What follows is a small sample of the comments and poetry by young people that were used in the book.

"You tell young people to stop it (violence) because we are the future and if we don't straighten up our future is gonna be worse."
Jacob, 18 RW Correctional Facility

"If you know you're violent and out of control, look into getting some help and talk to someone about it before you do something stupid."
Sarita, 16

"Violence is not worth it, it gets you nowhere, it don't make you look cool or nothing."
Alejundro, 16

Violence
Violence is any mean action gesture or word
An example of that is calling someone a nerd
Swearing, kicking, punching are all part of the game
Though the people who do that can be pretty lame
If you were a victim think how you would feel
Next time you call someone a stupid slimy eel
Stopping can be hard but possible, it's true
Just look at us, we changed why can't you?
Nicole, 11

Anger is like chips of ice in my blood stream
Anger is like a parasite eating away at me
Anger is danger without the "D"
Dwayne B., 21 ( In jail since the age of 16)

"Violence isn't cool. You should learn to talk things out instead of fighting. Be the bigger person and walk away."
B.M., 17

"Fighting is an uneducated way to try and solve problems. An educated person knows enough to walk away and leave the other person looking stupid."
Kelly, 16

Friendship
A friend is a person, who wishes you well,
And keeps all of the secrets that you tell.
A friend is a person, who shares their toys,
and their story books too,
Friends can be older or younger than you.
Friends can be real or made up in your mind,
But they're always thoughtful and always kind.
Friends can live nearby or very very far,
But your friends are your friends wherever you are.
Kelly, 12

Violence is not the way
It just pushes you away
From the pain
Heather, 16

"Tell parents that if they want a violence free world they should start with themselves and make sure they are involved in their kid's life."
Meaghan, 14

"I would say that violence isn't worth it, it's a waste of time and there's no point in doing violence to yourself or others. It's better just to get along."
Matt, 13

PEACE
Peace
Is our world's wish.
Peace
Is our world to come.
Peace
Is what we long for.
Peace
Peace begins with me.
Hannah, 11

"I would say no matter what anyone says, even your parents, all the choices you make in life are yours and can only be left up to you. So take responsibility and do what you think is right."
Brian, 16

"Treat others as you would like to be treated. Live as God wants you to live, life is too short to be angry all of the time, put your pride aside and apologize."
Kelsey, 16

Violence, wildness, what's the point.
Lose an arm or a leg or whatever joint.
It makes no sense so try not to be tense.
Stay loose and choose the right thing.
Francois, 16

"Promoting understanding between people is the best way to stop violence. People insult each other verbally and assault one another on the mental level because they don't know someone, don't understand them, or don't like them because they are different. If people would just accept differences from person to person and understand that everyone is their own person with different views and opinions and accept others' rights there would be less conflict."
Justin, 17

"If I could say one thing to any young person, it would be not to care what others think, love yourself first, it's the only way!"
Daniella, 16