the school bus.
by Kayamaghi, 826NYC
A lab experiment goes wrong and a humble scientist must save Superhero Land from a super speedy villain!
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Naomi, 826michigan
A (mostly) love letter to a kiwi with delicious imagery.
by Zari P., Grade 4, 826DC
A playful "I am" poem that explores what's possible.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by Emma D., Grade 4, 826LA
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
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 Jeffrey, 826DC
In this "I Wish" poem, written in both Spanish and English, a student dreams of a more colorful world.
by Quinn, 826CHI
A piece that explores the dynamic nature of love and might just become your next Valentine's Day card.
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