| I had an OK time in high school, but I remember thinking that there were a lot of kids who didn’t, who kept to themselves, never letting on how depressed they actually were.
Now, junior high is another story, and I’d tear down that school if I could. Which goes to show how deeply our adolescent experiences affect and shape us. They provide our first taste of coming adult relationships and their joy, anger and pettiness.
With all of the media attention on teen violence and depression, many kids feel that they’re being misrepresented and their own voices ignored.
Three local teens from Lord Beaverbrook High School – Jessica Boone, Amanda Fayter and Jenn McIntyre – set out to let teens speak for themselves with the publication of Living in Reality: Teen Reflections on Depression.
The book is a collection of tips, poetry, anecdotes and art. It’s both blunt and honest, reflective of the fumbling beauty kids can create when they’re given a chance. The encouragement came from author and teacher Dale Wallace and his company, Tiberious Publishing.
Originally, Wallace himself had the idea of publishing a book by teens on teen depression. "When I went to the principal with the idea, she said ‘You should talk to these three kids writing this book,’" he says.
Wallace, who teaches an English course that offers practical information about the publishing industry, took the manuscript to his students and edited it. The book’s initial run has been strong, with its availability at independent bookstores like McNally Robinson and ISBN number (making it available in libraries) adding to the exposure.
"It’s important for any student to find a support system," says Wallace. "What is so important is how honest this book is – the kids are very open. One student’s dad was at the book launch and gave a copy to his son. He said, ‘Dad, this is exactly how I feel.’"
Wallace’s creative writing and publishing class curriculum was recently approved, offering other students guidance into pursuing a career in writing. It’s worked already, with students Boone, Fayter and McIntyre active in readings and promotion for the book – their first publishing success.
The flywheel reading series returns Thursday, August 10 at 7 p.m. at McNally Robinson with readings by Drew Creighton, Monique Fournier, Natalie Simpson and a mystery guest. On Tuesday, August 15 at 7 p.m. at McNally Robinson, author Judy Powell reads from her new romance novel, Hot Summer.
WordFest has also announced another author coming for this year’s festival, bestselling Oprah fave Jane Hamilton (A Map of the World). And the finalists for the BookTelevision, Chapters-Indigo 3-Day Novel Writing Contest have been announced, including local authors Ali Riley (Tear Down), Catherine Ford (Against the Grain) and Felicia Pacentrilli. The event starts on September 1 at a Chapters bookstore in Edmonton. |
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