Love Lessons from a Bullied Child

School is rough for everyone, but for plump, reserved, and introverted me, it seemed like a daily battle, forever warding off the cruel arrows and personal assaults of others. My days were spent hoping each would be better than the one before and each new upcoming school year would “right” the wrongs of previous years. However, my true fight was not with my bullies but with myself, especially with the parts of me that focused on not being enough for others instead of being enough for myself.

Meet me through school scenarios, which are sometimes funny and sometimes sad, as I struggle for self-worth, happiness, and acceptance. Then, know me as an adult talking to that child that was me and providing a comforting and encouraging perspective on the events that happened to me in school. Bullying and cyberbullying are happening in epic proportions all over the world; you are not alone. But there is hope, and it is my hope that you find it in these pages.

The Islands Are Not Lonely II

“I have had the privilege of engaging with the literary world of Yonah Jeong. His work evolves in parallel with his life’s journey, reflecting his experiences with striking authenticity. As an immigrant navigating bilingual expression, his dedication to English poetry is deeply admirable. His poetry is both intuitive and richly layered, offering immediate resonance while inviting deeper contemplation over time. I encourage readers to approach his work with an open mind, free from preconceptions.

Some connections grow stronger with time, while others are shaped by distance. I believe that my connection with him stems from a shared literary curiosity and a philosophical perspective. It is the beginning of a unique relationship—one that transcends age, distance, and time, where we respect each other's path, never intruding, only offering quiet encouragement.

For example, he's been writing poetry like three meals a day since he published his first book of poetry, as well as another thousand or so philosophical one-line poems. Of course, not all of them are at the level of a work of art, but I believe that they have the potential to be, and his perseverance and persistence is what keeps our relationship as poetic comrades.”

– Jun C. Kim, CEO of the Korean Literature Society of America.

The Bear in the Car

It is an incredible occurrence that can only be described as a ‘phenomenon’…

One family meeting another in such a perplexing way. A stuffed bear amazingly became the means by which a very special journey took place.

A parade that awakened so many memories. A brother who found a way to show his sister he cared about her feelings. An unknown boy who happened by a car and laid eyes on a stuffed bear. A bear he had to have. An act of stealing so oddly brought together an incredible encounter of lost friendships and new discoveries. At the final moment of leaving what both families had found together, yet another surprise.

Coincidence? Maybe.

Survival of the Fittest

Freak! Weirdo! Creep! These are the unnecessary names 15-year-old Matthew DiMarco had been called for a majority of his life. Struggling with schizophrenia since the incident he underwent at eight years old, he soon found many voices within his own head that weren’t there before, although two voices became the most prominent: Innocence and Deviant, and he began an unbreakable friendship with none other than Michael Rogers.

Seeing Eye to Eye

Lucy is determined to move on after the most embarrassing night of her life. Hayden is quietly grappling with his pain as his family adjusts to a new normal. Together with their best friends – Callie, Mairo, and Nolan – they’re starting summer school to get a head start on the challenges of high school.

But as they navigate this pivotal summer, they begin to realize that sometimes, the hardest part of growing up is seeing what’s been right in front of you all along.

Welcome to My Life

Twelve-year-old Victoria thought changing schools would be the hardest part of her year. Moving away from everything familiar was tough enough for someone who sits in the same spot on the bus every day and panics at family gatherings. But when she catches the eye of her crush, her world transforms in ways she never expected.

For a moment, life seems perfect. But middle school can turn on a dime. As Victoria navigates first love, shifting friendships, and mounting anxiety, her carefully ordered world begins to unravel. When darkness threatens to overwhelm her, she’ll need to find strength she never knew she had – and learn that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

A debut novella based on a true story about anxiety, friendship, first love, and finding your voice when it feels like the whole world has gone quiet.

Life's Love Song

The Trestin family, with their enviable upper-middle-class life, large house, and prestigious school, is the epitome of aspiration –until their perfect world begins to crumble.

Maddie and Duncan, basking in the glow of admiration at school, find their star status dimming as a series of misfortunes strikes the family. Illness, injury, and the turbulent tides of high school romance test them all. United, the Trestins draw strength from one another, facing each challenge head-on. In the midst of turmoil, they discover the true value of what they have, learning a profound lesson in what matters most in life.

Jackson's Harmonica

When a group of teenagers gather for a casual get-together, an unexpected encounter leads to an extraordinary opportunity. Jackson, a charismatic member of the group, proposes an idea that initially meets resistance from some of his friends. However, they eventually decide to give it a chance.As they embark on this new adventure, a delightful young girl captures their hearts and amazes them with her incredible musical talent. Despite the challenges and difficulties they face during rehearsals, the group remains determined to bring their program to life, especially with the addition of their newfound prodigy.With perseverance and a touch of magic from the little girl’s harmonica, the teenagers work together to create something truly special, hoping that their efforts will lead to a successful and unforgettable performance.

Between the Lines

Lucy can hardly believe the end of middle school has finally arrived. But faced with end of the year deadlines, a crush, and the ultimate manipulator, Lucy learns the hard way that silencing the signals from her body leads to missing the one event she’s looking forward to the most. Will Lucy figure things out before she ruins things for everyone?