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 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.
by Gabriella Mcclellan, Grade 5, 826michigan
This sci-fi piece shows the importance of talking things out with friends.
by Jeremiah Borgella, Grade 7, 826NYC
This powerful poem is a reminder that being Black is a superpower.
From odes about favorite foods to joyful letters to popstars, this writing collection shows all the things our students are thankful for.
This poem shows the importance of saying thank you to yourself!
"I wanna thank me for being playful or curious because if I wasn’t/playful or curious then I wouldn’t have any fun."
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
"It wasn’t until I paused to muster up the courage to ask her why she never responded when I said “I love you” to her."
This poem shares a deep love for the one, the only, the GOAT of stone fruit. . . avocados!
"Avocados make me feel happy because they are delicious/in a way that soothes me down to my heart"
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
"Dear brave Sonia Melara/You risked your life to come here"
An ode to an animal friend.
"You’ve been a good girl/You deserve cake"
This student gives thanks to ordinary objects in an ode.
"Oh my beloved white paper,/you are as white as a sail on my boat."
This joyful letter to everyone's favorite pop star sings! Are you "Ready For It?"
"Your sad songs make my heart drop/and your lyrics make my brain POP!"
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.
Announcing 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!"
A collection brimming with the brilliance, creativity, and pride of Latine authors.
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
A student traces his identity through food and family.
A student traces his identity through food and family.
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
A student writes to a grandfather she never met.
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino
A student reflects on the beauty, flavors, and pride of being Latino
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Using metaphors, this bilingual poem explores the idea of lost love.
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
Ricardo’s name carries strength and emotion, tied to bravery, heat, and a sad color, with playful and personal versions at school and home.
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.
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