fined as I studied them, in person and on paper, in an even sharper light.
Their goofiness became the subject of study, and when I began to fa-
miliarize myself with the works of eminent psychologists like Erikson,
Kohlberg, Maslow, and Rogers, I began to realize that the "inherent
craziness" of teenagers is just a manifestation of their search for them-
selves. Their struggle to define who they are and to bring forth their true
identities became, for me, a fascinating journey toward understanding
not only them, but myself.

As every parent knows, the teenage years are not an easy time. Dating,
driving, and drinking (or not drinking) become the hallmarks of every
family's discussions, and the "do's and don'ts" of proper behavior and
decorum underlie a teenager's every move. Parents fret that they have
not done enough to ensure their child's growth and success; teachers
worry that they are not preparing their students for their next grade or
career move; and teenagers agonize over every step because, for them,
every step is their first step. The first time they kiss someone good night,
or maybe hello. The first time they take the steering wheel of a car and
leave the driveway. The first time they encounter religious or racial hos-
tility and are left confused and angry. The first time they realize that
their weight or height might make a difference in their appearance and
they struggle to perfect themselves, or maybe hide. The first time they
turn their back on their parents, asserting their own independence and
their right to say no. The first time they feel totally different from their
peers and look for some group or peer to lead the way. And the first
time they shout from the rooftop of their souls, "I am different. I am
me!"

As a theater major, I am aware of how important dramatics can be in
teenagers' lives: the clothing they wear; the makeup they apply; the
sayings they echo; the stance they take; the anger they express; the emo-
tions they write; the pain they feel. All these things are manifestations
of their search for who they really are, apart from parents, siblings, and
friends, and their sincere, if often ill-fated, attempt to become who they
hope to be. The quest is often painful and tortured, and not one any adult
would care to repeat, but it is something we all must endure. Yet, how
better to endure this pain than with a friend, and often, this friend can
be a book.

This volume is designed for educators, therapists, parents, and others
who want to know more about kids and growing up. The idea is to pair

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