Why You Should Read These Books by Young People from Our Community
- Jc_Montenegro
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
By JC Montenegro, PhD
Last week, we celebrated something extraordinary at the Salesian Family Youth Center: the book premiere and signing of “Roosevelt Notes from Chicago” and “Bravo Notes from Chicago.” These two books are collections of stories written by young people from our very own community, stories of identity, leadership, purpose, and dreams.
These are not just books; they are living proof of what happens when young people are given space to speak, reflect, and believe in themselves. At the book premiere, several of the student authors stood before a room with guests and shared their personal experiences, some discussing their struggles with self-confidence. In contrast, others talked about how this writing journey had helped them see their potential in a new light. Many had never traveled outside of Los Angeles before, and their experience in Chicago gave them the confidence to dream of college, leadership, and careers they never thought were possible.
When we empower young people to reflect on their lives and articulate their vision for the future, something shifts. A student who never considered themselves a writer becomes a published author. A quiet teen discovers their voice. A young leader starts to emerge.
These books capture all of that. “Roosevelt Notes from Chicago” and “Bravo Notes from Chicago” are more than collections of writing; they are declarations. They declare that young people from Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and East L.A. have something powerful to say. And they prove that when given the opportunity, our youth rise.
As the Salesian Family Youth Center, our role is to walk alongside them, create spaces for them to grow, and let their light shine. These books are a result of that commitment and of your continued support.
So I invite you to read these books. Please share them with others. Please bring them to your classrooms, your families, your offices. These voices must be heard, and this next generation deserves to know that their stories matter.
Bravo Digital Book download.
Roosevelt Digital Book download.
Let’s continue to invest in young people. They are ready to support us?
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