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Celebrating Black Stories

Browse our new Black History Month collection featuring videos, reflections, and writing prompts from Black authors and poets who inspire students to celebrate their identities and write bold new futures.

Grades 5–12
Videos
Write Your Power: Superheroes and Science Fiction with Tony Weaver, Jr.

by Tony Weaver, Jr., educator and author of the graphic novel Weirdo

Fantasy/SciFi
Narrative
Poetry

Author and educator Tony Weaver, Jr. invites students in grades 5—12 to explore science fiction with different writing prompts that invite them to build new worlds and reimagine what's possible.

Grades 9–12
Videos
Write With. . . Life Stories: Creative Influences with Fab 5 Freddy
by Life Stories

by 826 National and Life Stories

Memoir
Narrative

Who or what has shaped your creativity? In this lesson, you will reflect on the creative influences in your life and create a short piece inspired by one of those influences.

Grades 9–12
Videos
Write With. . . Life Stories: Your Future, Your Vision with Wyatt Cenac

by 826 National and Life Stories

Memoir
Narrative

Imagine your life in five to ten years: What does it look like? In this lesson, you will have the chance to plan, reflect, and take steps towards achieving your goals.

Grades K–12
Videos
Write. Read. Feel. with Mychal Threets

by Mychal Threets, librarian and literacy ambassador

Memoir
Narrative
Poetry

Librarian, literacy ambassador, and new host of Reading Rainbow Mychal Threets invites you to write about your feelings, your way with four writing prompts to explore your emotions on the page.

Grades 9–12
Videos
Write With . . . Life Stories: Excavate Your Story with Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis
by Life Stories

by 826 National and Life Stories

Narrative
Poetry

In this lesson, you will learn about Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis’s life, an idea she calls “fierce-love,” and the importance of learning to love yourself.

Grades 9–12
Videos
Write With. . . Life Stories: Soundscape Poems with Jason Reynolds
by Life Stories

by 826 National and Life Stories

Poetry

You will write a “soundscape” poem filled with familiar sounds of your neighborhood or home.

Grades 9–12
Videos
Write With . . . Life Stories: Moments as Poetry with Reginald Dwayne Betts
by Life Stories

by 826 National and Life Stories

Poetry

In this lesson, you will hear about the life and art of Reginald Dwayne Betts and write a poem that captures a meaningful moment from your everyday life.

Grades 9–12
Videos
For Every One

by Jason Reynolds

Memoir
Narrative

Part letter, part long-form poem, "For Every One" offers reflections and courageous words about unraveling and rebuilding one's dreams.

Grades 6–12
Videos
Reflections on Writing from Jason Reynolds

by Jason Reynolds

Memoir
Narrative
Poetry

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and NYT Bestselling Author, Jason Reynolds, joined 826 students for a conversation on his video project, "For Every One."

Grades 7–12
Sparks
Personal Narratives with Mariama Lockington

by Mariama Lockington, novelist and poet

Memoir
Narrative

Students revisit powerful memories to generate personal stories filled with heart.

Grades 6–12
Sparks
“The Hill We Climb”

by 826 National

Poetry

Students discuss the 2021 inaugural poem by Amanda Gorman and write their own poems in response to "The Hill We Climb."

Grades 7–12
Sparks
Elevate Your Voice with Rachel Eliza Griffiths

by Rachel Eliza Griffiths

Poetry

This poetry prompt from Rachel Eliza Griffiths asks students to consider the ordinary in their lives—then write a poem that celebrates those ordinary objects and figures.

Grades 7–12
Sparks
Playing With Words with Aracelis Girmay

by Aracelis Girmay in collaboration with Aarti Monteiro & Nico Garbaccio, 826NYC

Narrative
Poetry

What lives inside a word? Find out how to trace connections between two dissimilar words with this playful Spark from award-winning poet Aracelis Girmay.

Grades 3–12
Videos
Book Scavenger Hunt Poetry with Amanda Gorman

by Amanda Gorman

Poetry

Presidential Inaugural Poet, activist, and bestselling author Amanda Gorman shares one of her favorite techniques for starting a poem or getting over writers' block.