In “Running from Myself,” Jennifer describes herself as an unpopular child who doesn't feel like she fits in. When she goes to live with her father for a summer, she falls into a rebellious life, cutting school and abusing alcohol and drugs. She gradually regains control of her life when she begins to accept herself.

Prompts for discussion and/or writing:

—As a younger child, Jennifer is overweight, very shy, and isn’t part of the “in crowd.” Have you ever felt that isolated or lonely? What did you do to deal with it? Were you able to make friends eventually and fit in? Why or why not?

—Have you ever, like Jennifer, done negative things to fit in with the “cool crowd”? How did you feel about it at the time? How do you feel about it now?

—Eventually, the “cool kids” turn against Jennifer and make fun of her. Why do you think they turned against her?

—Why does Jennifer start to change? What does she do to help herself?

—Jennifer feels better when she’s able to accept herself and be herself. How hard is it for you to be yourself? What makes it hard? Are you able to “be your own person” around others? Why or why not?

—Eventually, Jennifer starts feeling closer to her mother. Have you ever felt alienated from a parent or family member? Were you able to overcome your distance and grow closer? If so, how did you do it? If not, why not?