Chapbook release parties are always an exciting time at 826LA. Students get an opportunity to share their writing with their parents, friends, and tutors. 

Our After School Tutoring students celebrated the release of two new 826LA chapbooks about the heroes in their lives: Make a Difference in the World and I Still Remember to the Day.

And what makes someone a hero? Is it strength? Agility? Telekinesis? According to our students, a hero is someone who helps better their communities! Parents, police officers, siblings, and even pets made the list.

Below are two students’ interpretations of the hero.

A Hero In My Community 
Gerardo R.

Figuring out my community hero was hard at first, but I dug a little deeper and then it became obvious. Then I said, “I got it!”

My older sister, Gaby is 17 years old and she became 17 on the tenth of October. I chose my sister Gaby because she is always helping me and I never have time to say thank you. 

She takes care of me and my siblings when my mom is not home. She’s always in the kitchen washing dishes or sometimes making food. Sometimes she bakes banana bread or oatmeal cookies which is thoughtful.

My sister is on the track and cross country team. My sister and her team won first place in a cross country competition. 

My sister will always be my community hero, even through tough times and never will be called an enemy. 

Bullying is Bad
By Santiago “Tito” O.

Once upon ago, there was a city far far away. Maybe like New York or something. There was a guy named…wait! I can’t tell you about it because it’s a secret. So we will call them Agent Four. So they send form this team. If I tell you, you have to keep it a secret. It is called… the IBF. The IBF stops mean people.

Once upon a time (again) Agent Four was in IBF’s HQ just chilling. Then on a screen, it showed someone bullying someone. “Agent Four go check it out.” Said his boss. “Okay,” said Agent Four. So Agent Four went to the bullying scene. 

Driving montage.

“Stop bullying scum!” said Agent Four. “Dang it, I need to hide.” Agent Four thinks. “Who are you?” said the bully. “No one?” said Agent Four. “I think you should stop,” said Agent Four. The bully does not listen to them. “Can you stop bullying me I don’t feel good,” said the kid that was getting bullied. “If you don’t stop, I will tell Mr. Teacher,” said the kid. “So what?” Said the bully. The kid punches the bully. The kid starts running.

Running montage.

They are now in the classroom. “Mr. Teacher this bully is bullying me!” said the kid. “No he is lying!” said the bully. The teacher and bully had a talk about bullying.

The moral of the story: You need to tell people you trust when bad stuff is happening.

Read more about our students’ community heroes in Make a Difference in the World and I Still Remember to the Day. You can purchase both books by visiting TimeTravelMart.com.

Time Travel Mart Hours: 

Echo Park: Mon-Sun, 12 pm to 6 pm

Mar Vista: Tues-Sun, 12 pm to 6 pm