This Smile Is for Everyone Else

This Smile is for Everyone Else is the eighth collection of true stories written by students at Scriber Lake High School in Edmonds, Washington. By choosing to reveal their hidden circumstances-abuse, poverty, addiction, abandonment-these teenagers use writing to effect positive change in their lives. All of the Scriber books have been miracles of the human soul and spirit. In 2011, Scriber students began writing what would become the first book, We Are Absolutely Not Okay. Our message now is the same as it was laid out in the first introduction: "If you have ever felt alone, betrayed, confused, or angry, this book is for you. If you have ever come to school pretending everything is okay when really everything is absolutely not, we want you to know that there is hope-even in the darkest situations. We are real and our stories are real, so you need not feel alone with your struggles." Over the past ten years, more than 120 Scriber students have revealed themselves in acts of radical self-acceptance through this program. As one reader commented, these are stories "you will not forget, courtesy of kids who were almost forgotten."

About the Author :
Marjie Bowker has taught English and a little history somewhere in the world (including China, Norway, and Vietnam) for the past 23 years, in addition to her regular spot at Scriber. She is a cofounder of Steep Stairs Press and is the author of two curriculum guides, They Absolutely Want to Write: Teaching the Heart and Soul of Narrative Writing and Hippie Boy Teaching Guide: Transforming Lives through Personal Storytelling, and a book based on the concepts of Appreciative Inquiry, Creating a Success Culture: Transforming Our Schools One Question at a Time. Leighanne Law earned her BA in English from Carleton College in Minnesota and her MA in Teaching (with a library endorsement) from the University of Washington. She has used her degrees to build a career out of reading and talking about books. After many years working as a bookseller and event coordinator, she realized that the best part of her job was connecting youth to the glorious world of reading. So, in 2014, she became Scriber Lake High School's librarian. In 2019, she became the library coordinator for the Edmonds School District. She is honored to continue working with Scriber's community of storytellers.

Review :
The writing program at Scriber Lake High School provides a launchpad for students to change the trajectory of their larger stories and gives us a rare chance to see the world through their eyes. It is a view you will not forget, courtesy of kids who were almost forgotten. -Greg Strzempka, musician, songwriter, producer Many of us in Marysville have been groupies of the Scriber Lake writing program since We Are Absolutely Not Okay made its debut in 2012. These books have saved lives; they have given our students hope that they are going to be okay no matter what has happened to them. They have shown us that sharing your story can truly set you free. -Jaci LeGore-Hodgins, teacher and coach, Marysville Getchell High School As a legislator, I know that we make better decisions when we stop, take a moment, and listen. Listen to the voices that offer a unique perspective, listen to the voices that are honest and come from the heart. Listen to the voices that aren't always heard. Through the writings of these Scriber Lake students we hear those voices, and I, for one, will make better decisions because of it. -State Representative Strom Peterson, 21st Legislative District These writers have been told stories about who they are and what they can be, and now they have the chance to change the narrative and write their own stories-both of their pasts and for their futures. This kind of self-awareness and vulnerability is what the world needs right now. -Jessica McCarthy, nonprofit consultant, Seattle Students need the opportunity to share their experiences, and this opportunity does just that. The ability to open up and express their inner thoughts, challenges, and victories in a student-first voice is critical to understanding how it is to be a young person in this ever-changing world. -Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent, Edmonds School District With each story, these student authors invite us into their lives. Accept this invitation. Listen to their lives. Hear each soul screaming to be heard. -Jeff Stone, Social Studies and Ethnic Studies Lead, Edmonds School District Medicine for what ails us these days? Try a shot of resilience and perseverance, courtesy of the inspiring accounts put forth by these gifted writers. Inspiring, indeed. -Chris Brown (not the rapper), Outdoor Education Teacher, Scriber Lake High School Scriber students draw you into their personal experiences with outstanding detail, then inspire you with resilient self-reflection. Their process allows us to reflect on our own struggles as young adults. -Mark Stewart, teacher and coach, Mariner High School; Husky legend, University of Washington Bold. Brave. Determined. These gripping stories reveal the souls of young lives next door, of those whom we might not otherwise know. Through storytelling, these journeys of sadness, rage, and resiliency unfold before our eyes. As these young writers reclaim their voices, we gain renewed hope in our community. -Kurt and Anne Kutay, Edmonds residents and Scriber super-fans