The Struggle to Be Strong: True Stories by Teens About Overcoming Tough Times Paperback – January 15, 2000

I originally ordered this book for one particular short story to go along with a writing lesson I was assigning my middle school students, but ended up reading all the stories -- and they did as well! It's filled with stories from many different people of different socio economic statuses (mostly working class) and different backgrounds. The teenagers in these stories wrote these stories themselves, while still being teens. Their perspectives are rich, insightful, and relatable for so many teens and young adults today.Some of the topics are mature (weed, alcoholism, drugs, etc.), but honestly address what a lot of young adults face today. I appreciated that there were discussion questions in case you're prompting a group, or just yourself, and that the teens also have mini bios after their stories. Even richer is the fact that some teens have a story or two that span a few years. It's interesting to see the change and growth in not just their writing, but within themselves.I would highly recommend this book to any teacher, or teen, looking for people who have overcome tough times and are still making it (or trying to). This book truly helps define resiliency and grit through the lives of the writers. I have yet to come across another collection like it.

I was first introduced to this book while substitute teaching. The students in my class were reading the book, and they were so excited about the stories and really connected to them. I was so impressed by their enthusiasm I bought the book for my 16 year old granddaughter who was struggling with her own tough times. She loved it!!!

This is a great book to use with teens who are going through difficult times. I have used it in therapy sessions and my kids have been able to connect to the situations that the young authors write about.

I gift this book to teens who are struggling with family issues, peer relationships and life in general, it has helped them to see that they can overcome obstacles too. jaden

great book to use with adolescents to teach them new skills. I had loaned my last book out never got it back so I needed a new one.

Great. For teens

Terribly written, often not about real adversity, and nothing I'd put in the hands of my 13 y.o.

Great Resource!

It helped me with completing my homework. I got a perfect mark for it.