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Teens Put Pen to Paper in "Teen Ink," a
Fascinating New Book Written By and For Teens
By Amy Barry, Features Editor
The Sound, Madison, CT - November 30, 2000
What is more likely to have a bigger impact on a
teenager? An adult's view of the world or their peers' take of it?
The
answer is obvious, and it's why a new book written entirely by teenagers,
"Teen Ink: Our Voices, Our Visions" is getting such a positive
response. The writings in the book not only provide a way for teenagers to
connect with one another, but are a real eye-opener for parents and other adults
who care for kids.
Filmmaker George Lucas says: "As a parent and
storyteller, I find great hope for the future based on the depth of feeling and
creativity in this unique book."
"Just when you think we have
reason to fear the future, pick up this book and see what the hopes, dreams, and
courage of young people can do for the soul," says Bill Moyers, broadcast
journalist.
The book "Teen Ink" was inspired by "Teen Ink
Magazine," a nonprofit monthly publication read by 3.5 million teens in
thousands of schools nationwide. The stories, poems, essays, artwork and
photography in the book were culled from more than 300,000 submissions to the
magazine over the past decade.
The 350-page book is filled with powerful,
moving, and at times, excruciatingly honest insights into teen lives and the
issues they deal with.
No subject is taboo from divorce to suicide to
AIDS. Chapters include Friends, Challenges, Love, Family, Heroes, Fitting In,
Memories and Creativity.
More than 3,400 teenagers in 44 states evaluated
the final selections for the book, including students at Mercy High School in
Middletown. The writings of three Mercy students are included in the
book.
Adrienne Lovell, an English teacher at Mercy, uses "Teen Ink
Magazine" in her classroom and has had many of her students' work published
in it.
"It's been great for helping our students in both their
writing and revising," she says.
She explains that 150 Mercy students
were involved in making the final selections that are in the book. The publisher
sent the school 50 essays to rate on a special rating system which the students
did all on their own.
"We love the book," she adds. "The
wonderful part is it's completely written by teenagers and is about the issues
kids are thinking about, worrying about."
Lovell says she tells her
students that they really must publish pieces they write because they will be
doing a public service by letting others know that they feel the same way.
"It's helpful for the writer to share their feelings and it's a
wonderful feeling see your work in
print."
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About the Teen Ink book
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