826 National is a nonprofit tutoring, writing, and publishing organization with chapters in eight cities across the country that are dedicated to helping students, ages 6-18, with expository and creative writing.

Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

All proceeds from 826 National's online store are used to support 826's numerous writing programs for students in Ann Arbor, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington DC. Thank you for your support and for joining in our work.

Best American Nonrequired Reading

By Dave Eggers (editor); foreword by Guillermo Del Toro

The 2011 Best American Nonrequired Reading is a collection of contemporary stories, essays, and comics so engaging, they don’t have to be on a required reading list. Compiled by a committee of 826 Valencia and 826michigan high school students during an annual workshop (conducted by 826 cofounder Dave Eggers), this anthology includes such riveting selections as “Best American WikiLeaks Revelations,” Esquire article “Roger Ebert: The Essential Man,” and “Mid-Life Cowboy,” a narrative featured on the radio show This American Life. With an introduction by director Guillermo del Toro, this captivating and poignant mix showcases the very best pieces from hundreds of American publications of recent times.

Featured authors include: Daniel Alarcón • Clare Beams • Sloane Crosley • Anthony Doerr • Neil Gaiman • Mohammed Hanif • Mac McClelland • Michael Paterniti • Olivier Schrauwen • Gary Shteyngart • and others.

$15
plus shipping