KidSpirit (http://kidspiritonline.com), the award-winning online magazine and social networking site for 11- to 17-year-olds, launches its summer issue today. The Stranger features articles, poems, and artwork from young people around the world. This issue probes the myriad responses we have about those we don’t know. Why are we prone to xenophobia? At what point is someone no longer considered a stranger? And perhaps the most important question of all—are we strangers to ourselves? KidSpirit contributors from around the world grapple with these questions and more. One contributor from New Zealand, a young novelist, writes about the process of getting into the mind of his main character, a blind man. A teen from Pakistan describes a harrowing experience of violence, pondering how poverty affects his entire society, not only the impoverished. Another contributor writes about coming to terms with her immigrant parents and her identity as a first-generation American. The Media department features an assessment of An Na’s moving novel A Step from Heaven, a coming-of-age story about a young Asian American woman.
Every KidSpirit issue revolves around a Big Question that the all-youth Editorial Board sees as central to the topic. This quarter, they ask: When is it important to preserve boundaries? In addressing the question, frequent contributor Gracie Griffin draws upon her experiences growing up in rural Maine and exploring the world outside of her comfort zone.
Feature articles released later in the quarter will explore how social media is changing our perception of strangers, and offer insight into how immigration can create a sense of estrangement and connection within families. The Media department will include a review of Brown Girl Dreaming, and the Awesome Moments section will feature a reminiscence about a beloved summer vacation spot. Two new Interfaith Connections pieces will offer additional perspectives on the theme.
In the PerSpectives section—the only part of the magazine authored by adults—readers will hear from the Interfaith Amigos, a trio comprised of an imam, a rabbi, and a pastor, who joined together after September 11th. They have co-authored several books about interfaith dialogue that “bring a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and humor” to readers. The Amigos also regularly appear on television and radio, and were featured on a popular TEDx talk.
KidSpirit is a unique forum for young people to explore life’s big questions in an open spirit. This new issue features compelling writing, artwork, and poetry on a critical topic from kids around the world. For interviews and further information, contact Jessie Post at the information above.