Celebrating Youth Voices: The Second Installment of Beyond Borders
Storytelling is an art form that transcends boundaries and expands hope. Whether shared on their social media channels, recorded on podcasts, or exchanged in day-in-day interactions, it is important for youth to bring to life their lived experiences and perspectives. One way that our youth are voicing their stories is by becoming published authors!
Through our partnership with Shout Mouse Press, nine more young people have had the opportunity to write three books published in 2023: “Belinda Lifts Her Voice”, “The Adventure of Guz & Goz”, and “Fernando’s Big Idea”. It is the second installment of the Beyond Borders series that highlights immigrant stories through children’s books. The three books explore overcoming fear, honoring lost loved ones, and using one’s voice to fight for change.
“It feels amazing that I still don’t think it’s real. But it’s very exciting because something I thought I would never be able to do it, especially at my age.” - Published Young Author
Youth participating in our after-school programs took part in workshops to learn the principles of storytelling, discuss the importance of representation, and acquire the building blocks to write a children's book. With a spark of creativity and just a little guidance, our youth continue to create stories that inspire people.
Shout Mouse Press is a nonprofit writing and publishing organization “dedicated to centering and amplifying the voices of marginalized youth” by coaching and guiding young writers to tell authentic stories. They partner with community organizations that work closely with youth from marginalized groups and create book projects. Since 2017, we have partnered with Shout Mouse Press, allowing over 30 youth to amplify their voices which are often underrepresented. Through Shout Mouse Press, sixteen young people had the opportunity to create “Voces Sin Fronteras; Our Stories, Our Truth,” a bilingual collection of memoirs that tell the real stories behind their experiences of being an immigrant. In 2021, the first installment of the Beyond Borders series featured four books: “Searching for Sancocho”, “Perla’s Magical Goodbye”, “Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma”, and” Jasmin Pictures Home”. With young authors being from different cultures, they were able to tell stories that are often misrepresented in the media. After the launch of the first installment, our youth were interviewed by WAMU and aired nationally on NPR.
Through their stories, our young authors not only embraced their creativity, but they are empowering the next generation of storytellers and fostering community connection by enriching the literature landscape with culturally diverse stories. If you are interested in purchasing these books, check out Shout Mouse Press - LAYC.
“I hope it inspires kids who read it and adults as well. Especially for kids. I think one of the big messages that we wanted to give in my specific group with my book was that they’re not alone. Like they’re not the only ones that are going through these experiences.”
NOTE: All proceeds from the Beyond Border series will go to LAYC Suenos Without Borders Scholarship. The scholarship allows LAYC youth who are preparing to or are currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions to apply for up to $5,000, which can be used for tuition assistance, exam and book fees, and tech. We are accepting applicants who have authored books at LAYC and/or do not qualify to receive federal funding such as Pell Grants or Subsidized Loans through FAFSA. The application closes December 29, 2023, by 11:59 PM. If you are interested or know any youth who fit the criteria, make sure to apply! For more information, contact collegeaccess@layc-dc.org.
