Teens and pre-teens face a new risk. The May 21st edition of the Chicago Sunday Tribune ran a story called "Finding Emo." The article outlined the rising trend in apathy and depression in teens and pre-teens that expresses itself in the Emo sub-culture. The title of the article itself added an ironic twist to the beloved children's movie, "Finding Emo."

The hallmarks of the "Emo" culture seem to be a fascination with self-injury, drugs, and promiscuity (for 12 year olds) based on an extensive lack of meaning. Many 12 year olds are beginning to emerge into the teen years and are searching to discover their own personalities and gifts. Many caught up in the "Emo" culture are influenced by a broken home and unsupportive family to the point of not having positive direction or purpose in life. Many see therapists and get anti-depressant prescriptions to try to piece together their lives. Again, these are children who are only 12 years old.

The article traced the origin of the "Emo" movement with the punk rock period in the 1980s. The lyrics from the songs and the behaviors of the bands gave the message of meaninglessness of life. Since then, the "movement" has spread like weeds to influenced younger and younger tends. Now, even pre-teens use blogs to "tell their own story" by posting their misgivings about life.

What is missing here? How can we as responsible adults, parents and friends stand idly by and watch these kids absorb and retell bad stories that will destroy themselves?

There is a parallel – and a solution -- to this social phenomenon in the inspirational family story, The Rainbow Chronicles: A Bedtime Story for a New Day. The book is about hope. It presents an adventure where the 11-year-old heroine, Wilby, must travel to an enemy land of Neer'stazone to bring back the stolen Rainbow's End. In her journey, Wilby encounters several children of Neer'stazone whom she befriends. The enemy land is guarded by a Code of Uniformity, where all flowers, colors and cities are made to look exactly alike.

Wilby meets Jahaamaa, a thirteen-year-old boy whose uncle created the Code of Uniformity. Another pre-teen in the story is Wozner, son of the Great Viceroy. Wozner is a free-spirited boy in the best of terms. He brings Wilby a flower after almost getting killed obtaining it. Jahaamaa, on the other hand, is very reluctant to rock the boat, since his uncle has brainwashed him, and many others, of the need to be uniform.

Wilby sees the situation clearly and invites her friend Jahaamaa to join her quest. He is torn by the conflict and chooses to stay behind. Later, Jahaamaa and Wozner defy the dominant culture to help create a greater freedom in the land by entering fully into a creating a new and better story, when they spread the petals of the dark purple tulips.

Good stories have the power to rescue children and adults from acting out in a destructive way. There is something about the power of words that can be harnessed to bring about positive results and communicate meaning. Having positive role models, caring adults and good books to read, where kids make a difference (like in The Rainbow Chronicles) can help combat the "emo" problem of despair and depression.

It is up to us adults to affirm pre-teens and bring them hope by involving them in the good story of life. May we rise to the challenge to tell children, pre-teens and teens hope-filled stories of peace and good will.