826 believes in amplifying and publishing youth voices. Browse our student writing collections for pieces that will inspire you and your students. Our students’ words will make you smile, think, sigh, cry so hard you laugh, and laugh so much you cry. Celebrate and honor their stories with us!
Our writing collections feature student writing on diverse topics from diverse authors. Browse, enjoy, and discover representative mentor texts to inspire your students to write. Find more student writing in our RESOURCE LIBRARY.
by Mo, Grade 2, 826 Boston
A poem exploring feelings of love. . . from the galaxy.
by Yasmeen Whitney, Age 9, 826 Valencia
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
Gerrardo R, 826LA
A student recalls a beautiful hike with their family.
Helen F., 826LA
A student explores their relationship to writing and how writing has helped them grow.
Josiah, 826DC
A poet tugs at your senses to describe the ideal morning.
Dylan Sanderson, Grade 5, 826NYC
A student dreams of the most joyful place in the world--somewhere with their family and money!
A collection filled with poems and reflections from young Black authors across the 826 Network.
A piece that explores the connection between stars, legacy, and Black resilience.
"Words, like stars, are immortal"
A celebration of self and exploration of core values.
"I value myself. I choose to love everything that is different about me."
A young Black student's perspective on how it feels to grow up Black in the United States.
"To grow up here it’s confusing and stressful because if I’m not one thing, I’m another."
A student reflects on the journey and struggle of growing in the face of adversity.
"The manual says put your hands together / And bow your head then proceed to spill / Your heart / I did that… but… why is there / Still rain, thunder, tornados on my side"
A reflection on freedom and Black resilience in the face of oppression.
"No matter what, being Black is like a bright star in the face of darkness"
An acrostic poem about the Black Lives Matter movement.
"Blatant / Lack / At an attempt at equality"
A personal essay that explores the meanings of Black, in all its shades.
"I had to find new meanings for Black...Black is now the color of a mysterious future I have yet to explore."
A collection of pieces that explore feelings of love—from snow globes to a special friend to corgis.
This poem declares a student's love for snow globes!
"almost as white as white can be, / just like a polar bear walking through the snow."
Thinking of Cherry Coke lip gloss, community, and dancing, this narrator celebrates life from their front stoop.
"I love to feel like I’m / shining, because I know I’m awesome."
A poem about the writer's favorite animal—corgis!
"My house is not grande, / but my heart can hold her."
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
"Dear Mom, I want you to know, / You mean the entire world to me."
A poem exploring feelings of love. . . from the galaxy.
"I know the galaxy loves me when I look at its starry path."
A poet explores their love for writing with their friend.
"Writing with you / is even more fun than a perfect beach"
When we publish our students’ writing, something magical happens. Students see their ideas reflected in something tangible and begin to see themselves as authors with words worth reading. See the magic in action by checking out 826-published books that will feel right at home on any bookshelf.
Our writing collections feature student writing on diverse topics from diverse authors. Browse, enjoy, and discover representative mentor texts to inspire your students to write. Find more student writing in our RESOURCE LIBRARY.
Students voice their hopes, fears, and calls to action in letters to the next U.S. President.
A student recounts their experience with a school shooting in a letter to the next U.S. President to reform gun control.
"But I do know, Mr. President, that now is our time to act./In the hopes that my words matter"
A second grader's adorable list of demands to the future President.
"Please make more playgrounds, because I like playgrounds."
A plea to the next President to provide better access to mental health treatment for youth.
"President, I ask that you support my community by putting more money into helping children talk about what they have seen in their lives."
A poet imagines a better and more harmonious world.
"Imagine, if you will, this vision so grand,/ A realm of harmony, hand in hand."
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
"It would help me for my family to be able to travel here, because I could show them new things that they don’t know yet, like the rules that are different here."
In this letter, a student asks the next U.S. President to help the homeless.
"If you visit Los Angeles, I would like you to visit my house, and I’ll show you where the homeless people live. I will donate my own money to help."
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
"I’m writing to share my story about climate change that has been impacting me, my community, and the Earth."
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
"My family may have to move if more anti-LGBTQ+ laws are passed."
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
"My voice rings bells,/ for the change we need to make,"
Students creatively introduce themselves through personal essays.
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
"The starting gun went off and everybody took off. I saw my own teammates ahead of me as well as those of the competing school. I felt the adrenaline rush pushing me to try and keep up and go even faster. "
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
"Public speaking has given me the opportunity to influence decisions, create connections with my community, and hold myself accountable."
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
"Your first heartbreak makes you want to build up walls with the world."
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
"I am now proud, more than anything, of being a resident of the neighborhood because I am more in-tune with my identity. I will continue to advocate for this tender community I have come to love so dearly."
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
"Belonging to two cultures is difficult, especially when one is not inclusive of who I am."
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.a
"Even when this kid was warring internally, he found himself pushing himself ahead through the things he loves."
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
" I was tired of this mandatory prison breaking me down physically and mentally. As the world recovered, I longed for a purpose beyond being indoors."
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
"The aroma of home-cooked delicacies, the warmth of familial bonds—these became the cornerstones of my upbringing, grounding me in a rich tapestry of culture and identity."
We are thrilled to have you as the newest member of our online community. Stay up-to-date on the the latest and most relevant resources, student publication opportunities, and what’s new with the 826 Digital community.
