Stories and Poems by the Students of 826LA’s Winter Writers Workshop, Hosted by The Green Bus Artspace
In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, 826LA dedicates this publication to all of those who have helped make our community what it is, what it was, and what it will become.
Thank you to the students, volunteers, educators, donors, staff, community partners, and time-travelers who have filled the last 20 years with such creativity, joy, and hope.
We look forward to another 20 years in partnership!
Illustration by Loris Lora
This book was written by the students of 826LA’s Winter Writers Workshop program at The Green Bus Artspace in January and February of 2025.
The views expressed in this book are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of 826LA. We support student publishing and are thrilled you picked up this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
Este libro fue escrito por los alumnos del programa Winter Writers Workshop de 826LA a The Green Bus Artspace en el invierno de 2025.
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 hayan recogido este libro.
Todos los derechos reservados. Prohibida la reproducción total o parcial de este libro sin autorización escrita del editor.
Book Design: Rachel Zhu
Cover Artwork: Rachel Zhu
I Miss You, August
Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave, E2
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Echo Park
1714 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Mar Vista
12515 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Stories and Poems by the Students of 826LA’s Winter Writers Workshop, Hosted by The Green Bus Artspace
Editor:
Trevor Crown
Introduction
by Trevor Crown
I have always been drawn to old photographs. As a kid, I loved to find pictures of my grandpa from before I was born, and before my dad was born—from before my grandpa had even met my grandma. I loved the way those pictures forced me to reckon with the fact that, despite their being black-and-white, he had lived in color, and despite the length of his shorts, his shirt wasn’t all that different from mine, and despite the fact that he had now passed away, he had once gone to school and played with his friends and dreamt about his future just like I did. It made sense of the friendship I felt with his memory, to think that in some other life we might have been thirdgrade classmates and gotten along famously, whether in his century or mine.
Watching the students of 826LA’s Winter Writer’s Workshop interact with the magnificently curated 20thcentury found photos of the Green Bus Art Space—and reading the writing that these photos inspired—I saw them reach back across time to give total strangers their due, befriending them through imagining their stories. I was moved again and again by these young authors’ ability to inhabit the thoughts and emotions of people born a hundred years before them. In the devastating vignette “I Almost Never Have What I Want,” Sky R. writes from the perspective of a girl in a dress “as sparkly as the stars and as green as rich fresh grass” but who despairs of the imminent pressures of womanhood: “posing for a picture I don’t want to take, looking proper when I just want to be
silly and free.” In the stunningly evocative poem “Young, Wild, and Free,” Demi Grace F. writes in the voice of a World War II soldier at the announcement of armistice: “never again will we walk in the blood-stained fields,” and “for the first time we will dance in the gleaming lake.” In his poem “Flood,” Isaac M. interrogates the purpose of revisiting memories that bring us pain, with his narrator gazing into a picture of all he’s lost, asking, “why do I still have this photo?”
We still have these photos because they allow us some communion, some shared experience with people, places, and things that have otherwise disappeared from the earth—even those we never knew. They are proof of life, of laughter, of the fact that times have changed and will change again.
Now to that same end we have these blindingly beautiful and stupendously silly stories and poems, which might one day provide their authors with a similar portal back in time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have, and find a friend of your own among these characters.
Part I
Always Together
Maria M.
Auggie’s real name was August and my real name is Michael even though he called me Mikey. We followed each other around everywhere since we were all that we had. We lived in an orphan home in Huntley, Montana. Auggie doesn’t recall how he ended up there, while I’m old enough to understand that I’ll never see my parents again. The orphan home that we lived in gave everyone chores. I remember I was in charge of raking all the fallen leaves to clear all the pathways outside. Auggie was always trying to help me rake but he couldn’t, he was eight years old and tiny so the rakes were too heavy for him. I decided to surprise him with his very own rake that he could actually carry and use. Even though my hands hurt from the blisters I got handling the wood, seeing him happy made it all worth it. We both raked three times a week and always played in the pile of leaves after we would finish, even though we would get in trouble for it.
One day, Auggie got sick and he stayed in bed all day. Days turned into weeks and he never got any better. Then he wasn’t there anymore. And I knew that feeling all too well. I would never see him again. And now each time I see that rake, I feel a lump in my throat. I miss you, August.
Suburban-Sun
Antonio M.
Saturday, 3pm.
Mom was crafting flavors.
I was dressing dolls.
One thing unique in this plentiful suburban sun is the flexibility the neighborhood offers.
Mom says we’re heading out in five minutes.
I’m diligent in prepping myself.
Combing, nonchalantly setting hairspray.
When those fumes are fruity, and outside dad is mad with his own, diesel.
Not shabby, fixed in a jiffy.
We drove and ran, in threshold to doing our thing.
Setting the tablecloth, grilling and pulling out edibles.
And they just pandered toward my surroundings.
Seeing the boundaries, a daughter like me reveals she is bald, multitasking to today’s time, but she still has playtime.
Timelessly getting to know others.
Remotely close to getting her own upside. Youth.
Guess Whose Money
Candy S.
Dear Harold,
I hope you’re having such an “AMAZING” business trip… you old man. I have purchased a lovely and peculiar dress at a yard sale for only 10 bucks! Guess whose money it was… Haha our son’s! He’s recently arrived home from college; how I missed him! But ugh… his attitude is what I’ve naturally forgotten, since both of y’all have been leaving poor mommy all alone! He’s sassy just like his father; miss you lots hubby! XOXO
P.S. Our son took this wonderful photo of me!
–Britney
So You Can Know That I’m Still Alive
Galilea F.
Dear Mom,
I know I couldn’t make it for Christmas. I really miss you guys. I sent this picture so you can know that I’m still alive. Chris took the photo, and I hope you can meet him someday. But have a merry Christmas.
–Kate
Marshmallow
Marlene T.
You could assume it was the kids’ first time camping by just how they’re acting and covering their eyes from the fire’s heat (despite how small it is and how far away they are). I like to think it was the child’s idea of going camping after hearing one of his friends describe just how cool and awesome it was. The thing that caught his attention the most was the idea of s’mores. He probably burnt his marshmallow the first time.
My Decision
Jackelyn A.
When I was 10 years old, my grandpa took me camping. Looking at the photo, I could remember how cold and wet it was, and I hated it. I was already regretting my decision of coming when it was getting dark. And while my grandpa was setting up the fire, and I was freezing, he told me stories about how his family also took him camping here. He told me to cherish these memories and not make the same mistake he did. Now that I’m older I look back fondly at his words. I’m glad I was able to experience that memory. And when my kids have kids, I’ll bring them here too and hope they’ll cherish these memories as much as I did.
Paparazzi Over the Presleys
Daniela A.
My name is Priscilla Presley and my husband is Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley is a very well-known man. In fact he is also a famous singer, but ever since he got famous, paparazzi have been in our business. One day I was going out with Elvis to the mall and paparazzi were shooting photos of us. As Elvis and I were going to park our car, so many paparazzi got our faces taking photos and the flashes of the cameras burned my eyes. Elvis was trying to get out of the parking lot but the paparazzi were surrounding us. The good thing was that there were bodyguards that got the paparazzi out.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Nathaniel Z.
Dear Mom,
I’m leaving with Zack to Las Vegas for a while. He rented out an apartment for us to settle down. I know you don’t like the idea of me leaving but he treats me good & I wanna live the rest of my life with him. Say goodbye to dad & Kyle.
Tell Kyle I’ll keep in touch with him, tell him yes I do see his letters & the messages on my computer. But tell him maybe one day I’ll go and see him, maybe we can all gather for one last time. Anyways mom I’ma go live a better life now.
From, Jenni
Isaac M.
I Almost Never Have What I Want Sky R.
Everything
all in one photo
my home
my wife
my childhood
Joy fills my heart
while agony
creeps in
Sadness
Anger
Jealousy
all in one photo why why do I still have this photo
As the last of this corset finally zippers up, I feel the tears threatening to fall through my thick eyelashes. As the girls in the living room are chattering and the boys are laughing, having a good time, I’m thinking how I will go through a whole day in a six-pound dress acting like the grown woman people think I am growing into. Frankly I don’t want this. I don’t want the 30 layers of makeup on my face covering me like a mask. I don’t want the food that everybody likes, because I did not choose it. I don’t want to face a family who’s been split up and only go because a girl who they don’t truly know invited them and they now feel forced like I am forced to wear this big hairdo. Although my dress is as sparkly as the stars and as green as rich fresh grass, I want to take it off and go into the rain where it will wash away my bad memories and create new ones like the water on my legs and tears in my eyes. But I almost never have what I want. I settle for what I can get. People like to be pleased and I’m the pleaser, like a flower soaking up water except I’m soaking up other people’s praise and compliments. Posing for a picture I don’t want to take, looking proper when I just want to be silly and free.
I Know You Would Like Him
Isaac M.
Dear Tommy & David,
It has been 20 years since Mom & Dad died. Wherever you are I hope you are doing well. I am sorry I couldn’t do anything about being adopted by the same family.
I wish it was a bad dream. But it isn’t. I met a man, his name is Gabriel. I know you would like him, Tommy. He plays baseball like you. David, he drives the car you always wanted.
I wish you guys were here. Maybe you’ll be there when we get married. Hopefully I wish Mom & Dad Never mind. I will always have four seats open at my wedding.
Please respond to me. I don’t even know if you are alive. I HATE WRITING THESE DUMB LETTERS Please respond.
I miss you guys.
–Maria
Even If We Are
Separated by Distance
Leonardo R.
Dear Mom,
We are celebrating one of my kids’ birthday! I know how much you have been looking forward to seeing them grow. We hope this picture finds you well and makes you feel at home with us even if we are separated by distance. The kids miss you and keep asking about you. Safe travels and remember to visit soon when you have the chance!
Sincerely,
Your Son
Mom Bernardo G.
Hey Mom,
I hope you’re okay. Ever since you’ve gone missing, these military officers have gone to town. All they do is stand around and yell at anyone who even tries to speak with them.
It’s not a secret that you are in the forest they are guarding. They don’t care about you or the other people who have joined you by now. The houses of the other victims are allied with guilt and anger.
I try and keep the house tidy for when you return, but it’s gotten harder without you helping me. I wish it was me that got taken, not you. I saw a helicopter come by the town, but I doubt that they intend to look for you. They don’t even do anything in the first place. The people have stopped us from leaving the town. They even have a curfew at 8:00pm. They say that these letters will be given to you when they find you. They won’t, but one can only wait and see. Tonight’s the night I leave town. I’m going to go to the forest where you disappeared. Someone has to take charge, and it definitely won’t be the government. When you get this I’ll be in the forest looking for you.
I’ll make sure that I find you.
Stay Strong,
Jack
P.S. Dad and Molly send hugs and kisses for you.
Put a Sign Up
Baldwin F.
This photo is about 11 people doing the war for 20 years.
After that 20 years they go into a room and they take a photo and they put up a sign that says the war is over.
The War is Over
Demi F.
This photo reminds me of a movie I watched called the Six Triple Eight. It was about the Black women who went to war and they had to sort millions of letters so they could be sent to the soldiers’ families. It also reminds me of how happy people probably were when the war was finally over, and that people’s sons and daughters and other family members could finally go home.
The Death of War
Aaron M. L.
The people that went to war fought to protect us, reading a Mad Magazine on a warship. It all comes to mind: what did it feel like to fight in a war in 1945? What was different from today’s war? But that’s a question that could be answered one day in life or never.
Good Luck, Bob!
Grace T.
It’s been a while since I last talked to you. I heard you got a new job! You’re CEO of a big company now. I’m sure you make loads of money. Your wife told me you guys celebrated it with a nice big cake. I know cake was your favorite dessert. I’m really rooting for you. Don’t forget to take breaks with this big new job of yours. I also got a new job. I tried out for the military, and they accepted me. It makes it hard to send letters here though. I know we were best buds when we were younger, and I’m sorry for how things happened between us. At least I have something to do here now. I wish you the best out there. Good luck, Bob.
–Charlie
Messy
Antonio M.
The founding stuff I dubbed. Showcases priority.
You’re good at cleaning.
So you’re good at strengths in everything.
Today’s task is lifting up.
From the mattress.
How frustrating those strands
Peeve against clean looks.
I could brush normally, But wouldn’t it excite someone, to new levels of creativity?
So I twist and twirl curls.
I line and straight the thin.
I may lather and dampen my surface.
But when everything has contact, something becomes new within.
We can have turnabouts, whirlwinding our distances.
To challenge that every common issue.
Unwind those circumstances.
From my advantage, that was once messy.
Please Rise Higher
Samantha C.
She’s always been around smiling, laughing, dancing, but I’ve never noticed her beauty
Her beauty rises with the Heights of the smoke, as each cloud rises higher, so does she.
Her innocence derailed despite the glowing white of her dress.
As she’s entranced, astray, I’m lost just as she.
Pedro S.
The New Girl They Barely Know Overboard
Hanna A.
Today is the first day of freshman year.
As I walk through the halls a surge of intimidation ripples through me as I pass each person. Although I am new, plenty of people have approached me asking to be my friend. I can’t understand why they would want to be friends with the new girl they barely know. Everything changed when I met four girls. The girls were very friendly and kind to me. At first I found their kindness to be a little suspicious but over the years I learned to trust them, and it turns out that I fit right in with them.
Dear Dad, Me and my friends just came back from fishing. We had to set our boots outside to dry because we went overboard. Tried to catch a pretty large bass but it slipped right out of our hands before we could take a picture of it and that is why we left our boots out to dry.
From,
Cornelius
I Love Him So
Elvia S.-G.
Oh how I love him so
Spending our days walking around in the moon glow
Talking every day
Even with nothing to say
Smoking from the same lighter
Although that choice couldn’t be righter
But oh, how I love him so
Arguing over the smallest things
But laughing about it
When we talk rings
Letting the wind take us wherever it blows
I wouldn’t change our world one bit
And I love him, so
When he says he’ll change
I believe him
Even if it sends me into a craze
And although it hurts, this relationship is pure grim
Unfortunately I’ll have to up and go
But I still love him so
Days, weeks, months pass
The look of his eyes engraved in my mind
And although he’s not here
Looking at our photographs feels like time-pass
Oh how I wish I could go blind
That was I could move on, steer clear
But oh, how I really miss him so
It breaks my heart to have to let him go
Then I remember I left for a reason
Back on that sad day in November I loved him so.
It Was Just Like a Movie… Of When We Were Young
Salma H.
It was first the nurse’s hands on mine when I
Was
Just a baby, a skrunkly creature that moved my hands before I knew what they were
Like when I first used my hands to make faces at my mom
A simple time when I first used my hands to drive to a
Movie
Of course I used my hands to open a lighter
When my partner bought us cigarettes
We used our hands to dance and when our friends
Were so
Young
The People Smiling Down At You
Aaron M. L.
From the people that fought in the war to the people smiling down at you to the people on the 1973 TV show to the people dancing in the picture to the men who took their mugshot, everyone lives or dies to tell their story one day in life.
Part II
Good Luck, Bob Untitled
Nyjah C. Emma C.
Good luck Bob, good luck
Was wrote on the cake
In front of Bob
His face surprised
From the flash of the camera
Good luck Bob, good luck
Friends and family say
No kids allowed
At the party
White plates and glass cups
On the red tablecloth
Tuxedos and dresses
Big smiles and loud laughs
Just young adults partying
Good luck Bob, good luck
Hiding
Shy
Leaving
Goodbye
New world to explore A new life—more!
Yet leaving the old world behind May make guild easier to find
Marshmallow McDonald’s
Alice C. Whitney F.
Little child, little child outside cooking a marshmallow with fire
Cooking it with a stick in the dark, covering face from the fire
Wearing jacket from the cold, standing next to the weeds
After it’s cooked it shall be eaten
Real woman is happy. She is in the car listening to jokes and laughing at them. She is going to McDonald’s. She bought a milkshake.
Confused Farm
Josette K.
A long time ago in a Vermont small town there is a farm. In the grass there are spiders that are friends with ants. There are cats that let birds sleep in their mouths, everyone confused. A crazy grandma forces a family photo. The baby of the family sticks their tongue out. Baby Mary Anne is secretly an Instagram model. In the photo there’s a hillbilly brother and a weird cat lady. Like a said, everyone’s confused.
Old Stuff
Montserrat S.
There was an old mom that was doing her kids’ laundry. her laundry was so old she decided to buy new clothes.
Emotions
Avery F.
Sadness in the air badness in the air all kind of emotions spread in the air a lair of emotions head in the air I lead my friends but they got lost my emotions went true sad and bad emotions
The Future
Avery F.
Something’s coming Something leads ahead I lead into the future and I said the future lies ahead lies goodbye just the future lies ahead maybe in a bed I led my friends.
The Skibidi People That Showed Up
Ruben P.
I had a party and a lot of boys and girls came wearing black and white. They came with weird hairstyles and had black and white hair, that looked like they were from the 1900s. They came with pictures, about 49. And some also came backwards. But at the end of the party some were happy, sad, and serious.
Family and Friends
Camila R. G.
Family and friends traveling in a train smiling because they are traveling around the world holding their bags, and getting in the train and leaving the home town like New York living there forever.
The Girl in the Dress
Alice F.
A girl stands posing for the camera
Her serious gaze focused on the lens
In her fancy dress with the elegant skirt
Hands gloved with white silk
Clasped in front of her
Stony-faced, her emotions
Are hard to read
She doesn’t want to go to the party,
But she is going anyway
Her bangs fall over her eyes
Her short hair tucked behind her
While in the distance,
Leafy trees sway in the wind.
Quinceañera
Ariana R.
She happy. But she have to take a fun and serious photo but she did not want to take a serious one so she mad but she have to take it but now she want cake. But she have to have her quinceañera.
No Idea?
Nehemias B.
String instruments playing reading music music stands group playing black and white ………?
Dog with kid outside tall grass
kid playing with dog outside in tall grass farm looking look tall trees grass.
What’s the Difference?
Marli F.
This photo makes me think about me and my twin. Here’s the difference. We’re Black, they’re white. She’s taller than me, they’re the same height. We don’t look the same, but they look alike. We’re only 11, they’re probably not alive.
Paz M.
All the parties and the celebrations all the colors all the presents and the trees of every street.
My Happy Christmas Jade R.
A happy holiday, Christmas is a little messy when they unwrap the paper to see all the pretty gifts and a little dirty house. When they finish unwrapping their gifts the tree goes down because their Christmas morning is over.
The Dance
Emma Z.
VERY BIG old happy cheerful shiny skirt not a lot of people dancing at a party old hair bricks.
Cars Are Stars
Alexander O.
Cars are fun like the sun, after the sun is the moon soon the stars will come and the cars will shine, like destiny and in the night people rest, some rest good some rest bad and rest even in the bright light.
David M.
White car happy marriage funny petal goat simulator destroy war forever.
Not Always Good
Ben C.
The man who trusted the rainbow has bailed, fooled, and tricked with his dumb mind. That rainbow had dirty, smelly, and overloaded trash instead of shiny, wealthy, and plenty treasures. The faith is defeated by the trash and the rainbow that betrayed that man.
Cake and Bake
Liam A.
I cake and bake with rotten pieces of potato with rotten faces, stinky like people and rotten potato television.
I got into a war with my friend because we were watching WWE and we did WWE on each other.
Memories
Robert L.
A happy day makes good memories
Pictures celebrate moments Kids go out to celebrate birthday parties
Photos help you remember
Summertime is Fun
Inara C.
A brunette, pretty lady dancing, laughing in summer shady
Red jumpsuit, pretty hair dancing on the lawn in summertime air.
Hot outside in the sunshine, summer is coming, oh god, that’s fine!
Old fashioned and beautiful, having fun in the sun. I won’t stop till the day is done!
Beach Ball Cat
Henry S.
Look it’s a beach ball cat wearing beach ball clothes with a runny nose going to the city of Pennahopy Pennahopy the city of Pennahopy
The Mom
Melanie S.
Sisters
Andremina S.
The mom and brother sitting on my brother getting along. So happy
So tiny still suits.
A set of twins have the same pearl necklace that represents happiness and love. The first girl smiles at her sister and the second girl said, “I love your orange hair and it must be such a fantasy to have such a good family.”
My Birthday
Maxine L.
It’s my birthday. I know most people are excited for their birthday but I’m not. I don’t deserve all this. I don’t deserve these presents, I don’t deserve these people. I’ve done bad things in life. I want God to forgive me but the things I’ve done are hard to forgive anyone for. I know it was bad but I was stupid and I still did it, didn’t I? I don’t know why, I just did. “Please god, forgive me. I DON’T DESERVE THIS…” Just please forgive me God, please!
Evil Witch
Baldwin F.
One day a lady was walking in the forest, and an evil witch turned her into a hamburger, and the only way to break the spell was to find a prince and make him eat you. The next day, the hamburger found a prince and then she yelled, “Prince!” And then the prince ate her! And then she turned back into a lady.
Young, Wild, and Free
Demi Grace F.
Never again will we cry over loss never again will we starve and sleep hungry never again will we watch our friends fall never again will we walk in the blood stained fields never again will we cry ourselves to sleep never again will we fight with our fists for the first time we’ll sleep under the stars for the first time we’ll laugh ourselves to sleep for the first time we will run in meadows full of flowers for the first time we will dance in the gleaming lake and for the first time.
Silent But Deadly
Demi Grace F.
She may look innocent but she is deadly she looks calm but only because she has to.
Love Yourself
Presley L.
We should be happy we should all be old, all love God, all obey God.
We all hate war. We all love each other.
Twins
Presley L.
Some look like others. Some look like themselves. Many love to smile. Many love to play.
Again, Again, Do It Again
Alexa
O.
The good old days. Happy, calming, loving, heartwarming. Cute dog very good dog with kid smiling.
I think the loving kid was playing with the lovely nature.
Wedding Day
Soha S.
Wedding Dog
Sania L.
In my sight
I see black and white in a car probably going somewhere far. Going to a wedding that’s the setting. She’s wearing a hairband That matches the skin color of her hand.
Black and white going to a wedding in a car having fun with a flowered hat and they are smiling driving in a car in the 1900s, the old days. Dogs with a man in the swimming pool, the dog is playing with him in the pool. Two twins wanted to go bowling but they had to take a picture, or they couldn’t go bowling because it was too early.
Bowling Olympians
Faiza Aftab L. & Naya S.
Bowling Olympians that live in the late 1900s happy, smiling ladies celebrating their win. Las Vegas, oh, the colorful prize of living there!
Oh they all dress the same with glasses, dresses and even the same hairstyles!
The Lady
Heather C.
The lady was swimming in the pool she was happy she had a skirt and there were cars and windows.
The Twins
Jayden F.
We went to eat. Then we went to take a photo and I was happy.
Water Pack
Matthew M.
A water pack is a slide and a bucket of water and it drops on the floor. If you get hit by the water you will fall.
The Family That Has So Many Members
Samantha M.
A whole family is in a pool and it almost covered the whole pool because it is a big family. The family has like 21 family members actually it has more than that.
The Winners
Samantha M.
The winners won an onion, the Las Vegas people. It made me laugh out loud.
The Lady and the Dog
Kali G.
Birthday party, the lady drives to the bowling alley with puffy hair and a red dress they see that there’s a dog in a pool they jump into the pool with the dog and swim the dog did not have a collar so they kept him. And they went to the shop to get a collar and leash.
A Lazy Day
Julio G.
It was a lazy day in the ocean the coast was peaceful.
It was an eerie foggy night, cars were not seen in the road.
A family of three was going to a pool but they did not have gas.
Driving Test
Arturo L. L.
One day at the age of 35 I took my driving test so I could drive my dad, mom, sister, brother, or grandma, and then after two years I was able to pass my driving test. I was so happy to pass my driving test, after all that work I was able to take my dad anywhere. I was happy, and my father was proud of me and happy I could take him anywhere, so now he didn’t have to walk.
Promotion Day
Arturo L. L.
I was in karate but little did I know I was gonna get my next belt. When I was fighting I saw all my family came, my sister, mom and dad. I was confused, and before I got my belt I crawled with only two arms. After that I got promoted unexpectedly. I also got kicked by my teacher to show how strong I was now after one year
Life
Andremina S.
Two workers who are lurkers who work at a bridge. And who like to go fishing while inside of the water with their hats and jumpsuits in the ocean. Sadness and loneliness come together for a storm with many clouds. But the two workers can defeat the storm with friendship.
No Peace
Omar S.
In the war it scares good people worries them a lot some are angry and some are lonely when they die in the war some feel unwanted by their home they live no peace in war.
Alone in the Darkness
Omar S.
It is so lonely and quiet in the cell you feel anger in your mind for being in the darkness you are hopeless and think that you are never going to have freedom.
Omar S.
A war has started. Everyone is hoping that the war stops. No peace. Everyone can have peace when they don’t fight, but they never learn.
The War is Over
Ignacio G. R.
We are all relieved and happy to hear the radio, we’re joyful to hear that there’s no more war, we’re dancing and smiling together.
Around the Campfire
Ignacio G. R.
We love marshmallows but warming them up on the fire is better. Oh! My eyes, the fire’s smoke.
My dad laughs. We’re all around the fire. It’s my first time camping and I love it already.
Me and You
Ignacio G. R.
I’m like you, you’re like me. I love you and you love me. I look like you and you look like me. Today I wear the same hat as you. I love you, other twin.
We’re Always Together
Ignacio G. R.
I will protect you with all my life, we’ll play together and always be together no matter what.
The
Green Bus
ABOUT The Green Bus ARTSPACE
The Green Bus ARTSPACE is established to be a home base for student art programs while offering a diverse schedule of exhibitions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
826LA would like to thank to following for their support in making this chapbook possible:
Laura Peterson
Olivia Dixon
Rachel Zhu
Katherine Huet
Jack Diener
Janelle Nieva
Heather Lee
Erika Fisher
Edward Albright
Casey Rentz
Briley Rasmussen
Arlan Cashier
Cisca Brouwer
Danielle Klappstein
Sebastian Reyes
ABOUT 826LA
Vision:
826LA envisions a Los Angeles where every child has access to quality writing education and is empowered to express themselves creatively through writing. We envision a Los Angeles where every teacher is supported in their writing-based educational objectives.
Mission:
826LA is dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students ages 6 to 18, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.
How we advance our mission: A nonprofit organization, our services are structured around our understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.
With this in mind, we provide after-school tutoring in all subjects, evening and weekend workshops, in-school programs, field trips, college access, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s ability to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in their own voice.
Core Values:
826LA values joy in the service of achieving educational goals. Our community norms value diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We therefore prioritize partnerships with Title 1 Schools, engagement with historically marginalized populations, and training and deploying community-based volunteers in support of our mission. As a teaching approach, we value creativity, authenticity, empathy, and lively, rigorous, and student-centered writing education. As an educational enrichment organization, we value supporting teachers, principals, and other school staff in the pursuit of excellence.
826LA PROGRAMS
TUTORING
From Monday to Thursday, students attend 826LA for free individual tutoring in all subjects. Students receive homework help and write stories based on prompts. Students submit their writing for inclusion in chapbooks, which 826LA publishes throughout the year. To celebrate students’ hard work, 826LA unveils these chapbooks at book release parties, where students read their work to thunderous applause from their volunteers, families, and peers.
WRITE ON! AFTER SCHOOL
Monday through Thursday, we offer after-school tutoring to our younger students ages 5 to 11. Students work one-on-one with trained volunteers to receive homework and writing support.
TNT TUTORING
On Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings, we offer after-school tutoring to our teen students. Students work with volunteers on homework, writing, and college preparedness.
IN-SCHOOLS AND WRITERS’ ROOMS
Because not all students can come to one of 826LA’s writing labs, 826LA brings specially trained volunteers into under-resourced public schools. The volunteers provide one-on-one assistance with writing projects. 826LA works with teachers to craft projects designed to engage students while targeting curricular issues. In addition to visiting many schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District each year, 826LA hosts Writers’ Rooms at Manual Arts High School, Roosevelt High School, and Venice High School.
WRITE ON! SUMMER CAMP
This is the summer writing camp for our elementary school students running for 2 weeks in the month of July. Each year, camp is creatively themed with a focus on writing.
WORKSHOPS
826LA’s Workshops bring students together with artists, writers, and professionals for creative collaboration and development. Whether the subject is flash fiction, playwriting, or preparing for the AI singularity, our workshops foster creativity while strengthening writing skills. This includes our Summer Writers Workshop and monthly Sunday workshops at the Hammer Museum.
FIELD TRIPS
During the week, 826LA invites public school teachers to bring their students to our writing labs to participate in a morning of collaboration, creativity, and writing. Whether Storytelling & Bookmaking, Choose Your Own Adventure, Memoir, or Well-wishing and Poetry Writing, Field Trips at 826LA support teacher curriculum and student learning by offering a safe space for students to be their most imaginative and to work on their writing skills. In a few short hours, students brainstorm, write, edit their work, and leave with something tangible—a bound book or a revised essay—as well as a renewed confidence in their ability to tell their stories. For classrooms unable to come to one of our writing labs, we offer traveling field trips where we bring the magic to them.
COLLEGE AND CAREER ACCESS
Our College and Career Access Program is designed to support students in their journey toward higher education and career success. The program culminates in two major events each year. In the Fall, the emphasis shifts to college applications, where students receive one-on-one assistance from specially trained volunteers to enhance their application writing. In the Spring, the emphasis shifts to scholarship applications, where again students are paired with dedicated volunteers to craft compelling scholarship essays. Additionally, our career access initiative offers robust internship programs, providing valuable work experience for many high school students. This comprehensive support system ensures our students are well-prepared for both academic and professional achievements.
JOIN THE FUTURE BESTSELLERS CLUB!
Sign up to make a monthly donation to 826LA and you’ll join our Future Bestsellers Club.
For as little as ten dollars each month, we’ll deliver writing from our brilliant, emerging authors right to you!
Go to 826LA.org/donate and click on Future Bestsellers Club to join.
Visit our Time Travel Mart storefronts in Echo Park and Mar Vista where you can shop for all your time traveling gears and gadgets. From Mammoth Chunks to Robot Milk to original student-authored books, we pride ourselves on being the only Los Angeles purveyor of quality goods from the past, present, and future. The proceeds from the store help to keep all programs free for our students. You can also visit the stores online at timetravelmart.com.
Park
826LA Staff
Jaime Balboa
Executive Director
Diego Quevedo Chief of Staff
Shani Foster Director of Education
Christie Thomas Director of Development
Pedro Estrada Programs & Operations Manager, Echo Park
Mike Dunbar Programs & Operations Manager, Mar Vista
Mateo Acosta Associate Director of Community Engagement
Carinne Mangold
Store and General Operations Manager
Alma Carrillo
Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
Trevor Crown
Senior Manager of Volunteer Innovation and Assessment
