At 826, we believe a good story has the power to change everything. Stories have long held the power to connect, to heal, and to inspire. And when young people have the opportunity to write their stories, they begin to tap into their own power and potential.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Life Stories, a nonprofit media organization that produces and distributes documentary films about people whose lives inspire change, to bring you a new Watch and Write series on 826 Digital. The video lessons in this collection feature five interviews from Life Stories’ docuseries The Thread. Each video shines a spotlight on what it means to live a purpose-driven life through a conversation with an inspiring person who has helped shape our society.
Now, students in classrooms across the country can hear stories from Jason Reynolds, Gloria Estefan, Dr. Rev. Jacqueline Lewis, Tova Friedman, and Reginald Dwayne Betts—and then put pen to paper to discover their own stories, while exploring genres ranging from personal narratives to poetry.
The Thread dives deep into personal stories from actors to authors to survivors, offering insight into those who have lived meaningful lives. In each episode, guests delve into the obstacles and pivotal moments that have shaped their identities. Through it all, they reflect how storytelling, expression, and creativity fueled their journeys:
The more words you have the less violent you need to be. It teaches you how to listen to yourself and it keeps your imagination stoked. Literacy is important because it is the very thing that keeps us free.
— Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author
We’re so excited to team up with Life Stories to bring these powerful stories and lessons to young people across the country. See the incredible stories for yourself on 826 Digital, or read on to learn about the featured resources below. And stay tuned for more lessons from this partnership, coming in November!
Write With… Life Stories Featured Resources:
Soundscape Poems with Jason Reynolds:
- About the video: Jason Reynolds, a 2020-22 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and New York Times bestselling author, reflects on his upbringing in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and how his parents encouraged open communication.
- About the lesson: Students write a “soundscape” poem filled with familiar sounds of their neighborhood or home.
Singing Through Struggles with Gloria Estefan:
- About the video: Gloria Estefan is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and author of two New York Times best-selling children’s books. In this video, Estefan reflects on being raised in a Cuban family that faced challenges upon immigrating to the United States and how her unexpected journey into music served as an emotional outlet from a young age.
- About the lesson: Students identify a story of their own and turn it into original song lyrics.
Excavate Your Story with Rev. Jacqueline Lewis:
- About the video: Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis is an activist, preacher, author, and fierce advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and LGBTQIA+ equality. In her interview, recalls how difficult childhood experiences shaped her commitment to activism and “fierce love.”
- About the lesson: Students chart their many identities and write a poem or narrative to uncover the powers their identities possess.
Storytelling is Who We Are with Tova Friedman:
- About the video: Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman reflects on the horrors of Auschwitz and emphasizes the importance of storytelling to ensure future generations carry on the legacy of remembrance and resilience.
- About the lesson: Students reflect on a family story, considering how it has shaped who they are today and who they could be tomorrow.
Moments as Poetry with Reginald Dwayne Betts:
- About the video: Reginald Dwayne Betts is a poet, lawyer, and founder of Freedom Reads, an organization that provides access to literature in prisons through the installation of ‘freedom libraries” across the country. In this video, Betts recalls spending nine years in prison and examines the impact of incarceration on creativity.
- About the lesson: Students write a poem that captures a single, meaningful moment from their everyday life.