101 Stories of Changes, Choices and Growing Up for Kids Ages 9-13 Read online

  Thanks to the staff of Mark Victor Hansen’s office: Lisa Williams, Michelle Adams, Laurie Hartman, Laura Rush, Paula Childers, Tanya Jones, Kristi Knoppe, Tracy Smith, Dave Coleman, Faith Fuata and Shanna Vieyra—whenever we’ve needed any of you, you’ve been there for us. Also, to John Creech for keeping our computers working.

  We thank The Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Illustrators for the numerous great stories that were submitted in response to our call.

  We thank the management of our celebrity authors for all the coordination and communication that you endured through the production of this book: Lizza Morales on behalf of Beverley Mitchell; Melinda Bell of Wright Entertainment on behalf of *NSYNC; Dwight Manley, Vicky and Sylvia at United Sports Agency on behalf of Karl Malone; Dan Levy on behalf of Mia Hamm; and Stephanie Hamm for her willingness to go the extra mile.

  We also wish to thank the following people for their ongoing support: Peter Vegso at Health Communications, Inc., for recognizing the value of our books from the beginning and for getting them into the hands of millions of readers; Patty Aubery, head of production for Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises, Inc., who has always looked out for us with love and support; Nancy Mitchell, Leslie Riskin, Heather McNamara, Veronica Romero, Robin Yerian, Teresa Esparza, Michelle Kiser, Cindy Holland and D’ette Corona at Self-Esteem, Inc., and Deborah Hatchell for keeping things running with a level head and a professionalism that we all very much appreciate.

  Christine Belleris and Allison Janse, our editors at Health Communications, Inc., for their meticulous efforts in bringing this book to its high state of excellence and their kind demeanors, which are so appreciated in the midst of frantic deadlines and production schedules, and Randee Feldman, Chicken Soup for the Soul manager at Health Communications, Inc., for her masterful coordination and support of all the Chicken Soup projects.

  To Terry Burke, Kim Weiss and Kelly Johnson Maragni for their sales, marketing and publicity efforts.

  Thanks to Laine Latimer, “Queen of Publicity,” at the Latimer Group for spreading the news about Preteen Soul as far and wide as possible. We love you.

  To Danny Cannizzaro for working so patiently and cooperatively with us on the cover design of this book. You are an extremely talented artist with a very promising career. To Nancy Melbourne at Orange County High School of the Arts, who worked with our stringent deadline with a heart that is all about bringing positive opportunities and experiences to her students.

  Most importantly, we wish to acknowledge the thousands of kids, teachers, writers and others who sent stories, poems and quotes for possible inclusion in Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul. While we were not able to use everything you sent in, we were deeply touched by your heartfelt intention to share your stories with our readers and us.

  And finally, to all the kids who took the time to write to us and tell us how much Kid’s Soul meant to you and for your requests for this follow-up book, we sincerely thank you for your love and encouragement.

  Because of the size of this project, we may have left out the names of some people who have helped us along the way. If so, we are sorry. Please know that we truly do appreciate all of you very much.

  Introduction

  At a certain time, between the ages of nine and twelve, experiences seem to be extra hard. It’s like being half into dolls and half into makeup. For girls, every little thing you say seems to make us cry—most of all, comments about clothes, boys and weight. The boys I know try to hide their feelings, but they seem to have most of the same problems. I am eleven years old, and I have nearly all of these troubles. When I try to be grown-up, people tell me I’m too young. When I do something wrong, people tell me to grow up. I don’t understand. I guess we’re always going to be too big for some things, and too young for others. That’s just how the world is. Relax, it’s just your preteen years.

  Michelle Richard

  The preteen years are the true age of personal empowerment—old enough to move, shake and change the world and too young to be caught up in the belief that it can’t be done.

  At the same time, the onset of puberty creates mood swings, hormone surges and a growing interest in the opposite gender. While you are facing these physical and emotional changes, events like divorce, changing friendships, permanent loss due to the death of a loved one, and moving or having a close friend move can be extra difficult during these already challenging years.

  In addition to all of these issues, you are also filled with questions—questions about your place in the world, your beliefs, who you are and how you fit in to the greater scheme of things, as this poem written by Megan Brown, age twelve, addresses:

  Sometimes I wonder if we all see the same colors.

  Or if someone is colorblind and they just don’t know it!

  What’s beyond our universe?

  I wonder if there are other worlds.

  Is there a heaven? I know there is, but . . . really is there?

  I wonder if when we sleep,

  Our dreams are actual places we are going to.

  I think we may be living in someone’s dream right now.

  I think that mirrors lie.

  What are we?

  Since the publication of Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul in 1998, we have received thousands of letters from kids all over the world who read and loved our book. You shared with us the joys and sorrows of your lives, how our book had touched you in some way, and an overwhelming amount of gratitude to us for creating a book where you could turn for support.

  For the most part, you referred to yourselves as preteens:

  I’m twelve years old, and in my opinion, it’s one of the toughest times in anyone’s life. We are just at the age when we’re no longer kids, but not yet teenagers. We want to have rights and responsibilities, and yet we’re not ready to accept the roles of adults. At times, we want to be grown-up. But, at others, we want to be a two-year-old again, without any worries other than when we’re going to have to take a nap! Some may consider thirteen to be the age of a teenager, but I personally think we’re still preteens until about the age of fourteen. So for all those preteens out there, who are going through the same mood swings, feelings and thoughts, who are struggling to push into the role of a teenager— enjoy every millisecond of your life, and don’t grow up too fast. And remember, you’re NOT alone.

  Aubrey Nighswander, twelve

  And requests such as this came in:

  I am a young reader of your books. I really like them. But I have noticed that you do not have Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul. I am eleven years old and the kid’s version seems too young for me, while the teenager’s book is too old for me. I would really like to see a book for kids ten to twelve on the bookshelves. I’m sure other kids my age who have read your books feel the same way I do.

  Kristi Lafree, eleven

  Even though this sequel to Kid’s Soul was intended for readers between the age of nine and thirteen, we now realize that you simply think of yourselves as not really kids, but not yet teenagers. As a result, A Second Helping of Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul was renamed Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul.

  Some issues that were addressed in Kid’s Soul are looked at from another angle in Preteen Soul, plus stories that touch on other issues such as the growing need to resolve the threat of violence, both on our school campuses and our world in general.

  Within our book, we have included many different hotline numbers and Websites to give you information and support about issues that may trouble you and to help you begin the healing process that you might desperately need.

  May the stories, introductions and quotes from our contributing and celebrity authors who took the time and effort to inspire you be blessings to you.

  Should you feel alone and have no one to confide in, may there be stories that comfort you and show you that you are not alone.

  If a friend turns away and betrays you, may you see that you are deserving of a friend who is loyal an
d kind, and may you find that friend.

  Should your grandparent, parent or friend depart this world for good, may you find a way to always celebrate their lives and hold on to the best that they gave.

  If someone teases or criticizes you, may you truly believe they are the ones who have the problem, not you.

  May at least one story inspire you to connect with the creativity and determination that you will need to make your dreams come true.

  You are unique and wonderfully created to contribute to and be a celebrated part of this world. Grab it and run with it. Make this world a better place than it was when you came into it. Laugh often. Love and be loved. Enjoy your preteen years. They go by in a flash.

  Above all, be blessed.

  Share with Us

  We would like to know how these stories affected you and which ones were your favorites. Please write to us and let us know.

  Also, you may send nonfiction stories and poems that you have written, or ones that you have read and would like to be considered for future books.

  Send submissions to:

  LifeWriters

  Attn: Patty Hansen and Irene Dunlap

  P.O. Box 10879

  Costa Mesa, CA 92627

  Send e-mail to [email protected]

  Visit our Website at www.chickensoup.com

  or www.PreteenPlanet.com

  1

  ACHIEVING

  DREAMS

  If it were all up to me

  The poor would have riches

  And the blind man would see

  The hungry would eat

  And the weak would be strong

  And the people with hatred would all get along

  The ones who are greedy would start to share

  And unfriendly people would start to care

  The thirsty would drink

  And the deaf person hear

  And sorrow and sadness would all disappear

  And that is how the world would be

  If it were all up to me.

  Sara Alfano, eleven

  Where in the World Is Carmen?

  My mother always told me, “Seize the moment of excited curiosity.” In other words, go for it.

  Michael Thomas

  What can you learn from a teddy bear, a little bit of stuffed fluff that can’t talk? One summer, my oldest daughter and the rest of our family learned a lot.

  We had seen a program on television about a reporter who had hitchhiked across America. My daughter Ashley’s first comment was, “I wish I could do that!” Of course, as far as my ten-year-old hitchhiking across America—that wasn’t going to happen. But I wanted to encourage that spirit of adventure in her just the same.

  Three years earlier, Ashley had been diagnosed with cancer. Ever since her surgery, she was shy and distrustful of new situations and new people. Although she is cancer-free now, the tests and scary procedures had made her reluctant to take risks or to venture outside her known world. I began trying to think of a way for her to “hitchhike” across the country without leaving home. That’s how Carmen was born.

  Carmen is a teddy bear that Ashley had received as a gift while she was in the hospital. We decided that sending Carmen in Ashley’s place was a good compromise. So we purchased a notebook to serve as a travel journal and a bag for Carmen to travel in, and Carmen was ready to begin her trip. Ashley wrote this letter in Carmen’s journal:

  My name is Ashley and I am ten years old. One time on TV, I saw this story about how these kids sent a bear on a trip on a plane. Then I saw another story about how this reporter guy walked across America. Well, we don’t live very close to a big airport, and Dad and Mom won’t let me walk across America. Carmen can’t walk, so will you please help her?

  This is my bear, Carmen. She is a special bear. I got her when I had to go to the hospital. She wants to go to all fifty states if she can. But, she will need your help. (Maybe she can even go to Disneyland.) Mom says we can’t go until she won’t have to carry my little sister. Please let her ride with you and keep her safe. Tell her about yourself so she won’t be lonely. I will miss her. So please take very good care of her. I let her wear my guardian angel pin to help keep her safe.

  Write a little about yourself and then introduce her to someone new. She wants to meet as many new people as she can. If you keep her for more than one day, please try to write in the journal every day. Where are you going? Where did you pick Carmen up? Which roads did you take? Where are you from? How old are you? Do you have kids? Do you have sisters? I do and sometimes I don’t like them. (Mom says I can’t say “hate,” but I can say that I don’t like them, and some times I don’t like them a lot!)

  I think by about September she will be ready to come home. In her coin purse is $5.00. Please put her in a nice sturdy box with her journal and bag and send her to Sac City State Bank, Attention: Caretaker of Carmen Bear.

  Someone there will keep her safe for me until I can pick her up. If you would like to hear from Carmen after she gets home, please leave your address in her notebook and we will send you a note and let you know when she gets home safely.

  Thank you for taking care of Carmen, and thank you for taking the time to write in her notebook.

  Your new friends,

  Carmen and Ashley

  Our family friend is a highway patrol officer. We asked him if he would be willing to start Carmen on her trip by taking her on his route for a day. That afternoon, he spotted a driver from out of state that wasn’t wearing a safety belt. After pulling her over and letting her off with only a warning, Phil asked the driver to take Carmen on the next part of her journey. Naturally, she agreed. That’s how Carmen began her tour of the United States.

  Summer passed with a flurry of activities, family vacations, visiting grandparents and summer fun. Each day Ashley would ask if any packages had come for her. Each day the answer was, “Not today, Ash.” By the middle of September we thought that the chances of Carmen returning home were slim.

  Then on September 24, Carmen came home in a ten-inch-square box that had a postmark from Hawaii! The box was packed with mementos of all of the wonderful places and people that Carmen had met. A straw hat from Wisconsin, to keep the sun out of her eyes. An Indian beaded necklace from Cherokee, Oklahoma. An autograph from Mickey Mouse when she went to Disneyland. A picture of her celebrating the Fourth of July in St. Louis. Another picture of her floating in a swimming pool “catching some rays” while she was in Arizona. Carmen made it to sixteen states, including Hawaii. Not too bad for five months of travel!

  But Carmen came back with much more than just “things.” She came back with friends whom a ten-year-old living in rural Iowa wouldn’t have had a chance to meet. Ashley wrote letters to all of the people who helped Carmen along in her travels. She thanked every one of them for their help and friendship to Carmen and her.

  Pretty soon, word traveled around our small community about the traveling bear, and Ashley was asked to give a program about Carmen to a group of over one hundred people. Ashley ended her talk by saying, “Be kind to traveling bears! And if you need a traveling companion, let me know because Carmen still has thirty-four more states to go!”

  Since Ashley’s presentation, Carmen has become a world traveler. Once again, we are awaiting her return. She was expected home some time ago, and we very much hope to see her again.

  I never would have dreamed that a little bit of stuffed fluff could have taught so many things: patience to see what things can happen if we are just willing to wait, the ability to imagine what wonderful things might happen, courage to take the chance and allow those things to happen, and faith to believe in people and in the goodness in their hearts.

  My favorite part of the story? After reading the journal, looking at the pictures and tracing the roads that Carmen had traveled, I opened the zippered coin purse that Ashley had sent with Carmen. Inside, folded in half, was the five-dollar bill that Carmen had left with five months ago.

  Marieta I
rwin

  Trash Bags Are for Trash

  What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?

  George Eliot

  I walked through the den on my way to get ready for bed and looked once again at the amazing mountain of duffel bags. Each bag had a stuffed animal, a luggage tag and a note from me inside of it. The pile of bags went from floor to ceiling, more than five thousand bags, enough for each and every foster-care kid in three states. My dream was coming true—big time.

  After I went to bed, right before I went to sleep, I closed my eyes and thought back to when it all started . . . when I got the idea for my dream. . . .

  I had been in second grade when I went with my two brothers and my parents to Paris, France. My brothers, Brock and Cory, and I had entered an essay contest about what we were going to do to change the world to make it a better place to live. We won and were chosen as three of ten kids who would represent the United States at the Children’s World Summit. Nine hundred kids from around the world were chosen to meet with each other and talk about world issues. We exchanged ideas on solving the problems in our world today and had lots of fun during the days we were together.