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Youth Leaders for Literacy Booklist


Winners of the NEA/Youth Service America program Youth Leaders for Literacy come from diverse backgrounds and different parts of America. These youth, ages 8 to 18, all heard the call to service and all had books influence and shape their lives. Below are some of their own thoughts on books special to them, followed by a booklist featuring titles recommended by some of these young people.

"A book that had a huge impact on my life was A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer. The book entails the story of a young boy who was abused by his mother. In the book the child finds the strength to survive and overcome his mother's mistreatment. The book has influenced me because it has made me realize the horrible things that go on in the world. After hearing his story I was inspired to try to improve the lives of children and help them in whatever ways I can. That's why working on the youth literacy project was so rewarding."

Jenna Bush, Cincinnatus Central School, Cincinnatus, New York



"I liked Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper because it copied my life exactly. It was about a sports star that gets into a drunk driving accident. it realy made the lesson not to drink hit home with me."

Ronald Coleman, Romulus High School, Romulus, Michigan



"The Lord of the Rings series by J. R. R. Tolkien were the best books that I have ever read. They had adventure, excitement, and such reality! The Lord of the Rings affected the way I think about life itself. It made me cherish how small I am and how much I can make a difference. The books showed me that you should never give up, no matter what the circumstances are."

Cory Rose, 4-H Spotlight Drama Club, Pueblo, Colorado



"My favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. This book is about a young girl growing up in an impoverished town. Francie, the young girl, fights through the problems she faces with true courage. She has to guit high school in order to go to work, but her determination ultimately gets her to college. This gives me much hope for my future. The book teaches life lessons for every generation and teaches teenagers with problems that life can always get worse. Francie's optimistic attitude throughout the book has inspired me greatly."

Kelly Looker, Lakeland High School, Lakeland, Florida



"The book I most enjoyed reading is The kid Coach by Fred Bowan. I enjoyed reading this book because it has to do with baseball and I love baseball! The other reason I enjoyed it is because a kid takes over to be the baseball coach instead of a dad. The team won every game when the kid started coaching. The book made me think that if there was a dad that was too busy to coach the team the right way, I could take over. I think I could be fair and create a winning team."

Brandon Gold, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Westfield, New Jersey



"A book that really impacted me was The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. It told the story of a rich king who was very unhappy. By the end of the story, the king realized that material possessions don't guarantee happiness. He learned how fulfilling it is to give to others. The story ends with the king feeling that he was the richest man on earth because of all the happiness his generosity had brought to others."

Robyn Strumpf, Viewpoint School, Calabasas, California



"A Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur is a book I enjoyed immensely. It taught me that life can be hard or easy depending on what you do. Also, it taught me even if you live in a horrible place, life can be wonderful."

Monica Wilson, north Davis Junior High, Clearfield, Utah

 

Learn something, find inspiration, and enjoy! These books were recommended by the winners in the NEA/YSA Youth Leaders for Literacy program. The winners are ages 8 to 18.