Okay folks... I need some literary assistance. I'm working on a a 7th grade young adult novel (think Judy Blume, only a lot grittier). The story contains themes that deal with a society where kids are becoming sexualized (and active) much earlier than they ever were before, a changing middle school culture where girls are pressured into physical intimacy with boys to gain popularity, double standards with regard to different expectations / behavior / accountability for boys and girls, how our role models influence our choices when we're young, slut-shaming, and the consequences of getting too friendly with the opposite sex before you're ready to handle it. Fun stuff!

Part of helping kids make smart decisions in life is letting them know they're not alone. That's the Judy Blume mantra I love so much... show how other people who've been through something similar dealt with it, and you suddenly have some powerful ammunition for handling your own problems.

If you have stories to tell along these lines (either from your own life, or something your kids experienced), I would love to hear them. And if you felt comfortable having your kids tell me directly about the things they've seen or heard in their own schools (either talking about them, or writing them down in their own words), that would be amazing.

You're welcome to send me stories anonymously, if you want (not telling me whose experience you're sharing). But of course it's all 100% confidential -- all identities will be changed, no names will be shared with anyone, and I will absolutely let you approve of how I weave any of your tales into the narrative before they are published.