Just watch your characters and tell the story of what they're thinking and doing. It sounds easy, but Adoff confides that he becomes attached to his characters in the process of living in their heads, and sometimes awakens wondering if they're okay. It's that level of intimate storytelling that he hopes will connect with readers, allowing them to see themselves and each other with respect and hope. An excerpt from "Names Will Never Hurt Me" introduces us to several kids who lead lives your students will identify with.