“But If Not,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2022. But If Not Written by Madeline Mortensen Illustrations by Garth Bruner Imageboy at school “Going to a new school is hard. I hope I can make some friends.” Imageyoung people at school “Hey, wanna hang out with us?” “Sure!” “Wow, I’m glad I won’t be alone today.” Imageyoung people at school For the first few days, things were going great until … “Did you see her hair?” “Look at his shoes; they’re so ugly!” Imageyoung people at school “Hey! Watch where you’re going!” “This doesn’t feel right.” Imageboy walking into home “I don’t think I should hang out with those guys anymore, but if I leave, who will I hang out with?” Imageboy at dinner and praying “I think I need to stop hanging out with them. I hope I’ll make new friends. But if not, I still want to do what’s right.” Imageboy at school It’s difficult for a while, but he’s still hopeful that he will make new friends. Imageboy talking to another student at school “Hey, how’s it going? My name’s Antonio. What’s yours?”