Teens Are Heroes, Too was published as a result of the fifth and sixth annual Celebration of America's Young Heroes Month essay, poetry, music, and art contests. The program for and by teens began as a response to the school tragedies that culminated at Columbine H.S. in order to emphasize Respect for Diversities. The shooters stated in a video, "After next week, we will begin to get the respect we deserve." Sadly, they chose irresponsible, violent solutions, unlike the contemporary and historical young heroes in this anthology, who overcame adversities with respect for diversity, fortitude, compassion/caring, a positive attitude, gratitude, citizenship/patriotism and wisdom.

Teens Are Heroes, Too offers teachers and students "hero" tools to motivate students to identify their unique attributes and strengths, i.e. talents, skills, interests, and hobbies. Thus, when faced with mental, emotional, physical, academic, environmental, or socio-economic challenges at home, school, or community, students can look within for their identified strengths and resolve the challenges responsibly with positive thoughts, words, and actions.

The young heroes in this anthology chose to see the essential traits, features, and potential in either themselves or in others. In so doing, they were able to transform their sadness, pain, and tragedy