I like many genres when it comes to reading, but I absolutely love young adult literature. Huck Finn was the first literary character I ever felt a connection with. Since then I have loved to read about the resiliency of children and the adversities they face. My favorite short story is The Body, by Stephen King. My two favorite books are The Great Santini and The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy, My favorite recent book is The Book Thief by Markus Zusack. These authors capture the essence of childhood and explore the delicate balance of friendship and family life. I have spent many years dealing with the youth of our country. I am an adolescent counselor and youth advocate. I see on a daily basis the issues that our children have to deal with. Bullying, peer pressure, drugs, cliques, divorce, technology, incest, abuse, neglect, are just some of the current problems that children and young adults encounter every day. The ability to navigate through this minefield and still make it through school is what makes surviving adolescents so special.