An inspirational collection of stories about struggle and hope from 25 young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
 
All the rangatahi have written about a crisis or struggle they personally faced and what gave them the hope to endure and to pull through. The remarkable openness of their writing means that you will feel anger at the way some young people are treated and admiration for their honesty and courage. You will find their stories sobering, insightful, sensitive and very moving.
 
This book should be in every school library and is a must read for all youth. 
 
Edited by Steve Langley, with an introduction by youth health specialist Dr Sue Bagshaw, and a poem (to a young patient) and commentary by poet and Youth Clinic GP, Dr Glenn Colquhoun.
 
The profits from the sale of the book go to the new Youth Hub development in Christchurch and we are pleased to have sold nearly 900 copies so far.
 
Some comments about the book:
 
“I don’t believe I have ever chronologically worked through my journey like this before, nor shared it with those other than my close circle. I felt vulnerable, but the writing process was empowering for me. Such a powerful and meaningful project. I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
- Young writer
 
“English teachers will find this book to be a valuable resource, especially with student well-being at the forefront of many schools’ work at the moment.”
- Megan Taylor, Lecturer in Education, Teacher Training, UC
 
“I love it! The stories are amazing and powerful. I would like to order more copies.”
- Dr Simon Denny, Director of Mater Young Adult Health Centre, South Brisbane
 
“I am meant to be writing an exam but I started reading your book. I haven’t put it down yet. So powerful.”
- Tracy Clelland, Lecturer in Education, Health and Human Development, UC
 
“One of the best Young Adult books of 2019.”
- Christchurch Libraries