about

An experienced educator shares the awakenings, longings, joy, and despair of young hears and minds revealed in sparkling strands of poetry and prose. 

From abandonment by a parent to boy/girl relationships to thoughts on love, sports, and life’s unanswered questions...the writings of young people are showcased as they try to make sense of their worlds. 

Read revealing stories from students in a junior-high classroom of a veteran language ars teacher of thiry-three years. See how the interaction of a caring adult can positively inluence young lives. Be inspired by teaching tips, lessons on the nature of language, and successful teaching strategies that empower students to become independent learners. 

This treasure trove of junior-high student voices will awaken the feelings of what it is like to be young and will give a window into young minds. Educators, parents, and grandparents will ind a window into young minds and ways to help children “deal with their lives in a healthy and accepting way.” 

Lori DeJong has a BA and a teaching credential from California State University Stanislaus and an MA in school administration from St. Mary’s University. A language ars teacher for thirythree years, she specialized in teaching all aspects of writing to junior-high students and consulted in staf development training on practical language ars strategies. As a Christian teacher in a public classroom, she trained children to live an upright life despite their circumstances. Her own two children grown, she counts it a great blessing to have been a par of students’ lives for one or two years.