Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices that Shape Our Lives

Teen author Chandler DeWitt writes about the dilemmas and choices that build or destroy character. Twenty-six short stories, with discussion questions and journaling activities, correlate to nationally recognized character traits. A must-read for teens, parents and peer leaders.

Click here to view a video with the author
Click here to download a Media Kit

Living from the Inside Out

Real stories from teens, coaches, teachers and parents about re-directing today's race for reward. Viewing time: 22 minutes, in five segments.

Test scores. Team Sports. Technology. Today's teens face a competitive, complex, 24-7 existence. Perhaps it's no surprise that research from San Diego State University and the University of Georgia shows that kids exhibit four times greater the rate of depression and anxiety than the children of the 1930s.

Experts believe a cultural shift, with values placed by parents, school systems and communities on external outcomes and material success, may be the fuel for teen stress and anxiety. How can educators, parents and kids themselves redefine this race for reward?

Living from the Inside Out, a DVD documentary, the teen-authored text, Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices that Shape our Lives, and the Inside Out Parent-Teacher Guide get the conversation started – in schools, in homes and in communities.

The strength of an adolescent's inner life is often the best predictor of whether a child will be a happy, high-functioning adult and will make the healthy teen decisions about drug and alcohol use, bullying, and promiscuity – on and offline. Use these resources to refocus, recharge and learn to live from the inside out – with an emphasis on inner strength and timeless internal values.

What People Are Saying About Inside Out...

"The short chapters provided an excellent opportunity to talk with my middle school boys about and help them prepare for choices ahead – about drinking, texting, bullying and partying. I loved the book so much I am passing it along to our church Youth Minister to see if there are ways to incorporate it in the senior high programming."

"Inside Out has been a wonderful resource for our peer mentors. The Lion Leaders relate well to the issues and challenges mentioned in the book, and the self-reflections are an excellent way to reinforce the mission of our program."