How many times do you remember hearing your parents, or someone else's parents say this phrase when you were younger:

"I wish I knew what was going on in that head of yours."

Or something like that.

It's possible the Telling Room and its growing army of young writers has an idea.

The non-profit writing workshop for young writers is set to release the latest in what hopefully will be a series of anthologies from young writers.

Tonight at SPACE Gallery they're holding a release party and reading for the newest book, "I Carry It Everywhere."

Just from our own experiences alone, we all know that being a teenager is one of the most bizarre and sadistic periods of time. It's confusing, messy, awkward and hilarious. And that's just counting the changes your body goes through.

"I Carry It Everywhere" is a striking collection of stories, poems and photos from more than two dozen of the student writers from the Telling Room on what matters most to them in their lives. It's the balance of who these students are in where they are from, the stories of their families, their hopes, dreams and every day loves.

The Telling Room works with more than 400 student writers from area high schools in programs in schools as well as at their writing center located on Commercial Street in Portland. They work with students, starting in elementary school all the way through high school, on simple writing and creativity exercises to complete short stories and poems.

It was this time last year when they released their first anthology, "I Remember Warm Rain." The stories focused on students' thoughts and recollections on coming to America. The book went on be sold out and reprinted and became a bestselling book at Longfellow Books.

Tonight students will be sharing portions of their new stories along with a showcase of photographs from local photographers.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with a $5 entry. Copies of the book will be available for $10.

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