LOUDER THAN WORDS
Debbie created and edited this first-ever series of teen-authored memoirs, for HCI Books. Written by teens for teens, this breakthrough series gave talented teen writers a voice and an opportunity to share their experiences and unique stories in a powerful, authentic way.
As told through compelling prose, poetry, and journal entries, Louder Than Words memoirs not only acknowledge and celebrate the teen experience—they empower girls everywhere and are sure to spark a new generation of writers.
Alexis: My True Story of Being Seduced By An Online Predator
A six-word instant message changed Alexis forever.
“Not much about that first online conversation we had sticks out in my head except for his surprising interest in me. I probably would have forgotten about it if it weren’t for that. I would have dismissed him as just another creep.”
Chelsey: My True Story of Murder, Loss, and Starting Over
Chelsey was dealt the unthinkable.
“Dad’s coming home tomorrow morning, I wanted to snap at them. I don’t know what you’re all talking about. Even so, I felt the world around me begin to slip away, my vision swimming as lightness filled my head. I couldn’t stand…I couldn’t think. Part of me, somewhere, knew that it was true.”
Emily: My True Story of Chronic Illness and Missing Out on Line
Emily’s the sick one…all of the time.
“I want a normal life for a teenager. I want to ache from a long day at work. I want to be so busy that I don’t have time to post on my blog. I want to run the race of my life instead of being pushed along it in a wheelchair. I want to be on the ride of my life, you know?”
Hannah: My True Story of Drugs, Cutting, and Mental Illness
Hannah is a girl interrupted.
“The psych ward is where you go to get from fragile to shattered. It’s like taking your car to get washed and getting your windshield broken in the process.”
Marni: My True Story of Stress, Hair Pulling, and Other Obsessions
Marni pulls. Pulls her hair, that is.
“When I stared at the mirror and tried to recognize the girl without eyebrows, eyelashes, and bangs as myself and failed, I knew something had gone horribly wrong.”
Rae: My True Story of Fear, Anxiety, and Social Phobia
Rae is beyond socially awkward.
“It’s a game of Catch-22 I play with myself. If I keep acting normal, I hope one day I will be, but every time I try, I just let myself down. I’m so entirely sick of this game.”