Wish Upon a Dream

WISH UPON A DREAM Written by the Inglewood Dreamer Scholars in partnership with I Have a Dream Foundation- Los Angeles.

This book was written by the Inglewood Dreamer Scholars in partnership with I Have a Dream Foundation- Los Angeles.

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 Inglewood Dreamer Scholars en asociación con la Fundación I Have a Dream - Los Ángeles 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.

Editor(s): Paris Franklin (Program Coordinator) Paris F is a Program Coordinator with the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Los Angeles. She loves to go to the beach, read books and paint during her free time. She loves music that makes her feel good by artists such as Cleo Sol and Madison Ryann Ward to name a couple.

Michel’le Owens (Program Coordinator) Michel’le O is a Program Coordinator with the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Los Angeles. She has been with the organization for 15 years and is dedicated to helping children succeed in life. Fun fact her favorite artist is Beyonce who she listens to on almost a daily basis.

Shani Foster (Director of Education, 826LA)

Cover Artwork: Candace Sanders

Book Design: Candace Sanders

Echo Park 1714 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

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Mar Vista 12515 Venice Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066

Illustration by Loris Lora

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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!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: The Soundtrack of a Generation

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Track 1: The Soundtrack of You

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Track 2: Mixtape for a Stranger 15 Track 3: Music for a Cause 32 Acknowledgments 37 About 826LA 38 Programs 39 Join the Future Bestsellers Club! 40

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INTRODUCTION:

THE SOUNDTRACK OF A GENERATION:

Welcome to a unique and powerful exploration of identity, memory, and social consciousness, as told through the music that defines a moment. This collection presents the work of 8th-grade students who were challenged to look beyond simple preference and articulate their lives, feelings, and beliefs using the universal language of song.

The pages ahead are more than just a list of playlists; they are carefully curated sonic self-portraits. You will find deeply personal narratives: a theme song for a first concert, an auditory snapshot of an improbable sports victory, and the calm melody used to anchor a study session. From the nostalgia of a childhood car ride to the raw emotions of a friendship conflict, these young writers demonstrate that music is not just background noise—it is the definitive soundtrack of their coming-of-age experience.

Organized into three thematic tracks, this manuscript allows you to hear the world through the ears of a new generation. We begin with Track 1: The Sound of You, where students use music as a key to unlock their most significant memories. We move to Track 2: Mixtape for a Stranger, where the students craft a musical introduction, accompanied by a visual collage, to reveal who they are without speaking a word. Finally, in Track 3: Music for a Cause,

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the students connect their personal playlists to the broader world, championing artists who push creative boundaries and advocate for social change—from the civil rights anthems of Aretha Franklin to the community work of Kendrick Lamar.

What follows is an impactful and moving document that showcases the insight, vulnerability, and passion of these 8th graders as they turn their innermost lives into a powerful and unforgettable listening experience.

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TRACK 1: THE SOUND OF YOU What if your most important memory had its own theme song?

That’s the powerful idea explored in the pages ahead. Students were asked to identify a significant personal memory or feeling and then link it to the song that is its definitive “soundtrack.” This is an exercise in emotional archaeology, where music acts as the key to unlocking and defining the deepest, most meaningful moments of their lives.

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MAKEILAH W. Makeilah is a 8th grade student who loves music. She loves to read, play violin, and spend time with her friends and family. She had a lot of fun writing and hopes you enjoy it.

The song I chose is “You Owe Me” by Malcolm Todd. I chose this song because I went to a Malcolm Todd concert, and since it was my very first concert, it was really memorable. Although it is one of my favorite songs, I was excited to go even though I knew my absolute favorite song wasn’t going to be performed, as I really like Malcolm and all his songs. Towards the end of the show, when he went into the acoustic section, he started to play “You Owe Me,” and I think I almost started crying.

JALEEL F. Jaleel is an 8th grader who likes to play sports and video games.

He is also very athletic.

One day at a track meet, I stepped up to the starting line for the 800-meter run. Despite my initial doubt about winning, I gave it everything I had and ended up taking first place. The song that captures the spirit of that chaotic, surprising win is “Honeybun” by Yuno Miles. It’s funny and perfectly reflects all the high-energy action and unexpected turns of the race

RYLEY W. Ryley is an eighth grader who loves to play basketball, listen to Rap and R&B music, and draw. Ryley’s favorite food is Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

I remember being in the car on the way to my basketball game when I put on the song “Gang Gang” (featuring Rosecreabs, HopOut, YS, Phopho Sight, and Hitta J3). At first, I felt tired because I had just come from school, but after I heard the song, it made me feel more energized and ready for my game. Once I stepped onto the court, I

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was making shots. When the game ended, I had 10 points, and my team won.

ALAYISA A. Alaysia A is an eighth grade girl who loves food. Her favorite food is spaghetti. She likes music that she finds on TikTok and enjoys writing about different songs.

“Creep” by Radiohead is a song that helps me relax and do my homework. The first time I heard the song was on TikTok and I immediately added it to my playlist. Since then I always listen to this song. It’s usually the first one I play.

OLIVIA D. Olivia D. is an 8th grader who loves art and spending time at the beach, being outdoors and spending time with her cats. She hopes that you will enjoy her writing.

This song takes me back to when I was a baby, riding in the car with just my dad on the way home. The sun was going down, the windows were down, and I was in my car seat listening to Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry” from the album, The Dutchess.

Although the song doesn’t relate to me since it’s about a relationship, I love its calm beat and how her voice blends with the music. I simply love how nostalgic it is, and every time I hear it come on, I think about my dad always playing it for me.

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NYLA M. Nyla M. is an eighth grader who loves to play video games in her free time. She also enjoys watching anime, Gachiakuta being one of her favorites.

Whenever I’m feeling nostalgic, the music I would associate with that feeling is “It’s Raining Somewhere Else” by Toby Fox. The melancholic energy of the song completely captures the feeling of nostalgia for something specific. On top of that, the actual context of the song is about feeling nostalgic for simpler times.

NYCOLLAS S. Nycollas really enjoys playing basketball and football. One day, he wants to be a professional basketball or football player.

The moment I picked was a pre-game song to get me energized for basketball. I chose either “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe or “Superpower”

by Daniel Caesar so I can play better and get into the right mindset.

Both songs help me feel confident and focused before stepping onto the court.

CHRISTOPHER M. Christopher is an eighth grader who likes to build Legos and spend time with his family. His favorite type of music is songs based on true stories, which he enjoys because they offer a real look into someone else’s life.

My song is “Holding Back the Years” by Simply Red. The meaning of the song is about being caught between an undesirable present and a frightening, unknown future, feeling unable to move forward or believe in improvement. This song relates to me because I always feel nostalgic and it always makes me remember my dad.

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RI’YAN W. Ri’yan W is an eighth grader who loves to cook. Some of her favorite dishes to cook are pasta, tacos, and burritos. She enjoys R&B music.

Her favorite artist is PartyNextDoor.

This memory goes back to June 30, 2025, in the summer. I was regularly talking to a boy I really liked; we messaged almost every day. Everything changed one day when my phone was dead, so I missed his text. Instead, he spoke to his friend, let’s call her Peanut, who was on the phone and tried to suggest that I had “love bombed” him. Hearing about this deeply hurt me. The song that reminds me of this situation is “Fool” by Frankie Cosmos.

ZHADA H. Zhada finds passion in cheerleading and music. She also likes to craft, design things, and collect gold jewelry.

I remember a specific moment when I was doing homework and listening to “Kiss of Life” by Sade. But when I’m feeling upset or sad, my preference changes; I listen to “Crystal Castles” or another rock song that has a lot going on.

BRIAN N. Brian is an eighth grader who loves playing sports. His ultimate goal is to make people happy and to see them succeed.

Because I love to celebrate my birthday, the song that comes to mind is “Happy Birthday Song” by Stevie Wonder. I chose this song because it makes me reminisce about the day I turned 13. It’s a fast but good song, and I recommend playing it to celebrate your birthday.

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ZACHARY B. Zachary is an eighth grader who loves to play football and firstperson shooter games. He hopes you enjoy what he wrote!

I remember this one Thanksgiving when the smell of the food and the sight of all the people filled the room. There was chicken, macaroni, green beans, and cornbread. It all made me think of “All Glory” by Andrew Peters.

EZEKIEL H. Ezekiel is an eighth grader who loves to play football and go on bike rides. When it comes to stories, his favorites are the ones with a dramatic ending.

The song is “Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish. It reminds me of the time my grandmother stopped breathing for five minutes (she is still alive). The song is about a dream where no one cared for her, and that also reminds me of my cousin.

DYLAN B. Dylan is an eighth grader who loves playing NBA 2K26 and street basketball. He also enjoys jumping at Sky Zone and going to parties.

Winning a basketball tournament and being named MVP in the game felt like I had won the whole world, and the crowd noise was loud!

The song that reminds me of this memory is “Bent” by 41. The lyrics say things that make you feel ready for anything, so you get pumped up for the game or any situation. The song is pretty aggressive, which is exactly the vibe people like me want to celebrate with after the game. It was the perfect game-winning situation, and it made me feel unbeatable.

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JACOB J. Jacob is an 8th grader who enjoys playing football and playing games. He hopes you enjoy his writing as much as he enjoyed writing it.

One day, as I was walking home alone, I listened to Jhené Aiko’s “The Worst.” The music was so soothing that I felt completely calm. I ended up making it home faster than I had expected.

PARRIES C. Parries is an eighth grader who loves to cheer and travel. Her favorite activities include watching TikTok and cheering. She also loves spending time with her little cousins and going shopping with her friends and family. Her favorite song is “Promise” by Jhené Aiko.

The song “Promise” reminds me of my mom because of the words she says and how the beat sounds. My mom enjoys listening to songs like this. My favorite memory of her is when we have play dates and go out and spend time together. The words she says that connect directly to the song are, “Promise you’ll be alright.”

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TRACK 2: MIXTAPE FOR A STRANGER Imagine introducing yourself without using a single word. That was the challenge given to the students whose work you are about to read. They were asked to create a short playlist of four to five songs—a musical snapshot intended for someone they had never met, and to visually present this playlist in a revealing collage. The goal wasn’t just to pick their favorite tunes, but to tell a story or reveal a defining truth about themselves through the music and the accompanying artwork. These aren’t just collections of songs; they are carefully curated sonic self-portraits.

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Makeilah !

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Holding back the Years - Simply Red Squabble Up - Kendrick Lamar Show You the Way to Go - The Jackson 5 Piece By Piece - Pharrell Williams I Feel it Coming - The Weeknd

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Tupac Tupac ShakurShakur- Hit Hit Em Em Up Up Nba Nba YoungboyYoungboy- Bandit Bandit Nba YoungboyShot Callin Nba Youngboy- Shot Callin

Nba Nba Youngboy Youngboy -- Finest Finest Nba YoungboyYoungboy- Top Top Nba Tingz Tingz Nle Nle ChoppaChoppaShotta Shotta Flow Flow

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Shot callin-nba youngboy Eye of the tiger- Surviver Cant stop the feeling Justin timberlake Stronger- Kanye West

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TRACK 3: MUSIC FOR A CAUSE In this final section, we explore how students connect music to social and political change. Challenged to choose a song or artist that addresses an issue they care about, these writers present compelling declarations. These short pieces demonstrate the students’ deep understanding of music not just as entertainment, but as a vital force for social comment and personal inspiration.

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RYLEY W. “Big 4” by Flau’Jae is my song. Its message is about the artist’s life and how she successfully balances rapping and playing basketball.

I appreciate the way she uses her lyrics to share her experiences.

I think any girl who plays basketball should listen to this because it really motivates you and could possibly inspire you.

JALEEL F. I like listening to Chris Brown because he has some really good songs and is always cool to listen to. He has excellent talent and can also rap on some occasions.

MAKEILAH I chose the artist Tyler, the Creator. He is highly impactful because he constantly pushes creative boundaries in both his music and his fashion designs.

NYLA M. “Call Us the Heights” is an energetic track from the game Undertale that stands out because it’s orchestrated. The violin, trumpets, and drums are the most prominent instruments. The message the artist was trying to convey is that Sword, the character the track is assigned to, is different from the rest of the cast. It also highlights the relationships he has with others in his life. Overall, “Call Us the Heights” does a good job of conveying the intended emotion and message.

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OLIVIA D. Kendrick Lamar is my artist because he helps his community by speaking out against racism and unfair treatment through his music.

His actions go beyond his songs; for example, he donated $50,000 to schools in Compton for music programs. He also mentors children, supports arts and education, and holds events to inspire young kids in his hometown. I love Kendrick Lamar because his music makes me feel good, and he is a genuinely great person who stays true to himself

ALAYISA A. I first heard the song “Mr. Electric” on TikTok, and I liked the tone and the beat. The song makes me feel relaxed. Whenever I am about to go to sleep, I listen to it, and it makes me feel tired.

NYCOLLAS S. The first time I heard the song “Can’t Go Broke” by Zeddy Will, I noticed a lot of instruments, including the piano. I enjoy this song because it has a great flow and the way the different musical elements work together makes it cool to listen to.

RI’YAN W. This song reflects authentic, relatable feelings of resentment and conflicted emotions after a breakup. I can relate to it because I know how it feels to be hurt or to feel like you’re not enough in a relationship. When both partners don’t trust each other, the perfect song is “Avenue” by H.E.R.

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ZHADA H. I decided on Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” I like the beat it has, but more importantly, she transformed the Civil Rights and Women’s movements with this anthem. This song connects to my own life because I used to listen to it all the time when I was younger.

BRIAN N. The artist I really care about is NBA YoungBoy. He started doing concerts and other events, and he truly cares about his fans. I admire him because of that connection. In August and September, he put on great shows that brought a smile to all of his fans’ faces. Seeing his fans enjoy his music also made him happy. After those concerts, he finally realized how loved he was.

ZACHARY B. I chose the song “ Landed in Brooklyn” by Khantust. It mainly focuses on the artist helping his friends succeed and leave the neighborhood.

I enjoy this song because it has a nice music video. I connect with the lyrics because of my friends at school, and the artist is an important part of my culture.

EZEKIEL H. “30 for 30” featuring Kendrick Lamar by SZA is a song about selfworth and refusing to be dragged down by people who don’t bring real value. It makes me feel calm and reminds me to take care of myself.

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DYLAN B. I chose NBA YoungBoy because his music is powerful and his lyrics are truly embracing. He has the ability to change people’s tastes in music because of how good he is. His prolific output, raw emotion, and delivery helps him connect with his listeners. NBA YoungBoy has lyrics that remind me of myself, so I basically feel like I’m listening to my own music. It truly feels like he is talking directly to me through the mic.

JACOB J. I like NBA YoungBoy because his songs show that he works hard and that it took him a long time to get where he is today. I also think his music shows he stayed true to his day ones. In his songs, he constantly talks about his closest friends because he is loyal to them.

He makes me want to work hard and achieve things.

PARRIES C. You should listen to Jhené Aiko because the songs she makes are very good. I think her music sends important messages to people, and she achieves this by focusing on love songs and sad songs. I believe you would really like her; she is a very cool artist.

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Acknowledgments 826LA would like to give a special thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their support in making this book project possible: Sony Global Social Justice Fund Tamika Jeanty Paris Franklin Michel’le Owens Chaznae Walker

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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 communitybased volunteers in support of our mission. As a teaching approach, we value creativity, authenticity, empathy, and lively, rigorous, and studentcentered writing education. As an educational enrichment organization, we value supporting teachers, principals, and other school staff in the pursuit of excellence.

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Programs After-School Writing Programs Mondays through Thursdays, students attend 826LA for after-school writing programs. Students participate in community building activities, work on homework or reading with trained tutors, and of course, write! Students submit their writing for inclusion in chapbooks, which 826LA publishes twice a 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.

Field Trips During the week, 826LA invites teachers and their students to our writing labs to participate in a morning of collaboration, creativity, and writing.

Whether Storytelling & Bookmaking, Well-Wishing & Poetry, Choose Your Own Adventure, or Memoir, 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—as well as a renewed confidence in their ability to tell their stories.

In-Schools Programs & Writers’ Rooms Because not all students can come to us, 826LA brings specially trained volunteer tutors into classrooms throughout Los Angeles. There, volunteers provide one-on-one or small group assistance with writing projects. 826LA works with teachers to craft all projects, which are designed to engage students while targeting curricular needs. In addition to visiting twenty schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District each year, 826LA has additional sites within Manual Arts High School, Roosevelt High School, and Venice High School called The 826LA Writers’ Rooms.

Workshops 826LA’s workshops bring students together with artists, writers, and professionals for creative collaboration. Whether the subject is journalism or preparing for the zombie apocalypse, our workshops foster student creativity while strengthening writing skills. This program includes two long running partnerships with Paramount Pictures and the Hammer Museum.

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Staff Jaime Balboa

Ariadne Makridakis Arroyo

Diego Quevedo

Katie Feige

Executive Director 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 Kemp

Store and General Operations Manager Time Travel Marts in Echo Park & Mar Vista

Alma Carrillo

Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Communications

Trevor Crown

Senior Manager of Volunteer Innovation and Assessment

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Senior Volunteer Coordinator Institutional Giving Manager

Maddie Silva

Manager of Special Initiatives

Arisdeysi Cruz

Tutoring Program Coordinator

Marco Beltran

Writers’ Room Program Coordinator Manual Arts High School

Wendy Beltran

Senior Writers’ Room Program Coordinator, Roosevelt High School

Cole Montgomery

Senior Development Coordinator

Ariana Ponce Olivares

Senior Civic Engagement Coordinator

Wilson Swain

Creative Engagement Specialist

Julia Malinow

In-Schools and Tutoring Program Coordinator

Caz Shen

Store Associate

Gabriela Romero

Field Trips and Operations Coordinator

Board Karen Van Kirk

Board President Customer Experience & Operations

Sarah Rosenwald Varet Board Vice President Governance Committee Chair Attorney

David Ullendorff

Board Treasurer Finance Committee Chair Co-Founder, Mathnasium

Cisca Brouwer

Development Committee Chair Attorney/Writer

Ben Au

Litigation Partner, Orrick

Jeff Boos

Brokerage Operations & Services, Side

Scott Boxenbaum

Comedian & Real Estate

Iman Farrior

Business Affairs Executive, Creative Artists Agency

Joe Ferencz

CEO/Founder, GameFam

Scott A. Ginsburg

Real Estate, Boulevard Partners

Susan Ko

Clinical Psychology & Executive Leadership

Hon. Holly A. Thomas

Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit

Dave Eggers

Emeritus and 826 Founder

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Advisory Board J.J. Abrams

Keith Knight

Judd Apatow

Al Madrigal

Miguel Arteta

R. Scott Mitchell

Mac Barnett

Lani Monos

Steve Barr

B.J. Novak

Joshuah Bearman

Miwa Okumura

Father Gregory Boyle, S.J.

Amber Paasch

Amy Brooks

Jane Patterson

Stefan Bucher

Keri Putnam

Kathleen Caliento

Sylvie Rabineau

Monique Demery

Sonja Rasula

Mark Flanagan

Will Reiser

Ben Goldhirsh

Luis Rodriguez

Rebecca Goldman

Tara Roth

Ellen Goldsmith-Vein

Brad Simpson

DeAnna Gravillis

J. Ryan Stradal

Terri Hernandez Rosales

Natalie Tran

Christine Jaroush

Sarah Vowell

Spike Jonze

Sally Willcox

Miranda July

Julie Wiskirchen

Catherine Keener

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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.

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Shop the Time Travel Mart!

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.

Echo Park 1714 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Mar Vista 12515 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 44