*culture is not optional

I am a nerd

by Bill Boerman-Cornell

On the freedom of claiming an identity that's not cool.

A graceful childhood

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

A mental journey through the school years prompts gratitude for intangible gifts.

An un-quiet existence

by Denise Frame Harlan

What a quiet kid learned about identity and parenting from her own small town upbringing.

Bombardment

by Michelle Van Loon

The emotional and spiritual education of gym class.

Classic noir goes to high school

by Josh Hurst

A review of the film Brick.

Untitled

by Jeremy Huggins

The other side of the bridge, or ?2 Good 2 Be 4 Gotten?

by Amy Maczuzak

A high school reunion inspires reflection about change and growing up.

Setting the feet on the pathway

by Amy Carpenter Leugs

A parent chooses a unique form of education to help her sons develop a sense of "self."

Himalayan idyll

by Neil E. Das

A meditation on the serious business of being a child.

Andrew Bird's The Mysterious Production of Eggs

Righteous Babe Records

Listen to the entire album, including this issue's inspiration, "Measuring Cups".

Crooked little faith

Sojourner's Magazine

Kimberly Burge writes about the questions, insecurities and certainties of writer Anne Lammott.

I love you just the way you are

Center for Parent Youth Understanding

An article by Walt Mueller on the importance of loving insecure teens.