Alena's parents let her make a lot of her own decisions, but when Alena leaves her apartment she feels less free. She feels discriminated against because of her age. Alena is fourteen and frustrated by laws that say she can't vote, drink or drive.

Since she was little, Shakima has been dressing in style. She is proud of her fashion sense, but finds that as her family's finances have changed, it's been harder to keep up with the name brands she adores.

Anthony's sixth grade teacher made an extraordinary impact on his life. Ms. Figueroa pushed Anthony in class and showed him that she truly cared. In the summer after his sixth grade year, she died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. More than two years later, Anthony is still dealing with his grief over her loss.

Angely has family in the Dominican Republic, and she goes there every year for vacation. She adores the DR and often wishes she lived there, instead of the Lower East Side of Manhattan. But many Dominicans, like Angely's father and grandfather, immigrate to New York for a "better life." Angely's not sure they're making the right choice.

What up!! My name is Angeliz (but my friends call me Angel.) I am fourteen years old. I am ninety percent Puerto Rican because I was born in New York. I am doing Radio Rookies because it makes me feel better, because I can let go of all my secrets. My favorite colors are red and black.

Interesting Fact: I got my tongue pierced, and it's still swollen.

Angeliz was mentored by Adrienne Urbina.

Being called "burger" has made fourteen year old Brittany mad and sad. Even though she knows how bad teasing makes her feel, Brittany admits she does it too. Everyone seems to tease. In her story, Brittany's classmates talk about teasing in their school, and adults give her advice - she even gets some counsel from talk show host Ricki Lake!