Anywhere but home

After running away from home and getting locked up, this teen finally got the help she needed.

My brother in Iraq

It was scary for Brandy, 17, not knowing if her brother was OK while he was serving in the war.

Tuned out

Chelsea, 15, felt bad that she’d stopped paying attention to the Iraq war, but it had become too depressing and hard to relate to.

You like them, now what?

L.A. Youth writers share their advice on dating and asking someone out.

My first date

Stacey, 13, remembers her first date was more awkward than she imagined, but she still had fun.

We talked about things I would usually talk about with friends: the latest gossip at school, grades and siblings. I felt that since he wasn’t talking enough I should talk more, which I did. When I caught him staring at me like I was an idiot, I asked him, “Am I talking too much?” “Yes, but that’s OK,” he said. I had a feeling he was nervous too.

Book reviews

L.A. Youth teen staffers recommend Eclipse and My Sister’s Keeper.

Alone again

After being dumped by his girlfriend, Daniel, 18, looks for comfort in U2, dance clubs and other girls. Reprinted from 1997.

CD reviews

L.A. Youth teen staffers give thumbs up to Mariah Carey, Lily Allen, Britney Spears, Daniel Powter and Jay-Z.