Teen Ink: Teen Magazine, Poetry, Blogs, College, Music, Movie & Book Reviews, Fiction
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What People Are Saying
About Teen Ink



     "Teen Inkis solid, lively and extremely candid. The writing is first-rate and fills an important need."
Jonathan Kozol, author of Amazing Grace and other books


     "As a parent and storyteller, I find great hope for the future based on the depth of feeling and creativity in [Teen Ink]. I hope teens everywhere will be inspired to embark on their own journeys to find an outlet to express themselves." George Lucas, filmmaker


     "Teen Inkhas become a type of survival guide for me. I look forward to every issue; there is always something in it to brighten my day, whether a poem or a funny cartoon." Stephanie, age 17


     "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."
Bill Moyers, Broadcast Journalist


     "I started writing when I was a teenager. But I'd be embarrassed to compare my work to this. So much talent on these pages! I wish Teen Ink was around when I was a teen!" R. L. Stine, author Goosebumps


     "Nothing compares to the experience of reading a story that you can not only relate to, but you also feel as though you already know the writer. This is what I find in Teen Ink. "Will Sandwick, age 14


     "No topic is too personal or controversial to write about: drugs, suicide, divorce, unwed motherhood. In addition to students' trials, the book records their triumphs, offering a wide-ranging portrait of adolescence that refutes stereotypes." Marilyn Gardner, staff writer for Christian Science Monitor


      "The stories in Teen Ink are like reading a reflection of myself. It's as if the authors were able to see inside my mind and write down what I was thinking." Melissa Thompson, age 17


     "Teens are not only speaking to other teens in these stories and essays but speaking to anyone looking for truth, illumination and startling insights into the human condition, adolescent or otherwise. Life pulses beautifully and sometimes agonizingly in the pages of Teen Ink."
Robert Cormier, author of The Chocolate War and other books


     "I've had the pleasure of working with Teen Inkfor the past decade, and I can't think of anything that does a better job of confirming the power and promise of teen voices. We are producing some great kids in this country, and if you don't believe me, read Teen Ink. Our future is in very good hands."
Michael J. Dukakis, Professor Northeastern University, Former Gov. of Massachusetts and Presidential Candidate


     "Today's young people have so much to say to one another. I applaud Teen Inkfor providing a forum for their voices."
Lois Lowry, Newbery Award winner, author of The Giver and other books


     "This book is the answer to anyone who complains that American teens don't express their ideas very well or that they don't have many ideas worth expressing. The essays, stories, poetry and art in these pages let us see things through fresh and unspoiled eyes. There is youthful insight here that the world seems to take from us as we grow up, and grow old. "
Charles Osgood, radio commentator and host, CBS Sunday Morning


     "Teen Ink is powerful, exhilarating and emotionally soothing for the soul. I can laugh, cry, be depressed or be overly happy while reading the same book. I love it! "
Desirée Swanson, age 15"


     "An extraordinary collection of ideas, experiences, hopes and dreams from America's teens. Open its pages and see the heart of our future. "
Andrew Shue, actor and co-founder of "Do Something"


     "Teen Ink has done a remarkable job of publishing work by authentic teens. This is the kind of book to give every teenager you know who might be in need of hope, encouragement and a reminder that they're not alone in their struggles. "
Heather Amundson, age 18


     "The 21st Century (now Teen Ink) has been a wonderful medium for teenagers to communicate their ideas, not only to each other, but to former teenagers like myself. It is a most attractive clearinghouse for young ideas - and it is heartening to see the range of the contributors - from serious commentary about current events to poetry and humor. I am glad to see so many taking advantage of this opportunity to share your experiences and your ideas with other teens ... Keep writing ... "
Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator, VT


     "Teen Inkis a celebration of how honest, brilliant and passionate these voices are. Teens will thoroughly enjoy and relate to this book."
Kimberly Kirberger, author Teen Love and Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series


     "I am quite dependent on this publication - I would be lost without it. One of my greatest teaching moments occurred this year when I introduced Teen Ink to my new class of skeptical juniors ... after a few minutes of paper shuffling and a few groans the class grew silent - completely silent - for the remainder of the period! To see a student during the last period on Friday look up disappointed as the dismissal bell rings is the greatest sight a teacher can behold ... I wanted to shout and skip down the hallway that day, 'I did it! I turned their lights on! They liked it!'"
Lila Petre, English Teacher, Macon, MO


     "I want to commend The 21st Century (now Teen Ink) for providing a forum where young people can express their creativity. As a United States Senator and as a father of two teenagers, I know how much young people have to give if we will only take the time to listen."
John F. Kerry, U.S. Senator, MA


     "Not only does Teen Ink explore the teen world beyond fashion and make-up, it allows us to express our thoughts without worrying what others think. Reading Teen Ink has made me and others realize the ideas and values of teens." Kristy, age 15


     "No one knows teens better than teens themselves. I was struck by the honesty of the writing in this work. This is a truly valuable book for every teenager. And for every parent."
Todd Strasser, author of Help, I'm Trapped series


     "Teen Ink provides a great platform for serious teen writers to express their unique perspective."
Matt Diamond, Founder and C.E.O. Alloy


     "This book is an adventure that takes you through the minds, hearts and souls of teens who are brave enough to share their beliefs and experiences."
Kelly Donithan, age 15


     "What I read in these pages is lifesaving stuff. Not only is much of it astonishly good from a craft point of view, but it gives teenagers voice. In a culture where adolescents are often ignored or treated as second-class citizens, Teen Ink gives them a place to say loud and clear who they are."
Chris Crutcher author, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes & Whale Talk


     "Teen Ink is amazing. Finally a place that lets teens share their stories with other teens. This book lets teens know that they are not alone and there are others that are out there feeling the same way. I really loved reading all the different stories, some made me laugh, some made me sniffle but all made me feel I was not alone through those painful years. "
Elizabeth Miller contributor, Teen Ink: Our Voices, Our Visions


     "If you want truth, open up Teen Ink and let the teens speak for themselves. This book is an original, honest and refreshingly un-cheesy approach to łkeeping it real.˛ Teenagers are infinitely more savvy, insightful, sensitive and talented than given credit for. Teen Ink gives them a much needed opportunity to set the record straight. Let's face it, the American teenager is nearly impossible to understand ­ unless, of course, you're an American teenager. "
Sarah Brennan writer of TEENREADS.com


     "In our society, we spend a great deal of energy talking "about" and "at" teenagers. The voice that is often missing is that of the teenagers. [Teen Ink] offers a poignant selection of teen voices speaking for themselves. These eloquent writings offer insight into the challenges, losses and changes of teenagers lives. Teen Ink can help us all gain a better understanding of young people."
Alvin F. Poussaint, MD Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Judge Baker Children's Center, Boston, MA


     "I believe The 21st Century (now Teen Ink) is one of the most exciting and promising educational ventures to come along in a long time ... [Teen Ink] is helping America's new generation learn the skills and wonders of incisive reading and writing. In this video age, there is a danger that young people will not learn to appreciate the value of the written word, and that would be a tragic thing, because no matter how high-tech America becomes, we will be a low-tech nation if our people cannot read and write."
Joe Lieberman, U.S. Senator, CT


     "No adult reader can remain untouched by the drama in teens' lives; their writings provoke our compassion and insight. Teens themselves will savor every word from compatriots who so eloquently tell the truth, leaving no young reader alone. All these short pieces are smooth and succinct; a few emerge as works of art."
Cathi Dunn MacRae, editor, Voices of Youth Advocates


     "Teen Ink invites young authors to write down and share their ideas, beliefs, feelings and aspirations. At a time of technological upheaval, this seemingly traditional practice may constitute the most radical innovation."
Howard Gardner author and professor, Harvard University Graduate School of Education


     "You don't need to be a teenager to benefit from the passion and intelligence flowing from these prose, poetry, and artwork in this inspiring collection."
ParentingTeens.com


     "Teens will read the book cover-to-cover at one sitting because they won't be able to put it down. I recommend it to parents and teachers as a mightily effective way to recapture a vision of the world from a teen perspective."
Sara Hoaglund Hunter parent and author, The Unbreakable Code


     "Finally a book that touches and inspires teens to write to their full potential. A great piece of work that no one should miss. "
Jason Laird, age 14


     "Much of the writing ... hits readers in the gut with powerful prose."
Jeanne Albanese columnist, Syracuse Herald Journal


     "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."
Amy Barry, The Sound (Madison, CT)


     "Teen Ink provides a unique look into the challenges and passions of teens. I am especially impressed when a book can fully engage my teenage son and compete so successfully with his beloved computer games."
Victoria Sutherland publisher, ForeWord


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