Announcing 826 National’s Next Student Book with Author Javier Zamora

We’re excited to announce the theme for our next student publication — “Hear Me Out,” in partnership with author, poet, and 826 alum, Javier Zamora!

Across the country, young people are showing their elected leaders that they do not need to vote to start creating a brighter future. Together with Javier Zamora, we’re inviting students to share what matters most to them and their communities with the next President of the United States through Javier’s 826 Digital Watch and Write video, “Hear Me Out.”

“When I was a student, I felt like I didn’t have a voice,” shared Javier Zamora. “As a young undocumented student in California, I couldn’t even imagine a president listening to me. And with this prompt, I know that whoever gets to be president can open this book and listen to what YOU have to say in any language.”

Taking inspiration from Javier’s 826 Digital lesson, “Hear Me Out,” students can explore this prompt in any language and in any written form: a letter, poem, reflection, song, etc. Ideas include:

1. Write a letter to the next President of the United States. Introduce yourself: what do you want the next leader of our country to understand about who you are and where you come from? 
2. If you could create a new world, what would it be like? What does it feel like? How do people treat one another?
3. Write a letter to the next President of the United States. Introduce yourself: what do you want the next leader of our country to understand about who you are and where you come from? 

See the full prompt from Javier Zamora, including reflection questions, resource materials, and brainstorming ideas at 826 Digital below.

Explore “Hear Me Out” by Javier Zamora

Students ages 8-18 are encouraged to explore this prompt in any written language. Translations are not necessary, but welcomed! 

To submit:

Students and families, can submit your work using the links below:

• Students and families submission form —English 
• Students and families submission form —Spanish 

Educators, submit work from multiple students using the link below:

• Educator submission form 

All submissions are due by November 10, 2023. Learn more at 826 Digital!