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 the Class of 640 at M.S. 88, 826NYC
This bilingual poem shares an excellent recipe for how to survive middle school.
Rowan, Grade 2, 826 Boston
Love from the cosmos!
by Nathan Chavez, Grade 3, Oakland, CA
This poem shares a deep love for the one, the only, the GOAT of stone fruit. . . avocados!
by Alexander C. Hernandez, Grade 4, 826 Valencia
A story about a dog who gets a second chance.
by Makeia "Mason" Davis, Age 11, 826NYC
Not the Bacon Egg and Cheese Monster! This character profile brings a beloved breakfast sandwich to life in terrifying ways.
by Ella H., Grade 6, 826DC
Settle in as this young storyteller spins a tale about Shady Street, where cats can talk and broccoli casserole helps solve conflicts.
Authors explore their identities and show their PRIDE in this celebratory collection of youth voicees.
A poem that shines with self-love and acceptance, from the inside out.
"I am a queer, Black, bold, and vibrant being."
A young author explores a memory of stimming and captures the depth of their experience in a sparkling poem.
"Wishing I could shift into whatever form. / UNBOUND by what society expects. / Free."
A poem exploring an electric, freeing moment shared on the dance floor.
"I wanted to spill out on the floor / And show everybody who I am"
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
"When I finally let it out, / I flourish / With all my true colors."
In this poem, a student reflects on their LGBTQIA+ identity.
"What will everyone say about the girl who all of a sudden became bisexual?"
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
"fading scars, sparkling eyes / peeling off dead skin from an old tale’s scribes"
A poem to the next president of the U.S. demanding change and advocating for transgender rights.
"Because I’m speaking for EVERYONE in the trans community when I say: We. Deserve. Better."
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 gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
"The laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community need to be removed."
In this poem, a student reflects on the limits—and possibilities—of the American dream.
"I would be just as accepted and valid as any cisgender female and male would."
We grew up on the American Dream, but who is the American Dream truly serving and uplifting? This collection imagines an America for the people that built it—immigrants, Black, and Indigenous workers and communities. Let the American Dream, for the people, become the dream again.
In this poem, a student reflects on the American dream.
"For all the dreams we’ve lost / And all the stories we’ve undone"
Our names are part of our identities--what happens when we can't claim them?
"My teacher tells me the sweetest sound in the world is the sound of your own name."
A young student channels the voices of the people that are voiceless through the ringing music of poetry.
"I want to speak for my ancestors, / and for the kids who stay silent, / the same life that we all experience"
We are a reflection of the people we love and who love us.
"I reflect the beauty / Of my mother"
A young writer holds close to a teddy bear and their last memories of their father.
"That is why it keeps me going because it reminds me of how my dad was able to make my life the best that he could."
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
"We must put pressure on the federal government to find a way to keep these good people in the country."
A young writer teaches us the value of learning about different cultures.
"It helps us understand our classmates, be more accepting and helps us learn more about different cultures around the world and around us.
A young writer's ode to her mother's resilience and hard work.
"My mom is not perfect but she tries to do what is best for my family. She is my reason to keep going and do better."
Jose’s name means lord of the world, filled with warmth and joy. At school he’s Jose, at home Bladimir, showing how his name carries both family roots and personal power.
"In Spanish it means Bladi viene de señor y mir viene del / mundo"
Explore pieces from our newest anthology of student writing: UNBOUND: The Power and Possibility of Young Writers' Emotions!
This bilingual poem describes the way happiness looks and sounds.
"Felicidad es el sonido de un elefante (Happiness is the sound of an elephant.)"
This joyful letter to everyone's favorite pop star sings! Are you "...Ready For It?"
"I almost went to the Eras Tour./When I couldn’t go, my heart dropped to the floor."
This poem shares an honest look at a big feeling: anxiety
"Anxious is homework"
This personal narrative explores the connection between music, place and self-reflection. We recommend reading it while listening to the included playlist.
"Tying your shoes in the dark is hard, but you eventually get used to it."
This loving poem uses descriptive language to pay tribute to the writer's family.
"I am like a taco./My family is all the ingredients for me."
This poem shares about the beautiful things that can happen when doubt fades away.
"I giggle. There is no silence between us that I was worried about."
This poem uses imagery to describe a small moment of joy.
"Small moments, quiet moments, moments of joy."
This list poem shares tips to manage the anxiety that can come along with making a phone call.
"6. Panic as it rings. What if they don’t pick up?! Do you leave a message? You didn’t write a script for that! You aren’t prepared for this! Abort! Abort! Hang up!"
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.
A collection of personal narratives and college essays that explore identity, values, and dreams
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
Jarmani reflects on the pain of being rejected from his top high school, but through that challenge, he finds motivation. He grows more focused, disciplined, and driven to succeed in all areas.
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
A young writer reconciles their sexuality with the beliefs of their community.
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
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