Storybooth: Honest Teen Stories from the YouTube Sensation―Real Experiences Reminding You You're Not Alone

by Storybooth, David SanAngelo (Illustrator)

“Compelling . . . important . . . Be sure to leave this out where kids can find it.” –Booklist “Their powerful stories, along with the compelling animation, help build empathy and respect for differences—key components in the fight against hate.”   -Deborah Lauter, Executive Director, NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, 2019-22.     “Storybooth reminds us that authentic, youth-curated, real world narratives are incredibly resonant and can move our nation to act! “ - Michael H Levine, PhD, SVP, Nickelodeon
From Storybooth—the YouTube storytelling sensation with over five million subscribers—comes a full-color, illustrated compilation of never-before-seen and classic stories that combine the compelling storytelling of Humans of New York , the affirming tone of Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul,  and the “you can” attitude of The Confidence Code for Girls.  Everyone has a story. These are ours. Each one of these tales connects you to someone you never knew. A real person, sharing their lived experience. Exciting, inspirational, heartwrenching, uplifting, humorous, devastating, thought-provoking—TRUE. Storybooth illustrates for readers that no matter what is happening in their world, they are not alone. Real stories submitted by real people, Storybooth allows each contributor to speak for themselves about their experiences, imparting a myriad of raw, achingly honest, and deeply soulful truths with the power to touch each and every individual reader. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories, Family

208 pages, Hardcover

Published July 19, 2022

Reviews

[Pages Bursting Hearts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this. So many intense, relatable, and relevant stories for teens to know they're not alone in what they are dealing with. I'm excited to see the final copy.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn’t put this book down from the moment I picked it up. Loved this book of pick me up, relevant and real stories of all walks of life. Was a story with a a graphic novel all in one. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for all of these brave and powerful stories coupled with gorgeous illustrations~

This is the kind of book I wish I had growing up, particularly around those rough years between middle school and high school.

TW: mentions of abuse, SA, pandemics, bullying, self-harm, mental health issues, and more.

This book showcases a collection of stories, all written by real people. They are all illustrated as well, with quotes and mini blurbs throughout. The illustrations are well-done, colorful, but most importantly powerful. This is almost like a method of storytelling that reads similar to a graphic novel x compendium. The stories range from many topics that may be hard for some readers [see aforementioned TW*] While some topics covered are difficult to read, they also may provide some solace and understanding for today's youth going through challenging issues.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, HarperTeen for the digital ARC for review~

[Carlee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of stories submitted by teens. I hadn’t heard of Storybooth or its popular Youtube channel until I received this digital ARC.I thought the artwork that accompanied the stories was great and made the book feel almost like a graphic novel. I really appreciated the vulnerability in these stories from challenges with fitting in, to mental health struggles, to trying to meet parental expectations of academic success. I think this is a great YA read for teens to know that they are not alone and that other people their age struggle with the same things they do. Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC and the opportunity to share my opinions on the book!

[Mandy Kell · Rating 5 out of 5]

StoryBooth is a beautiful collection of the true stories from teens and Young adults that capture the turmoil and joy of being young in today's world. Though each of the stories are unique, they all have a unifying theme of perseverance and strength. This was a wonderful collection of stories to read and I hope that story booth will publish more in the future.

[Brooke Nadzam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids will really connect with this book and its format. This a series of short (1-2 pages) narratives by teens. They are illustrated in a really visually appealing way.

There are shorts about friendship, sexual assault, coming out, racism...everything. And it is written in that teen voice--as it is the exact words of teens in the storybooth.

[Rachel Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. I struggled with the lack of structure between the stories, especially when the font was the same or similar. I also didn't really see any organization of topics, which would have been nice. The stories were impactful but the book as a whole needed an editing eye.

[Moonbean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

This was pretty fan-freaking-tastic! I read it all in one sitting, and...

Just WOW!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and real stories from teens

[Abbey Heimlich · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bright, full color browse-able book of confessional that puts me in mind of the Post Secret era.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerfully written pieces sharing difficult parts of their lives so others will know they are not alone. Told in a variety of mediums and assembled in one volume.

[Rose Pearl]

i dont want to spoil but.. for a preview its about a book where people do wrong and learn from there lessons also its about people having probloms and need help.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the digital ARC of 'Storybooth'.

I have never actually followed the Storybooth videos, even though I was vaguely aware they had a website, and a YouTube channel. But, after reading this book that actually changed my mind.

Storybooth used beautiful art and color to show us the stories of teens going through challenges while trying to navigate High School. It's been around 15 years since I was last a student, but some of these stories just really hit home, and reminded me that some things in High School never change, and also made me realize that some things after High School stay the same as well - but these are things that you can face.

This would be a perfect read for kids and adults just to be reminded you're not alone in a situation, and to have empathy for those around you. I have so many students that deal with things that are featured in here, and I want so badly to be able to show them this book.

5/5