The essays are neatly divided by themes, though none of the stories is that neatly categorized. Essays focus on problems as common as peer pressure or moving to a new school to problems as uncommon as the worries of a normal-sized boy born to dwarf parents. Stories of kids dealing with death, racism, alcohol and drug abuse. Stories of self-esteem issues related to body image and learning disabilities. All the hot-button issues are covered.
Some kids get help.
Others help themselves. Each story, heartbreaking or hopeful, is inspiring. And each story proves the resiliency and the courage that kids are able to summon when faced with obstacles. It is, after all, possible to overcome the worst that life can deal. Just before school let out, me and my dad started fist fighting.