Summer 2010 Issue

Julia, 15, couldn’t imagine getting another dog after her first one died, but now she’s glad she did.

Teresa’s foster family gave her a stable home and a chance for a better future.

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Even though it’s hard work, Brian, 15, looks forward to learning a new show and hanging out with his friends.

Every summer 200 kids from my school come to band camp to learn a field show and rehearse and rehearse and rehearse. At its best a field show is a work of art. Take a 200-piece marching band and have them play three or four difficult songs. Now have them do it while marching in different formations. The music, steps, instrument direction and placement all have to be synchronized. Add in a color guard that throws, twists and spins sabers and flags. Throw in performance theatricals such as poses or chants, and you have some idea of the difficulty of a field show.

Our teen staff recommend some of their favorite restaurants.

L.A. Youth writers react to a judge’s decision that strikes down the ban on same-sex marriage.

Chelsea, 17, was nervous when she started volunteering at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, but she has grown to love teaching visitors about the unusual plants and animals.

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Leslie, 17, wishes she could spend every summer in the country where her family is from because she feels so at home there.

Eat, Pray, Love, All-American Girl, Pretty Dead, The Brothers Karamazov.