Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul: 101 Stories of Courage, Hope and Laughter

by Jack Canfield

  Joseph Cantrell is a thirteen-year-old from Greenville, South Carolina. He likes surfing the Internet, baseball, fishing and biking. He has two sisters and one brother, with another on the way.

  Ben Carson, M.D., was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1951. Dr. Carson attributes his metamorphosis from an unmotivated ghetto youngster to one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world, to his mother, Sonya. Dr. Carson is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School. Presently director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Carson and his wife, Candy, and their three sons reside in West Friendship, Maryland.

  Vanessa Clayton is a fourteen-year-old who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she is a dedicated student and avid reader. She enjoys volunteering with children and food drives, playing basketball, tennis, skiing and playing the piano.

  Donna L. Clovis, a Columbia University Fellow in New York, is a storyteller, author and associate producer. She is also an ESL teacher at Princeton Schools in New Jersey. Storybook of Native American Wisdom is her fifth published book. Contact Donna at P.O. Box 741, Princeton Jct., NJ 08550.

  James Elwood Conner, Ed.D., has had numerous careers, including teacher, principal, college professor, college president, curriculum specialist, senior associate for education with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and governor’s speech writer. He is currently freelancing and ghostwriting.

  Meg W. Conner resides in North Carolina with her husband of fifty years. Meg is the author of the popular sourcebook Career Mentoring at Work. Meg is the recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Award and has been cited in World Who’s Who of Women.

  Elizabeth Cornish, age twelve, has recently been recognized as the top fifth-grade student in her school, winning awards in her district for writing. She enjoys performing arts in the areas of ballet and piano.

  Barbara McCutcheon Crawford, author and seasoned teacher, shares her experience in her current book, The Common Sense, Early-Childhood Classroom. She owns Jugtown Mountain School where she is the director and head teacher. For information about books and presentations, she can reached at 454 Mine Rd., Asbury, NJ, or by calling or faxing 908-537-4444.

  Jennifer Rhea Cross, age seventeen, plans to study journalism at the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. She enjoys spending time with her family, boyfriend, friends and dog. In order to help educate others, she is involved with hemophilia and AIDS organizations.

  Roald Dahl, novelist and writer of short stories and screenplays, was born in Llandaff, South Wales, in 1916. Mr. Dahl had a diverse and exciting life, which included exploring Newfoundland, being a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, working for the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., and then writing magazine stories and screenplays. Best known for his innovative and popular children’s literary masterpieces such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Boy, Roald Dahl died in 1990.

  Jason Damazo is a thirteen-year-old who lives in California. He enjoys playing the cello, reading, writing and playing percussion. Jason loves dogs and would like to see a wolf someday.

  Jesse Damazo is a fourteen-year-old who lives in Paradise, California. He is an avid reader and writes for a monthly editorial column in his local newspaper, The Paradise Post. Jesse enjoys music and plays the violin, piano and guitar.

  Harmony Davis is a fourteen-year-old who lives in California. She has been involved in creative activities since the age of three, including dance, theatrical productions, and writing plays and short stories.

  Jennifer Genereux Davis had her first poem published in 1996 and received an Editor’s Choice Award from The National Library of Poetry. Since then, she has had four poems published and hopes to continue with children’s books and short stories.

  Robert Diehl, age twelve, is an eighth-grader whose hobbies include playing lacrosse, football and basketball. He enjoys playing the drums in his school’s band, is a member of his church’s junior youth group and is an avid New York Giants fan.

  Dayle Ann Dodds has published eleven books, newspaper articles, poems and magazine stories for children. Her first picture book, Wheel Away! was number one on The San Francisco Chronicle’s bestsellers list. Dayle just completed another novel and her first full-length screenplay.

  Jereme Durkin is a nineteen-year-old student at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California. He plays basketball, bodysurfs and likes to make people laugh. Jereme loves writing poetry and is thankful for the encouragement of his family and friends.

  Travis Ebel, age fourteen, is from Battle Creek, Michigan, and maintains a 4.0 grade point average at St. Philip’s School and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. Travis likes sports and hopes to become a doctor or an architect.

  Adam Edelman, age thirteen, attends Bayside Middle School in Wisconsin. He enjoys reading and social studies and plays football and basketball. He would like to be a music or film critic.

  Aljon B. Farin is seven years old and goes to school in San Diego, California. His favorite subject is science. He has two sisters, one-year-old Jasmine Marie and thirteen-year-old Vanessa. After he does his homework, Aljon plays video games and watches sports.

  Robert J. Fern lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife, Suzanne and their daughter, Jill. He teaches psychology at the local community college and manages a counseling program for children. Robert may be reached at 311 West Straford Dr., Chandler, AZ 85224.

  Danielle Fishel discovered her love for acting by performing in community plays, and has been acting professionally since she was ten years old. Her first break in acting came when she landed a recurring role on the hit television show, Full House. Danielle joined the Boy Meets World cast in 1993 in the role of Topanga. She is excited to be a part of the Celebrity Sightings team, an on-line celebrity fan club which features exclusive photos, chats, give-aways, prizes, games and a fan club merchandise store. The site can be found at: HYPERLINK http://www.celebritysightings.com.

  Laksman Frank is a sixteen-year-old honor student at a private school in Sebastian, Florida. He loves sports, especially in-line skating, hockey and surfing. Laksman is a community volunteer for AIDS awareness.

  Amber Foy, age twelve, learned to write from her fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Maxner. She has been writing ever since and would like to thank Ms. Maxner for all her support.

  Judy Fuerst is a first-time author who usually works with paint rather than words. Her previous productions include newspaper art, murals, posters, textbook illustrations and two well-designed children.

  Judy M. Garty currently writes for a local newspaper, The West Bend Daily News. Her story in Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul is a tribute to her youngest brother who died in his sleep. Judy can be reached at 210 Oak St., Slinger, WI 53086-9366.

  Elizabeth A. Gilbert-Bono earned her master’s degrees in both business administration and education from Harvard University. She is now enjoying life with her husband, Mark, and their three children, Alexandra, Bryson and Blake.

  Candace Goldapper earned both a bachelor of arts and a master’s degree from Queen College in Flushing, New Jersey. She is a former social studies teacher who is now a freelance fiction writer for magazines.

  Lois E. Wooster Gopin is a bookkeeper, mother of three grown sons and grandmother of six small grandsons. She loves to paint and write children’s books. She also enjoys sailing with her husband.

  Louise R. Hamm is a former legal administrator who started writing seriously after retirement. Married for fifty-one years, Louise has three children and two grandchildren. Lou can be reached at 1003 E. Houston St., Garrett, IN 46738-1622.

  Cynthia M. Hamond (Cindy) lives in Monticello, Minnesota. She volunteers her time at St. Henry’s Church as a teacher, communion minister, lector and visitor to the homebound. She may be reached at 1021 W. River St., Monticello, MN 55362, by calling 612-295-5049, by faxing 612-295-3117, or via e-mail at candbh@aol.com.

  Candice Hanes i
s a ten-year-old student from Costa Mesa, California, who enjoys ballet, soccer and spending time with her friends. Candice enjoys writing stories and sometimes composes them on her computer.

  Melanie Hansen, age ten, is a fourth-grade student in Costa Mesa, California. She loves to write stories and poetry, and sing. She enjoys riding her horse, Shawnee Dancer, and in-line skating with her father, Mark.

  Jessica Harper finds enjoyment working, editing videos and going to church. She is seventeen-years-old and lives in a small town in Illinois with her mom, dad and three brothers.

  Patricia (Patty) Hathaway-Breed lives on the northern coast of California where she teaches art at her studio and at The College of Redwoods in Fort Bragg. Her hobbies include camping, playing music and listening to the sea with her husband. She may be reached at 32760 Simpson Ln., Fort Bragg, CA 95437.

  Debbie Herman is a special education teacher and author of children’s books. She enjoys sitting on the balcony of her fifth-floor apartment where she gets her writing inspiration. She may be reached by e-mail at dhermnm@netvision.net.il.

  Lillian Belinfante Herzberg developed an interest in writing while at Grossmont College in La Mesa, California, where she was published in their literary magazine. She has received awards in local contests for her short stories. Lillian and her husband are enjoying retirement by keeping busy going to the movies and live theatre.

  Darnell Hill is thirteen years old and would like to be an actor when he grows up. His favorite sports are basketball and football. He comes from a family of seven children—three boys and four girls.

  Jillian K. Hunt is a twenty-year-old who dreams of someday writing a novel and teaching second grade. For now, she is getting a head start as a pre-school teacher. Writing is Jillian’s source of relaxation and therapy.

  Charles Inglehart is a freshman at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon, where he participates in public speaking classes. He also enjoys music, outside activities and “hanging out” with friends.

  Kathy Ireland has appeared on countless magazine covers including Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, Seventeen and Shape. Her association with Sports Illustrated is legendary: thirteen years, three magazine covers, the magazine’s twenty-fifth and thirtieth anniversary shows, their 1992 swimsuit edition and the Sports Illustrated Class of ‘95. Kathy has always been involved with humane causes. Two of her most recent are Project Inform in San Francisco, which provides information on treatments for HIV/AIDS worldwide, and Athletes and Entertainers for Kids in Los Angeles, a national nonprofit youth-service organization which provides exposure to alternative life options for disadvantaged youth. Kathy lives in Southern California with her husband Greg, an emergency room physician, and their young son, Erik. Kathy and Greg enjoy a variety of sports, including snow skiing, hiking, mountain biking and especially scuba diving. Visit Kathy’s website at www.kathyireland.com.

  Diana L. James is a professional speaker and writer whose work has appeared in several national magazines. Before becoming a full-time writer/speaker, Diana produced and hosted her own television and radio interview programs.

  Lou Kassem was born in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and inherited a natural talent for storytelling. In 1984, she put her talent on paper by publishing the first of eleven novels. With four one-of-a-kind daughters, Lou enjoys writing for young people. She is now working on her twelfth novel.

  Christine Lavin has spent twenty years as a reporter and editor for newspapers, including The Burlington Free Press in Vermont and The San Francisco Chronicle. She may be reached at 701 Cleveland, Oakland, CA 94610, by calling 510-536-4529, or via e-mail: brooklyn@lanminds.com.

  Stephanie Lee is a twelve-year-old whose goal in life is to be a doctor. She enjoys writing poems and short stories, and finds inspiration at the beach and through her friends and family. Hermusical talents include playing the flute and the piano.

  David Levitt, age sixteen, is a tenth-grade student at Osceola High School in Seminole, Florida. His interests include drama, music and computer games. As the youngest volunteer for Tampa Bay Harvest (TBH), David delivers food donations and speaks to groups about the program.

  Damien Liermann, age fifteen, enjoys writing, especially when an important event occurs, because it gives him the opportunity to express his feelings in a non-physical way. Damien also likes to collect key chains, rocks and dead insects. His favorite hobby is collecting music.

  Ellie Logan is ten years old and participates in basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis and horseback riding. Ellie has two dogs, two cats and a bird. She would like to thank her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Arnold, for encouraging her to write a story for Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul.

  Karen Beth Luckett is a freelance writer of children’s stories and writes primarily for magazines. She is currently working on picture books and collections of short stories.

  Dandi DaleyMackall has been writing professionally since 1978. She has published over 150 books for children and 27 books for adults, such as The Princess and the Pea, Picture Me Goldilocks, and Town and Country Mouse, as well as storybooks on The Flintstones, Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear and The Jetsons. Her newest eleven-book series, Puzzle Club Mysteries, will be animated by Hanna Barbera and aired nationally on television. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, and her three children, Jenny, Katy and Danny— along with two horses, a dog, a cat and a rabbit.

  James Malinchak, is the author of Teenagers Tips for Success and a dynamic public speaker. He is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. You may contact James at P.O. Box 32, Monessen, PA 15062, by calling 888-793-1196, via e-mail at JamesMal@aol.com, or visit his Website at http://www.Malinchak.com.

  Tyler Vaughn Marsden, age eleven, is a seventh-grader from Southern California. He grew up near the beach where he likes to Boogie Board, bike ride and ski. When he’s at home, he loves to cook.

  Taylor Martini, age nine, was encouraged by his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Thompson, to submit to Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul. He likes sports and is active in soccer. Taylor is very involved in chess and competes in tournaments. He would like to be a chess teacher and achieve a grandmaster ranking someday.

  Page McBrier is the author of over thirty-five books for young readers. She grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri, and credits her wacky family with providing much of the inspiration for her stories. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons. Page may be reached through Writer’s House, New York City.

  Jessica McCain is fourteen years old and has always loved to read and write. She is active in basketball, softball and tennis. She likes to spend time with her friends and family and finds joy in helping others.

  Marie P. McDougal is a recently retired English and psychology teacher, former newspaper writer and local history columnist. Currently a freelance writer, she is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, DetroitWomenWriters, RomanceWriters of America and The Bay AreaWriters’ Guild. Marie can be reached at 41556 Gloca Mora, Harrison Twp., MI 48045.

  Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg retired after thirty-four years as a teacher and librarian and is now a university professor. She provides custom-designed speeches, workshops and staff development seminars. Her books include Into the Hornet’s Nest: An Incredible Look at Life in an Inner City School and Be the Boss of Your Brain! Dr. Meinberg can be reached at 5417 Harco St., Long Beach, CA 90808.

  Melissa Mercedes is a thirteen-year-old who enjoys writing poetry, listening to R&B music, in-line skating and annoying her little brother, Leonard. She also likes going to the movies with her friends.

  Shelly Merkes, age eleven, is a sixth-grader from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She likes bike riding, in-line skating and swimming. Her musical talents include playing the piano and singing in a chorus.

  Shannon Miller has won more Olympic and World Championship Medals than any other male or female American gymnast in history. She earned seven Olympic Medals and nine
World Championship Medals in the past four years. During her career, Shannon won an astounding fifty-eight International and forty-nine National Competition Medals; over half of each have been Gold Medals culminating with two Gold Medals at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. As a member of “The Magnificent Seven” at the 1996 Games, she won Team Gold and—for the first time for any American gymnast—the Gold Medal in the balance beam competition.

  Kel Mitchell is a nineteen-year-old Chicago native, who received his training from ETA Creative Arts Foundation in drama, dance and voice. Kel gained much of his acting experience performing in local theatrical productions and made his television debut as a cast member of Nickelodeon’s all-kid sketch comedy series, All That. Kel recently made his first major feature debut in Good Burger.

  Lori Moore is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in the children and young adult markets. She is currently writing scripts for the kids’ television show Hall Pass, and has recently formed her own youth consulting company, YouthScope. Lori can be reached at 1827 W. 246th St., Lomita, CA 90717.

  Korina L. Moss grew up in Wappinger Falls, New York, graduated from Texas Tech University, and is currently residing in New England. She enjoys travelling with her husband, David, and spoiling their two cats, Ophelia and Franklin. Her greatest passion is writing; she recently completed a young adult mystery novel.

  Tim Myers is a writer, professional storyteller and songwriter who lives in Plattsburgh, New York. He has two stories published in Cricket Magazine and a book soon to be published entitled Let’s Call Him Lauwiliwililihumuhumunuku-nukunukunukukuapua’aoioi! “The Bobsledder’s Jacket” is a true story that happened to his friend, Jack Mulholland, who was an Olympic bobsledder.

  Tara M. Nickerson has been telling and writing stories ever since she was a child. Now living on Cape Cod, she has a bachelor of arts degree in English literature. Tara recently completed the manuscripts for four young adult novels. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 131, Cotuit, MA 02635.