By Muy Yam

Deborah Reber’s latest book, Challenges: Stories about Disses, Losses, Messes, Stresses & More is the latest installment in the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal series. Whoever said misery loves company must have had the popular teen series in mind, because Challenges empathizes with the trials and tribulations of young people during that notoriously awkward phase known as adolescence. The book is composed of poems, essays and short stories all submitted by teenage writers.

Reber graciously agreed to an interview with YouthNoise to talk about her new book and what role YN members have in social activism.

YN: For YN members interested in becoming published, what should they focus on in their writing?

Reber: I’m looking for writing from teens who can express themselves and an authenticity of experiences that other readers will connect with. To help me pick what’s working, I have other teens read what I have already narrowed down, and they evaluate them for me.

YN: Why do you think it’s important to have books dealing the complex issues surrounding teen experiences?

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Reber: I really think that it’s inspirational for teens to see their experiences reflected so they see they’re not alone. It’s something I still struggle with. I get so many letters from young people dealing with eating disorders and depression, teens who have gone through the same thing. From the feedback I’ve received, these teens find comfort in knowing that someone else has been faced with the same challenge.

YN: How did you hear about YouthNoise?

Reber: I found it when I was researching for my book. I thought, hey, this is really cool! I love the idea of connecting teens everywhere and understanding the plight of other people in the world.

YN: Are there any causes that you’re particularly passionate about?

Reber: They have to do with children, specifically in Darfur and Sudan. I have always been involved in issues of Africa. I did a documentary in the early 90s called Seven Days In Somalia and campaigned for children’s rights with UNICEF.

YN: What can YN members do to contribute to the pro-social movement?

Reber: I think that taking action and caring about other people is the best thing we can do. I think that anytime an organization is connecting people all over the world, I want to make sure that teens are being encouraged to be aware of what’s happening. I’ve always wanted them to have some stake of responsibility and be knowledgeable to what we can do to make an impact and what we need to do. I guess you could say that I’ve always wanted to save the world and I still do.

		• Buy Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: The Real Deal: Challenges: Stories about Disses, Losses, Messes, Stresses, & More • Learn more about Deborah Reber • Read Excerpts