The Backpack Drop Zone: One Sixth-Grade Truth That Exposed Our Quiet Crisis

of kids, eleven years old, learning how to pretend they’re fine.

If someone had called that therapy, maybe it wouldn’t have hurt so much.

“What do you want me to do?” I asked, and I hated how small my voice sounded.

The principal placed a hand on my arm, the way you do when you’re about to deliver bad news but want to look kind while doing it.

“Stick to continue reading …