YCteen publishes true stories by teens, giving readers insight into the issues that matter most in young people's lives.
| What's New |
|---|
 Youth Communication seeks YCteen editor/program manager
 YCteen writer wins at 2013 Ippies Awards
 New books by Youth Communication published by Free Spirit
|
STORE
SUBSCRIBE
|
LESSON PLANS
FROM THE AUTHOR |
|---|
|
Behind the Scenes: Teen writers describe what it's like to work at YCteen.
|
| WATCH MORE VIDEOS |
|---|
Arts/culture (30 found)
Note: These stories are from YCteen and its sister publication, Represent, which is written by and for youth in foster care.
A play written and performed by youth in foster care reveals the real-life drama of many teens. (full text)
Jorge’s guitar helps him explore different kinds of music and express himself when he feels misunderstood by the world. (full text)
Playing the piano is an escape from the pressure Linda puts on herself to be a perfect student. When her constant self-criticism starts affecting her music, she realizes she needs to ease up on herself. (full text)
Emmanuel is intimidated by the competition at his first speech tournament. When he makes the judges laugh, he realizes that acting confident is part of a winning strategy. (full text)
In his book "I Don’t Wish Nobody to Have a Life Like Mine: Tales of Kids in Adult Lockup," David Chura, a former English teacher at the Westchester County jail, shows how the juvenile justice system, instead of rehabilitating traumatized teens, treats them inhumanely. (full text)
Brendy knows almost nothing about Frederick Douglass until he attends a play about him. Learning about the ex-slave turned civil rights activist inspires Brendy not only to finish college, but to someday work for social change in his community. (full text)
Paula Giddings' book describes black women's integral role in both the civil rights and feminist movements. (full text)
Music has helped Otis survive tough times. Each phase of life brings a new favorite band, and a different group of people to connect with. (full text)
Jonathan keeps his opera singing a secret from his friends, for fear he won’t be thought of as “manly.” (full text)
When she joins her school's Gospel chorus, Suzy is upset to find that most of her peers don't share her dedication. Eventually, she comes to see her hard work in a different light.
Ravyn credits a school trip to France with inspiring her to travel internationally and "think big" about her future.
Kaela reviews Brother I’m Dying, an account by the writer Edwidge Danticat of growing up in Haiti and the United States, and the tragic death of her uncle while in the custody of U.S. immigration officials.
Dina connects deeply with her father through their mutual love of music, and she continues that passion after he dies.
Positive peer pressure convinces Jill to audition for her school’s dance company.
As a girl in Haiti, Raelle loves to express herself through dance. She finds new ways of doing so after moving to America.
Anghela finds a new appreciation for her country’s traditional music and dance.
As a young girl, Olga goes to a music teacher who tells her she won't be able to play the piano or sing because she doesn't have any talent. Partly to prove the teacher wrong, Olga goes on to play the piano well, developing skills she uses in other parts of her life.
Priscilla learns about Chinese-American history at a special museum.
Learning to play the bass not only shows Stephanie that hip-hop isn't the only music worth listening to, but also that hard work and practice can pay off in extraordinary ways.
Allen finally gets up the nerve to go to an alternative music club, where he experiences the rough and tumble of slammin' in the mosh pit.
Allen attends a workshop for rap writers and performers, learns to improve his stage presence, and has to perform in front of a crowd as part of his "graduation."
Through internships, including one at an art museum, Lyn gains work experience and learns how to speak up for herself in the office.
At first, M. Joe is bummed out about having to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art on a weekend to write a school report. But with the help of an arts-loving girl he encounters there, he comes to appreciate the Egyptian exhibits and Dali's melting watches.
Otis channels his feelings of powerlessness and rage into a writing persona he calls the Crippled Enigma.
Destiny takes photos, writes, and wants to build a life as an artist. She describes her strategies for staying creative while also earning money. (full text)
The music of Kamaal's favorite R&B artist, Musiq Soulchild, connects him with his father, his better self, and a cool, smart girl. (full text)
Miguel starts writing to express his pain, and ends up making money by selling his poems.
Charlene is only 6 when she wins a dance competition, and from that point on she studies and performs everything from hip-hop to ballet. Charlene encourages young people to discover their creative talents and use them to the fullest.
Shaniqua starts writing poetry at an early age but the thought of reading it in public scares her. When she notices a cafe that holds readings, she signs up, overcomes her fears, and wins the audience over with her performance. (full text)
| For Teens |
|---|
| Writing Contest Teens: Write For Us |
| STORE | SUBSCRIBE | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | PERMISSIONS | PRIVACY |
| Copyright © 2013 - Youth Communication - 224 W. 29th St. - New York, NY 10001 - Ph: 212-279-0708 - FAX: 212-279-8856 |