This summer, dive into some of the newest 826 books written by young writers across the country! Stories about different worlds, dreams of the future, crossing borders, family legacy, and nature make room for all kinds of readers to experience the whimsy and wonder young authors have penned. These new works, written in the last year in all kinds of genres, showcase the hopes, curiosities, and creativity of young people!
From 826 Boston
Walk a Mile in Our Shoes
Throughout all 826 chapters, the importance of fostering empathy and connection between individuals who come from all walks of life is paramount. Walk a Mile in Our Shoes, by students at Boston International Newcomers Academy in collaboration with 826 Boston, features stories from immigrant students that focus on their personal challenges, traditions, and experiences reaching for success.
- Written by 9th graders at Boston International Newcomers Academy
- “We are all different from each other. We are from different countries. We speak different languages. We have different traditions. And the thing that makes us like a family is that we are all learning English and we work as a group…Something we want the readers to take away from the book is that taking risks in life is a great thing to do sometimes. We also hope that whoever reads this book can reflect on their future.”—Bendu, Leman, Linsey, Louisa, Solange, and Shahrokh, The Student Editorial Board
From 826CHI
What Earth Awaits Us
Students from Zapata Academy, in collaboration with 826CHI, put pen to paper and created the beautiful and thought-provoking poetry collection What Earth Awaits Us. What Earth Awaits Us explores questions surrounding fears and hopes about the future, daring to answer them with love. This book dreams of a world without borders, freedom for all, and joy, while ultimately asking if the reader would be willing to join them there.
- Written by 7th graders of Emiliano Zapata Academy
- Teacher partner Ms. Paula Undda was featured on National Telemundo about the publication! Check out the interview here to tune into Ms. Undda’s incredible work with the student authors of this publication.
- LA-based author and filmmaker Jorge Xolalpa authored the foreword along with poet Maya Odim.
- “Reading these poems reminded me why young voices matter so much. In these pages I found memories of grandparents, questions about identity, dreams of a world without borders, and reflections on what it means to grow up between cultures, languages, and expectations. These students are not just writing poems, they’re documenting their lives, their families, and their communities. And that matters more than they might realize right now.” —Jorge Xolalpa
From 826DC
Living in the Storm
Students of the Collegiate Academy at H.D. Woodson High School recently came together to write the student anthology Living in a Storm with support from 826DC. This unique anthology was created to raise awareness of social issues and to call readers to take action using the art of poetry. Writing as a means for social change is at the heart of this anthology.
- Written by 10th–12th graders at the Collegiate Academy at H.D. Woodson High School
- See a local student author’s interview with NBC4 celebrating Living in the Storm.
From 826LA
Into the Unlikely
What makes someone a hero? This question is the beating heart of Into the Unlikely, written by students at 826LA. A hero can have superpowers, be a teacher, or be a best friend. Truly, a hero can be anyone, even someone seemingly ordinary. Into the Unlikely explores what heroism looks like in our students’ lives and imaginations, reminding everyone that heroism isn’t defined by grand gestures alone, but by the quiet, consistent ways we support one another.
- Written by students ages 5–11 at 826LA’s Write On! After School Program
- “Students saw heroes in everyone and everywhere. Kimberly saw a hero in her brother, who never stops making her feel seen. Angie wrote about a janitor, Meyly about forest animals, Henry about a bunny. Santiago used his story to highlight the Pacific Palisades and the Altadena fires and how he saw firefighters as heroes. In a time when villains seem to feel unbeatable, using their power to destroy, these student authors remind us that being a hero never goes out of style.” —Julia Malinow, In-Schools and Tutoring Program Coordinator
From 826michigan
Unsure of the Exact Destination
Wishing to go on an exciting adventure this summer with all kinds of twists and turns, but don’t want to leave home? In this unique choose-your-own adventure story collection by the third grade class at Estabrook Elementary in collaboration with 826michigan, Unsure of the Exact Destination is filled with wacky characters and wondrous worlds to explore. With three fantastical worlds to get to know, see where Unsure of the Exact Destination takes you this summer!
- Written by 3rd graders at Estabrook Elementary
- Foreword by Lemony Snicket, who authored the bestselling children’s book series A Series of Unfortunate Events
- “As the story continues, the reader faces a parade of tricky choices, and must decide what to do. Every decision leads to another choice, and every choice leads to another decision, and this is also true in life, where you may find yourself born as a baby living with a family, and yet eventually end up as a very old person wandering around southeastern Michigan clutching an unlit candle.” —Lemony Snicket
From 826 MSP
More Than One Voice
At 826, highlighting youth voices is at the heart of everything we do. In 826 MSP’s More Than One Voice, the voices of sixth graders at Sandburg Middle School in Golden Valley, Minnesota, are on display and ready to be heard. This anthology features a variety of genres and narratives that remind every reader of the importance of youth voices.
From 826 National
No Ordinary Dreamer: Science Fiction & Visions of the Future
Calling all sci-fi lovers! No Ordinary Dreamer: Science Fiction & Visions of the Future by Our Nation’s Young Writers, coming this August 2026, is available for pre-order! Featuring wondrous worlds and heroic reflections, this anthology showcases the work of extraordinary young authors with a special foreword from author Tony Weaver, Jr.! These young writers are dreaming up new planets, strange technologies, and unforgettable adventures—but they’re also exploring hope, courage, justice, and belonging along the way.
“This is no ordinary book. It’s not just a collection of superhero and science fiction stories; it’s a portal that takes you straight into our thoughts and feelings. . . . It’s a book about fighting challenges in young people’s lives, about the healing that comes afterward, and about finding yourself in the process.” —The 826 National Student Advisory Board
- Written by 5th–12th graders from across the country
- Inspired by bestselling author Tony Weaver, Jr.’s 826 Digital prompt “Write Your Power”
From 826 New Orleans
A Crawfish Flew Over the Moon
Looking for a summer read that celebrates culture and connection in a tasty way? A Crawfish Flew Over the Moon by the students at 826 New Orleans is a collection of youth writing that features poetry, short stories, and personal narratives that focus on food, community, and the special bond we create with one another over shared meals.
- Written by 826 New Orleans After School students in grades 1–6
- “Our food writing exploration led us to discuss the impact of urban gardening and experience the Edible Schoolyard’s community garden at Langston Hughes Academy. There we fed goats, chewed on pungent ‘root beer plant’ leaves, and puckered our lips at the bittersweet juices of hibiscus flowers. We learned of the intimate nature of food and the ecosystems that shape it. Students marveled at all the labor that happens before food reaches our plate. This trip inspired our Persona poetry unit, where students imaginatively embodied animals, objects, and foods that appear in gardens.” —Ms. Ki, 826 New Orleans Youth Programs Manager
From 826NYC
I Am a Rare Animal
Have you ever wanted to read a letter written by a butterfly? Or learn about the inner thoughts of a bear? If so, this book is for you! I Am a Rare Animal, by the fifth grade students at P.S. 316 Elijah G. Stroud Elementary in collaboration with 826NYC, is an adventure-filled book of stories from the perspectives of animals around the world! Part fiction and part nonfiction, the book is 100% a labor of love for nature.
- Written by 5th graders at P.S. 316 Elijah G. Stroud Elementary
- “Students honed their research skills learning about habitat, diet, predators, and life cycles. They used their analytical skills to consider why their creatures were important to their ecosystems. They also exercised their creativity by thinking about a water lily’s likes and dislikes and what kind of friends a spotted owl might have. It was such a delight to see these tenacious young students challenge themselves.” —Maryann Aita, 826NYC Teaching Artist
From 826 Valencia
I Can Feel You Across the Seas
In partnership with the San Francisco Public Library, Youth Speaks, and Mayor Daniel Lurie, 826 Valencia launched the 25–26 San Francisco Youth Poet Laureate program. Its cohort created the anthology I Can Feel You Across the Seas which holds poems of love, survival, community, and legacy. I Can Feel You Across the Seas is an example of the beauty that comes when a city decides to believe in its youth, as these writers embody the depth of one of the most diverse and progressive cities in the world.
- Written by poets ages 16–18
- Read KQED’s article “Meet San Francisco’s New Youth Poet Laureates,” spotlighting two student authors and this publication.