Category Archives: Nonfiction

“Self Control by Frank Ocean and Why I Hate It” by Sadie Kim ’22

“I love Frank Ocean, more than you might be able to understand. He can verbalize so many emotions that I didn’t even know that I had… However, upon listening to “Self Control” by my friend Frank, I felt a deep anger rise inside of me…” Continue reading

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“Loosing Teeth,” a personal essay by Sadie Kim ’22

“Throughout my entire childhood, one of the things I feared most was losing teeth. I don’t think it is uncommon for children to dislike the idea of losing teeth…” Continue reading

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“Brace Face,” a personal narrative by Olivia Palker ’24

“When I first got my braces on, it was October of eighth grade. That October was a turning point in my whole middle school experience: for once, I had one of those tightly knit group of friends plastered on movie posters, two best friends that knew me better than I knew myself, people I could call countless hours every day, obnoxious bright neon tie-dye t-shirts, and newly secured braces to close the immature gaps in my teeth…” Continue reading

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“Daydreaming,” Creative Nonfiction by Zinnia Magill ’24

Daydreaming a bus, 2am, and doc martens     I sat in my math class staring at the white board trying my hardest to tune into whatever my teacher was saying. Something about factoring or radicals or whatever. But my mind … Continue reading

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“The Towers,” Creative Nonfiction by Marina Chernin ’23

He stands, fading under the flaming red sky, which streaks the river below with shades oforange and pink and yellow. Boats drift behind him, peacefully unaware, and his fellowcountrymen amble down the bridge he has found himself on. The low … Continue reading

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“One,” Personal Narrative by Harold Fullilove ’23

Three inches in size and dark gray in color, a small figurine of a rhinoceros was myprized possession during my infancy. My sister had used it for a project she had inschool, and when she finally got her grade back … Continue reading

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“Swamped,” a Personal Narrative by Zinnia Magill ’24

Enjoy this personal narrative below, which was written by Zinnia Magill from the Class of 2024 for her Creative Writing class. You’re looking at a picture someone drew. It’s a person sitting in a chair. They’resitting inside they’re own mind … Continue reading

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Anonymous Creative Response to Claudia Rankine’s “Citizen”

In response to Citizen by Claudia Rankine, pg. 139-  Some years there exists a wanting to escape– You, floating above your certain ache– Still the ache coexists. Call that the immanent you You are you even before you grow into … Continue reading

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Political Blog Post by Alum Sophie Gilbert ’19

Sophie Gilbert graduated from NA in 2019 and is now a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Sociology and Integrated Marketing Communications. Sophie serves as the PR chair of the Northwestern University Political Union, a nonpartisan political student organization. They hold … Continue reading

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Research Websites by 6th Graders

This year, 6th graders compiled their social science fair projects into comprehensive Google sites, covering complex topics and historical events such as like the emancipation proclamation and segregation. Hope you enjoy the projects and learn something new! Hildana Gezahegn: https://sites.google.com/newarka.edu/littlenineheroes/home … Continue reading

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Hamlet Magazine by IB English Students

After reading Hamlet in Ms. Nwokedi’s IB English SL class, students were assigned to make creative projects to be presented at a Shakespeare Showcase open to the public. Juniors Lucy Alaeto, Stella Gilbert, Meredith Janay, Arwen Schnieders-Smith, and Wyatt Shiff … Continue reading

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Film Review by Leila Mullally ’21

Leila wrote this review of “Bombshell” for Ms. Mahoney’s Film Studies class. Bombshell: An Expose of America’s Patriarchy Bombshell is an intense and powerful film that dives deep into what America has become focusing on power, sexism, and empowerment. From … Continue reading

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Film Review by Chris Mulligan ’21

Chris wrote this review of “Uncut Gems” for Ms. Mahoney’s Film Studies class. Not Your Typical Adam Sandler Movie Adam Sandler is a world-wide favorite comedy actor for many. He has come to perfect the “kid in a man’s body” … Continue reading

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“Pandemic Puppies” by Lily Sternlieb ’24

Read freshman Lily Sternlieb’s touching reflection on the events that strengthened the connections within her neighborhood. Pandemic Puppies We used to have block parties. Kids rode scooters clumsily up and down the streets, their rusty wheels creating more sparks than … Continue reading

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Personal Essay by Anonymous

Enjoy this touching anonymous essay reflecting on memories of the author’s grandfather. Ghost My grandfather seemed like a ghost to me. I never got to know him, he was seen around the house but he wouldn’t talk much, most of … Continue reading

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“The Ghost of Sugar and Stories” by Dina Drogin ’23

In “The Ghost of Sugar and Stories,” Dina Drogin ’23 writes a compelling and poignant reflection on baking with her grandmother. Every Friday after school, I would ride my bike to my grandmother’s house. I had a reserved seat at … Continue reading

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“As Any Mother Would,” Personal Narrative by Justin Baker ’24

As Any Mother Would It was the quietest car ride. My sister glared through the window, expressionless. My dad was depressingly slouched in the driver’s seat. My mom kept her hand over her eyes, appearing hopeless. While the voices in … Continue reading

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Theater Week: Essay on Hamlet by Mr. Beckman

“He knew that thought clings round dead limbs”: Materiality, Representation, and the Corpse in Hamlet By David Beckman What do we think of when we think of Hamlet (or Hamlet)? For many, the image that comes to mind is of … Continue reading

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NA Hallway Survival Guide & Bestiary by Mr. Alford

The bell rings. You’ve got 5 minutes. A straight line is not the shortest distance between two doors. Forget on time. How do you arrive alive? The Paper Dolls Perhaps you have learned to create these in grade school, in … Continue reading

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“A Tale of Two Cities” by Alexis Romay

Faculty member Alexis Romay (aka Profe) writes about his experience in Cuba. The piece was published on World Literature Today. You can read his essay and poem in Spanish here. Havana just turned five hundred. The beautiful Havana: the city of … Continue reading

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Bitter Fruit Review

Newark Academy students Annika Imanpudi ’21 and Samantha Parelli ’21 recently co-founded Bitter Fruit Review, an independent literary and arts magazine by and for teens. The new Editors-in-Chief, along with Senior Arts Editor Silvy Zhou ’21, have combined their experience … Continue reading

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“To All the Movies I’ve Loved Before,” essay by Antonia Park ’18

To All the Movies I’ve Loved Before: The Importance of Representation in Hollywood  by Antonia Park ‘18 The following essay is from an October 8, 2018 post on Antonia’s personal blog, Tonzy’s World. You can read more of her work … Continue reading

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“DO THE RIGHT THING” Essay by Taj Wilson ’19

This essay by Taj Wilson was written for Ms. Mahoney’s Film Studies class about the role of character Radio Raheem in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. Students had to analyze the choices in cinematography in connection with a single character in … Continue reading

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“Something Else” Personal Narrative by Isabela McNeilly-Anta ’23

Something Else         The loud bell hollered, dismissing all the students before our teacher could say another word. Everyone jumped up and the boys ran to go put sneakers on in a hurry, not wanting to be … Continue reading

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“On Being a First Generation Korean American Woman,” by Antonia Park ‘18

The following article by recent grad Antonia Park was originally published in Keke Magazine, which she helped found. Keke is a literary a publication dedicated to showing an unfiltered and honest reflection of women. Antonia encourages current Newark Academy students … Continue reading

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“the beauty of you’re here,” Creative Nonfiction by Zoe Ades ‘18

the beauty of you’re here I walk out of the kitchen because he isn’t in the corner on his bed. He isn’t outside in his weird spot on the porch waiting to be invited inside. I should be walking towards … Continue reading

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“The Illustrated Generation,” essay by James Blume ’19

This essay by James Blume ’19 was part of a portfolio of work that earned a 2018 NCTE Achievement Award for Superior Writing. The Illustrated Generation To the great disdain of my parents and utter delight of his high school … Continue reading

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“Writing the Wardrobe, Fashioning the Text: A Study of the Armor in Don Quixote” by Reyther Ortega

This essay written by Newark Academy faculty member Reyther Ortega of the Language Department was presented in May 2016 in a graduate student panel at Montclair State University where she studied in the Department of Spanish and Italian. Enjoy this … Continue reading

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“Letter to Brenda Hillman” by Olivia Mudrick ’20

This letter written by Olivia Mudrick ’20 to poet Brenda Hillman in response to her poem, “Autumn Ritual with Hate Turned Sideways” was selected by the Academy of American Poets for publication on Poets.org as part of the 2017 Dear … Continue reading

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“Coloring Books” personal essay by Sanya Bery ’17

COLORING BOOKS, a personal essay by senior Sanya Bery is slated for publication in the Spring 2017 issue of the Blue Marble Review. Sanya’s short story, “12-16” is forthcoming in the Canvas Literary Journal. Enjoy this thoughtful reflection by Sanya. … Continue reading

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Senior Speech by Vanessa Gabb

A few months after graduating high school, I am walking out of South Hall, past Tisch Library at Tufts University in Somerville, Massachusetts. It’s the first full week of my freshman year of college, and I am on my way … Continue reading

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“16 Minutes” personal essay by Betsy Zaubler ’17

Newark Academy senior and Montclair resident Betsy Zaubler published this essay in the The Montclair Times in December 2016 in support of the Public Library. Betsy has received numerous awards for her writing, including the NJ Young Playwrights Competition, the … Continue reading

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Nonfiction by Stephanie Acquadro

Stephanie Nicholas Acquadro, a long time member of NA’s English Department, has an impressive history of civic engagement, including numerous Letters to the Editor and blog commentary in The New York Times. Her recent Letters to the Editor include “Where … Continue reading

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The Joy of SET, a book by Rebecca Gordon & company

NA math teacher Rebecca Gordon has co-authored a book with Liz McMahon, Gary Gordon and Hannah Gordon: The Joy of SET: The Many Mathematical Dimensions of a Seemingly Simple Card Game. Have you ever played the addictive card game SET? … Continue reading

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“Searching for Ghosts” a Route 66 Journey by Steve Miller

Searching For Ghosts: Feral Tourist Exploring the Past on Route 66 Introduction: Mr. Miller, blues musician and longtime member of the NA Maintenance Department, ventured on a week-long motorcycle exploration of historic Route 66, also known as ‘Will Rogers Highway,’ … Continue reading

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“Justified Violence?” Nonfiction by Benjamin Kany ’18

The following personal essay by Benjamin Kany ’18 was selected as a top winner of the 2016 Mahatma Gandhi Art and Writing Contest. The “Mahatma Gandhi Peace and Harmony Award,” sponsored by AIA-SJ, the Association of Indians in America South … Continue reading

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Reflections by Peter Reed & Photography by Josh Charow ’16

Peter Reed, a member of Newark Academy’s Humanities Faculty, offers two reflections on the World Trade Center, one in prose and one in poetry. The photograph, “Apocalypse Now,” is by alum Josh Charow ’16. “Sacrificing Before the Toe of Zeus–A … Continue reading

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“A Sad Man Sitting in a Cafe” nonfiction by Matteo Moretti ’17

“A Sad Man Sitting in a Café” by Matteo Moretti ’17 Just yesterday I was arguing with myself about whether the world is actually evolving or whether the universe is just returning to its natural rhythmic state of regeneration. Okay, … Continue reading

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Rules ‘o Cool: a Nonfiction work-in-progress by Bob Bitler; Foreword by Ethan Andrzejewski ’13

Coolacious! Coolerific! COOLEXCELLENT! THE HITHERTO HIDDEN AND VERY VALUABLE “RULES O’ COOL” (Or: How to Be Really Cool Without Even Trying) by Bob Bitler FOREWORD By Ethan Andrzejewski ’13 He is an expert in many sciences, international affairs, and engineering, … Continue reading

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“Ambidexterity” a personal essay by Alan Lin ’19

Freshman Alan Lin wrote this “Call to Adventure” personal essay for Ms. Mahoney‘s English class about his audition for the NA jazz band Chameleon. It was one of 60 pieces out of 3,000 submissions selected for publication by Susquehanna University’s … Continue reading

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“On Becoming Profe” a speech by Alexis Romay

Alexis Romay of the Language Department delivered this talk at the Senior-Faculty Dinner in Fall 2015. On Becoming Profe Thank you, Class of 2016, for selecting me to be your speaker at the Senior-Faculty dinner. It is an immense honor … Continue reading

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“No More Shame” an essay by SaVonne Anderson ’13

SaVonne Anderson ’13 published the following essay in the blog For Harriet, as well as in her book, Womanifesto, edited by classmate Alyssa McPherson ’13. SaVonne’s work has also appeared in the Comma Literary Magazine and LoveBrownSugar multicultural beauty blog. … Continue reading

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“Intimacy and Disequilibrium” an Essay by Claudia Lu ’15

The following essay by Claudia Lu ’15, written for the Film Studies class taught by Ms. Acquadro, won a 2015 Scholastic Silver Key Writing Award in the “Critical Essay” category. Intimacy and Disequilibrium: A Film Study on On the Waterfront … Continue reading

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“If I Could Write to Truman Capote” Creative Nonfiction by Haley Mudrick ’15

Haley Mudrick’s personal essay, “If I Could Write to Truman Capote,” excerpted below, won the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English 2015 Gold Medal for Creative Nonfiction.  Dear Mr. Capote, I was raised to believe that people could be … Continue reading

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Martin Luther King Day Letter to the Editor by Kirsti Morin

The following Letter to the Editor by Humanities faculty member Kirsti Morin was published in the Madison Eagle on February 12, 2015. You can find the published letter online here. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section … Continue reading

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New Creative Nonfiction by Aaron Weiss

A. A. Weiss grew up in Maine and now resides in New York City. He teaches in NA’s Language Department after having lived in Ecuador, Mexico, Moldova and New Jersey. His writing has appeared or is forthcoming in Hippocampus Magazine, … Continue reading

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Op-Ed & Personal Essay by Alexis Romay published by Translating Cuba & NBC News

“On Cuba, Hope and Change” was published on December 23rd, 2014, by Translating Cuba, the platform that publishes the blogs that are banned by the Cuban government. (Here you can read the essay in Spanish.) Alexis Romay of the NA … Continue reading

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“A Gun Story” by Aaron Weiss, Pushcart Prize Nominee

The following creative nonfiction, excerpted from a memoir-in-progress, was written by faculty member Aaron Weiss, published in Hippocampus Magazine in August 2014, and nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Good luck, Mr. Weiss! The pipes weren’t cooperating, so I had to … Continue reading

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“Catey Shaw’s ‘Brooklyn Girls’ Is Only Cute When Lana Does It” by Elizabeth Coscia ’11

Alumnus Elizabeth Coscia ’11 is a New York Observer columnist operating out of New York and Washington D.C. with a background in culture and politics. Elizabeth participated in the Creative Writing Workshop at NA and currently attends Georgetown University. Read … Continue reading

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