The 2012 data book explores how our kids have fared during the last decade--some outcomes are positive, some negative. But positive or negative outcomes for kids don't just happen. They are the inevitable results of effective or failed policy choices. The State of Texas Children 2012 combines data and policy to tell the story of Texas kids. It's time we learn from our past choices, positive and negative, so that we can shape a different story for our future. (Contains 78 endnotes.) [Additional funding for this paper was provided by Methodist Healthcare Ministries.]