Youth Communication: Topic

Chimore and her dog Prissy have a special bond that's helped Chimore adjust to life after foster care (full text)

Lavell summons the courage to stand up to her abusers and later shares her experiences with a supportive therapist so she can begin healing. (full text)

Bouncing Back

Dr. Sylvia Lester talks about how to gain more control by getting out of a bad situation, building resilience, and going after the things you want in life. (full text)

Growing Up With an Addict

A family therapist describes how kids can cope with a parent's addiction and seek help. (full text)

A Crash Course in Togetherness

After her beloved Aunt Euphita is seriously injured in a car accident, Annmarie helps support her through a painful recovery. Along the way, she develops a new appreciation for family.

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Picking Myself Up

Anita hates the rules at her Catholic school, but soon realizes it’s hard to stay on track without them.

Learning to Love Myself

After years of degrading encounters with men, including being molested, the author develops a sense of self-esteem.

Why I Live in a Fantasy World

Cassandra's had an active imagination since she was a child, constructing in her mind a world where "there are no blocks or barriers in the road." Sometimes her vivid imagination gets her carried away, but it also helps her work for her dreams in real life.

All Talk and No Action

Elizabeth talks regularly on the phone with a boy named Stormie and they become close friends although they never meet. She finds she can talk more freely and intimately with him than she can with her boyfriend, because "boys are hard to have friendships with in person."

I'm a 17-Year-Old Therapist

Quantwilla, when she was younger, felt her therapist didn't listen to her. Now a teenager, she finds that people turn to her for advice when they're in trouble. As an informal "therapist," Quantwilla uses her empathy and listening skills to help them.

I Don't Know What the Word Mommy Means

Youniqiue and her sisters have been abandoned by their drug-addicted mother. While the rest of the family denies the truth, Youniqiue speaks out honestly about her neglect and vows to break the long family history of poor parenting when she becomes a mother.

A Loner in the Group Home

When a supervisor inquires about his past, Mohamed discovers the healing power of connecting with others.

My Real Reasons for Quitting Weed

Instead of blocking out painful memories, getting high makes the author feel angry, guilty, and depressed.

How to Survive Shopping With Mom

Chris reluctantly agrees to go clothes shopping with his mom because she has the credit cards. She embarrasses him in the store, wondering out loud if his pants fit, but his sense of humor makes the experience bearable, if not enjoyable.

Dealing With Self-Doubt

Some teens deal with their insecurities by bullying others, but there are kinder, gentler ways to make ourselves feel more confident. (full text)

Losing My Friends to Weed

When Jamel turns 14, his childhood friends start smoking marijuana and pressure him to join them. (full text)

How Writing Helps Me

Terry starts writing when she's just 4 years old, and uses poems, short stories, and diaries to deal with painful aspects of her life. Writing is like a friend to Terry, lifting her out of depression and giving her hope.