This document contains two short fictional stories about teenagers who sometimes feel awkward, confused, or lonely. In the first story, a Latino boy is insecure about how he appears to other people. In the second story, an African American girl feels sad and lonely sometimes in spite of her popularity and good looks. In both stories, talking to someone who really listens helps the teenagers to feel good about themselves. Readers are encouraged to think about the stories and to answer a set of short questions at the end of each story. (NB)