This book was written by the students of Write On! After-School in Fall 2022
The views expressed in this book are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of 826LA. We support student publishing and are thrilled you picked up this book.
Las opiniones expresadas en este libro son las de los autores y no reflejan necesariamente las de 826LA. Apoyamos la publicación de jóvenes autores y estamos felices que haya recogido este libro.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
Editor:
Maddie Monica Arellano
Maricruz Pool-Chan
Emily Ponce-Olivares
Arisdesyi Cruz
Book Design: Puicón-Pérez for 826LA
Icon Illustrations:
Guilherme Simoes (burger ), Vectors Market ( pizza), April Yang ( paws), and Dima Lagunov (video game critter ) from Noun Project
a collection
one: it’s delicious!
Pumpkin Pie!!!
Naomi K.
I like the sweet, soft and yummy dessert you are!
Brown and orange with whip and vanilla ice cream!
Oh, the smell when you’re baking. It reminds me of fall!
You’re so cinnamony and mushy.
I like to eat you cold after a nice Thanksgiving meal.
What are you? I have forgotten!
The smell!
The smell reminds me! Hmmm….. I know!
Pumpkin Pie! Yes!!!
I look forward to eating you soon!!
La Pizza
Alisson J.
Una pizza es triangular y tiene pepperoni.
Me hace sentir feliz comermela.
También tiene queso y tomate, y escurre cuando la muerdo.
Es picosita y me gusta.
Me gusta comer pizza en la tienda y es raro que se enfríe.
Comemos en la casa de mi abuela, y en la tienda
Reímos y platicamos.
Takis Galilea F.
Today, I’m gonna talk takis, No, not walkie talkies. The original chips, spicy scrumptious tortilla chips. Cooked to a crisp, chili layered, It’s a delicious food found in supermarkets. I hope you enjoy my poem!
McNuggets — Free Verse
Christian O.
McNuggets - the good food, yummy in my tummy. They are the best when soft, hot, and crunchy. Oh, the McNuggets are the best food ever.
In a Different World
Aaron M. L.
The hot and crunchy red chips, take me into another world, and the dust on my hand is delicious. also tasty.
Red, hot, crunchy, bumpy, spicy chips take me down a river.
When it’s night, I will remember you with your hot red spicy dust. Tasty, bumpy, dust in my dream.
Ice Cream
Sophie M.
The soft, sweet, cold ice cream is smooth and sticky. Real cold, and very tasty.
Topped with colorful sprinkles and toppings. Like cookie dough or chocolate bits. Kind of sticky, but tastes like the best thing in the world. Very cold. But it tastes like gold.
Smoothies Sebastian O.
Lots of different fruits! They are sweet and sour! It’s fun to make them!
Lots of different combinations! So many flavors!
A Cake Jade R.
I like strawberry flavored cake, and I like to put honey in it. And it is pink, and it is also giant and it is yummy. Also, I put apples on my cake. My cake is sweet.
Obsessed With Takis Part
2,000,000,000,000
Damian M.
I used to think you were disgusting when I was young.
Until a kid named Pedro forced me to eat you. That’s when my addiction started. Now when I open the bag, my happiness level goes up. You’re striped like a tiger, a crunchy tortilla, and a sweet smell.
Whenever I think about you, I start drooling. and I get hungry, but even if I eat something, it’s not you. I am still hungry, and even though churromice is my #1 chips, you come second.
There are so many positive thoughts I can say about you.
It’s just that I am too lazy to write 100 paragraphs!
All About Pizza
Gage H.
When eating pizza, you feel an amazing sensation. It tastes like a raging fire that gets put out too quickly.
With a wave of deliciousness and flavor. It smells like the first pizzas ever made from the heart of Romeo Pizza.
It’s rich in flavor, you feel like it’s alive, breathing. It looks weird, but as you take the first bite your emotions rush as fast as the taste rushes to your mouth. The wind rounds as the dough spins, the crackling of the fire, all the pizza put in. And the sound as you take a bite of the first slice. A pizza is enough to change a life. Pizza is amazing, Don’t miss out!
Takis, My Favorite Snack
Canaan M.
Takis is the best food Mexico has invented. It is tortillas in goodness powder.
It is from a good store.
I think the level is extreme.
It has the flavor.
I eat it every day.
Takis has the spicy level, spicy goodness!
The smell is mouthwatering.
Burgers Angela O. E.
I like burgers and it makes me happy! My favorite burger place is In-N-Out. My favorite ingredients are tomatoes, extra cheese, lettuce, pickles, mayo, and onions. It is the size of your hand.
Ice Cubes
Mariela C.
From water to ice, ice to slushie.
It’s nice and crunchy!
Yummy in my tummy.
What’s not to like about ice?
It soothes my nerves. It’s cold, It’s ice!
two: you make me happy!
My Little Baby Bro
Gio S.
Ivan is the cutest baby ever!
He is a jumper and crawler.
My baby is sometimes cranky.
He is so sweet.
There’s not a single time he isn’t sleepy.
Ivan feels super soft.
My baby is very smart.
Ivan is super hilarious.
He has a big heart.
Ivan is so curious.
My Maltipoo
Amanda A. M.
My Maltipoo is fluffy and tiny. His fur is cuddly, curly, black, brown, and white.
I will love him forever until the end of time. He’s been my friend forever, even though he’s annoying.
He’s a stinky, playful, and annoying puppy that I will always love.
You’re my puppy forever and ever, You’re my buddy, and I’ll take that. And now you’re one year old. You make me laugh whenever I cry. You make me happy. You make me smile. You’re everything to me.
I love you, and I hope you love me and don’t think I’m annoying too.
My Cat, Cupcake
Ignacio G.R.
Cupcake has soft hair. My cuddle buddy, and a relaxing purr.
“But be aware, she can be vicious!”
She is a gray cat and skinny. She makes me feel comfortable. Oh Cupcake, I love you.
Wolf In The Room
Grace T.
Wolf-like a dog.
Is it big and cuddly? Or strong and fierce?
He’s white like snow. But fluffy and stinky.
I will love him forever until the end of time. He’s my friend even though he’s annoying. He’ll be here with me.
He’s stinky, playful, and a goofball, which I love very much. Toby, I love you.
I hope you love me and don’t think I’m annoying too.
Dear Oreo
Von H.
You’re super loving, super funny and playful!
You’re super furry, and white with brown spots. You’re super loyal, and always on my side. You make me laugh when you bark.
Luke and Toby Raquel M.
Luke is very fuzzy and cute.
I really like my dog, Luke!
Luke is super amazing. He has to eat medicine to stay cute and fuzzy. My dog Luke is the best.
I know Luke is loyal, chill, and stops on walks. Now Toby eats vitamins.
He is also very fuzzy and cute. But he ate my stuffed animal! He is not chill, but he is loyal.
Mi Familia
En Las Mañanas
Isabella H.
Hay vienen mis dos abuelos a preparar el desayuno.
Por mientras mi mamá, mis tíos y tías, mis hermanos y primos se turnan para la ducha. Los niños primero para ir a la escuela.
Cuando comemos, los dos empleadas llegan, y les dan de comer al perro y las cuatro tortugas. Cuando todos se van, las abuelas ven sus canales favoritos, y ayudan a las empleadas.
My Cat Nezuko
Camila R. G.
I love my cat Nezuko.
Nezuko is black and brown and white. She is two years old. I play with her. She loves me, and my mom and dad and my brother. Sometimes she is mad, and happy, and sad :( She makes me happy. She cuddles.
Kitty Cat Paige V.
Cats are soft.
Some cars are sleepy.
My cat makes me happy. I love my cat.
He’s a boy and he is an old man, and he’s sixteen.
My cat is fluffy.
My cat’s name is Fat Boy.
Mochi
Nathalie C.
I love my cat. So sweet and soft, and sharp chunky. And fluffy boba eyes. Big and small, black and white, sassy and princessy.
Attitude like he owns the world. I love my cat even if he makes me feel lonely, but I still love him very much even if he’s really scary. I love him very much. :)
Mom & Daughter
Meah S.
My mom makes me feel happy.
My mom makes me feel not scared.
My mom is so funny.
My mom and I are really silly.
My mom makes me feel brave.
My mom buys me pretty clothes.
She takes me to school every day.
She makes me feel strong.
My mom is special to me.
Bunny Daisy V.
I love my bunny, so much! Because he is soft and also silly. So, so, so cute! The funny part is, he goes on top of me. So funny!
My bunny, eats grass and lettuce, so cute!
Moises Moises R.
The color green. Friends Books. Rainbows. Halloween cookies.
Jimmy Lily R.
Jimmy is a blob. But not any kind of blob. It has a dog name. Dog! He is the love of my life. I will never lose him in my room.
Brownie has a Good Day
Randy M.
Brownie has black ears.
Brownie has a soft head.
Brownie’s feet are all fast.
Brownie is playful.
Brownie likes to play in the park.
Brownie likes to be loud.
Brownie likes to feel clean.
Brownie is very happy.
Brownie has a lot of energy and likes to run around.
Brownie is a girl.
Her favorite color is brown.
That’s why her name is Brownie.
Brownie loves playing fortnite, that is why she had a good day today.
Brownie likes to run, and that was also why she had a good day. She ran at home and it was the best!
Lily’s Dog Chunker
Laila O.
Chunker is a dog that is long and furry.
When I drink water I get wet and slobbery.
I like to attack my friend’s catnips and play with my toys.
I put my slobber on the people that are closest to me.
My collar is black and golden. My tail is very long, I like to whack people with it and stomp on feet.
Bingo the Poem
Frank B.
Bingo is a shih tzu.
He’s gold and white like the sun.
Play, play, play, all he wants to do.
He’s soft like silk, and feels warm too.
He smells like a dog, but that’s fine to me.
Cute and fluffy opposite of a bee.
Bingo forever.
My best friend in the world.
My Dog Kylo Sloane O.
Happy, Cute, Fluffy, Blue eyes, Playful, Smart, Nice, ‘ Gentle, Soft, Funny, Excited to see her, Puppy love, Steak bites (dog treats), Utah, Baby powder spray, Calm.
Puppy Love
Taylor Z.
Puppies make me feel to touch, They have those paws to dig. They don’t smell so good. But all that matters, is the way they make me feel.
Dogs Sophia V.
I love dogs!
Dogs are my favorite pet. They are sweet, cute, fluffy, soft, and adorable. You can’t live without them.
Who will ever hate dogs or puppies? You can play with them as long as you want. You can never go wrong with dogs. They are so cute!
You should get one, and as soon as you get it, you will love him or her forever.
Dogs are better than cats, fish, or whatever is out there.
Dogs are the cutest animals ever!
Dogs are way better than cats, no offense to those who love cats.
I will never pick cats, fish, snakes, just dogs.
Dogs are the best. Make sure to get a dog.
Don’t forget!!!
Rabbits
Roxana G.C
Rabbits are small and the size of a basketball. Different colors and breeds they can be. Warm they are, fuzzy and soft. But most of all, cute!
Birds
Jackelyn A.
Birds,
your colorful feathers shine brighter than the sun.
You’re tiny but fierce.
Your black eyes are louder than a car.
Your bite is fast but sharp.
You’re smaller than my hand, but larger than a pencil.
You get calmed, but annoyed like me.
You fly like a plane.
You’re scared like a baby, but frightened like a baby.
You’re just as clumsy as me.
Hedgehogs
Omar S.
A cute spiky animal.
A tiny loveable animal.
An animal with three million quilts, an animal that looks like a ball, an animal that can’t swim.
A sad animal.
An angry animal.
A happy animal.
An animal that protects. A slow animal.
A wild animal.
An animal that lives on land.
Hedgehogs live in the forest. They are the coolest animal.
Panda
Daniela V.
Pandas.
Big and small.
I hope you are cuddly and soft. You are joyful and fun to watch panda.
Pandas. You are so clumsy.
I hope you can come home with me. You will look like one of my plushies. You will always be mine.
three: written in the stars
Minecraft
Arturo G.C
“I like your characters I like how the characters look cool, I like your enchantments, I like that there’s an infinite land, I like the complicated cave system, I like your armor, I like your animals, I like how you look, I feel excited when I play. I like you, Minecraft.”
My Perfect Computer Kidus M.
My computer is fun to use.
My computer is calming.
I am grateful to have my computer.
Video Games
Mateo M.
Xbox is starting on sounds.
Xbox breathes slowly. As the home screen starts loading, I go to the library. And start up a game. I was playing until I lost track of time. Looking at the time, “shoot!” It’s midnight.
Luckily it’s not a school night.
The Legend of Zelda Milli-On F.
No one knows, how old Link is. He fights against hairy monsters. Link is captured. Link is a hero, For saving Princess Zelda!
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Anthony J. A.
Everytime I play you,
I’m always at the edge of my seat.
While trying to survive until 6:00 A.M. Five Nights in just one game.
All the animatronics are great, also great lore.
Even when I start the game, it always gives me nightmares.
But…there is a sad part too.
Scott, the creator, said he was gonna retire, which made me really sad.
Now, I’ll never ever see him again, but he said he’ll make just one more game for us. That game is called Security Breach.
Thank you Scott for all of this!
Without FNAF IDK what I would do. You’re the best, no!
A superstar.
Anime
Alex G.
My favorite anime is; Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Hunter Hunter, Pokemon, Demon Slayer, My Hero, Naruto Shippuden and Attack on Titan.
Naruto Hokaya is the first.
Hashirama is the second.
Tobirama is the third.
Hiruzen is the fourth.
Minato is the fifth.
Sanade is the sixth.
Kakashi is the seventh.
Naruto is the eighth.
Pokemon is about a boy named Ash He wants to be the greatest trainer in the world And catch everyone’s Pokemon.
Books Are Awesome
Natalia R.
Books equal awesomeness!
Different types of books. Fantasy, comic, fiction, and biography.
All different to read and for different people with other languages. They are also easy to carry, depending if they are thick or thin. I love chapter books, because they have the most action. And they can keep you busy. You will never be bored!
Now I’ll talk about the shape. They are mostly rectangular, and very few books are square. Some are short, some are long, depending on your choice and the type. The covers are also interesting just by looking at them.
Who knows?
Maybe you’ll want to try it out!
I <3 Comics
Ariana P.
First, the colors are lovely.
Second, it makes me sleepy. Lastly, it’s a comic with a lot of pictures.
Books
Leo M.
Books make me happy.
Books are heavy.
Books have pictures.
Books have Japanese words.
Books have authors and illustrators.
Books are calming.
We can find books in the library. You could put books in your backpack.
Books are colorful.
I Love Hats Diego G.
I like hats, they are cool. I have so many of them. I color many of them. There are many to choose from, but they are also expensive. They are so cool.
I wear a new one every day. When I see one, I’d like to buy it for myself. Hats are my favorite.
I don’t like to get my hats dirty. I like hats with stuff on them.
Necklace
Luke B.
Easy to find at shops.
They are cheap to buy.
Calms down my nerves, Different gemstones. Different colors, Doesn’t need to match my outfit! Light on my neck.
Small, doesn’t need much space! Different items for the chain!
My Black Cats J4
Yael H.
The shoes are black.
The shoes have good drip black.
The black cats are fast shoes to run in.
The black cats are clean shoes.
A black cat with a black outfit.
I went to my bff’s house and got the black cats.
The black cats go with a black pro club shirt.
You can’t see the black cats at night.
Black cats with a black Yankees hat.
Sports, Sports Nehemias B.
I like football, and it’s bumpy.
A football is multicolored like a rainbow. A football pushes you down. You are hard to throw, and when you fly, people catch you. And they can get hurt. When I play, I feel joyful as the sun!
Soccer
Pedro S.
We hate the referees. Because they always choose sides, and give the other team an advantage. I play a lot of positions. I like to play any position.
Ghost! Jaqueline O.
Ghosts are scary. Ghosts are pale. Ghosts are invisible. Ghosts can float.
You can’t feel a ghost.
Ghosts can haunt you. Ghosts can walk through walls. Ghosts are my favorite monster. Ghosts live in haunted houses.
Halloween
Daniela V.
Boo, boo.
It is Halloween
I hope you are ready to scream! Skeletons, ghosts, and ghouls. Grinning goblins fighting duels, werewolves rising from their tombs, witches on their magic brooms.
So many scary things. Beware of the darkness. Around you, if you turn around, the witches on their brooms, Or the ghostly loom and the cat in the dark night, will chase you,
Happy Halloween.
The Pumpkin Evan G.
Halloween makes me happy because of candy. I like to dress up to trick or treat, and fill up my cup. But what happens if you choose a trick? The End.
My Soccer Ball
Annalia D.
The soccer ball is hard as a rock. Soccer balls are black and white or other colors. When you get a new ball, it smells like rubber. I kick the ball so hard, it goes into the air. Most of the time the ball is rolling. The ball was so strong, it hit me in the eye.
Boxing Gloves
Elie G.
My boxing gloves are real leather. But my old ones were fake leather. So they feel way better.
My lowrider bike, makes me feel happy when I’m on it. It can go fast and comfortable.
A Soccer Ball!
Avery Y.
Oh, a soccer ball!
It’s made out of leather. It makes me feel happy! The soccer ball is as cold as ice In the wind, it gets dirty as you play with it. We win with it. Victory is ours. All because of you!
Kiki Wako
Ariana R.
Welcome to camp Kiki Wako. Everyday we make s’mores in the fire. It’s really fun!
When you turn twelve, you become a counselor. You have to protect the kids. After that, every day we sing, “rolling in the boat.”
Hello Kitty Doll
Fatima G.
My favorite Hello Kitty Doll is pink and yellow. It’s literally mouthless, which is concerning. It’s cute, and fits into your hand. You can squish it if you want to. It’s very portable, and comes in different clothing styles.
My Melody Arianna S.
She has a squeaky voice. Yay! :)
I like my melody because she is a tailor. She could make a dress for me.
I feel that I want to hug her.
She is extra soft!
She is also smart and kind!
She tastes like corn. We eat cupcakes together. Everything she has is pink. CUTE! :)
All About TV
Natalia V.
TV’s are fun.
You can play and watch it every day and night. You will watch it every night, could be fun. But only some of the time, every night.
You will stop, but not all the days pass by, sometimes you get stuck, but not all the time. You will pass by the memories you have gone through.
Halloween Begins Ethan M. S.
I am scared of Halloween Ends. I am scared of Michael Myers. RIP
You are terrifying, Halloween Ends. Michael Myers is a danger to his family. He is a danger to his sister. But I love this movie, Because Michael Myers gets defeated By his family and friends.
K-POP
Sofia A.
K-POP is a loud and energetic feeling. It makes you want to get up and dance. It makes you happy!
It’s a very cool type of POP. You’ll like the vibe.
I will never like another type of music. If it is K-POP or my favorite band, I will never forget you if you disband. You make me feel happy whenever I am sad.
Demodogs
Adamaris G.
Stranger things is special to me because when I was little, me and my uncle would watch Stranger Things, when I was done with homework. I was watching alone because my uncle stopped watching. He was in school. He was in college, and he was caught up in college when I got older. The Demogorgen is funny because it’s very dumb. They walk like dogs when they’re young, and walk like people when they’re older. They sound like dogs.
Saliva gets out when they growl.
They have sharp teeth, that’s the scary part of the demogorgons. They don’t live with us, they live in the upside-down. When it closes its mouth it looks like a bear. Its mane is soft, but slimy. They’re taller than people. When they’re younger they’re called Demodogs and when they’re older they’re Demogorgons.
Busy Bee
Natalia C.
After school, I’m drained. From classes to dance and volleyball, remember the after-school program. Program on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6. My schedule is so busy with after school & activities.
After all that, once I get home, I eat and watch TV if I have time! And finally, sleep.
My calendar is packed full and busy like a bee!
The Stars That Shine In
My Sister’s Face
Jaylin G.
I look up at the stars. They are the sun’s babies. They are tiny versions of the sun. They go and hide in the day, but they are still there!
Stars will make new baby stars when they grow up. Can you imagine a sky full of stars? A bright night.
Robot David C.
It makes me feel like I’m in a meat suit. It makes me feel cool with the suit. It makes me feel more powerful with its weapons. How it launches missiles in the air, they explode if they hit something. And it throws Captain America’s shield in different ways.
7 X 12 = 84
Hudson Y.
Math is my favorite subject in school.
Multiplication is the most fun.
7 x 12 is 84!
Multiplying decimals is even more fun!
0.7 x 5 is 3.5
Elytra Benjamin L.
Elytra is a object that somebody someday can fly with, fireworks and dragons breathe. It has fire charges, to fly to the strong hold and get to the end. To beat the ender dragon. But first, you need to destroy the end crystals. In the end, and lastly, you beat the ender dragon.
acknowledgments
826LA would like to thank to following for their support in making this chapbook possible…
Our 826LA Families / Nuestras Familias de 826LA
City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs
Skylight Foundation, a legacy of the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation
Erika Hernandez Burke, IN-SCHOOLS PROGRAM VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Megan Acosta, 826LA SENIOR MANAGER OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Puicón-Pérez, 826LA DESIGN MANAGER
Shani Foster, 826LA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
about 826LA
826LA opened our doors in 2005, as part of the 826 Network founded by writer Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari.
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We believe great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and strengthen each student’s power to express ideas creatively, confidently, and in their individual voice.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Ko
President
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Varet
Vice President
Nancy Yang
Treasurer
Chad DePue
Secretary
Andy Alcaraz
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