16-year-old Aziel wakes up one morning to concrete walls, bars, a locked door, and a sink bolted to the floor. It takes a minute for him to realize where he is. Juvenile detention again.As a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, Aziel is no stranger to juvenile detention, but this time is different. No lawyer, no call, and Azel can't remember what he even did to wind up there. Stranger still, his mysterious case worker has assigned him to a new kind of program.He has to observe another detainee, a white teena ...

Today's Belchy Band book club feature centers on a painting, a a portrait. The work of art painted by Basil Howard captures his subject's youthful beauty perfectly, almost magically, and the subject's name Dorian Gray. Through Basil, Gray meets the aristocratic Lord Henry Wattton, who believes that life is simply about pursuing pleasure and beauty.Influenced by Watton, Gray makes a deal that will change his life forever. Quote, "How sad it is," murmured Dorian Gray, with his eyes still fixed upon his own po ...

When we began holding the meetings of our Veland book club in February of 2022, nearly three and a half years ago, news coverage of book banning efforts and censorship was everywhere. Feels different now, quieter. But while books may have fallen out of the news cycle, the assault on information and the freedom to read is still a very active tool in the arsenal being deployed against our democratic norms and institutions.And that's why we've made a point to let the literature sitting in the crosshairs of cen ...

Societal Impact & Activism - Amanda Gorman advocates against racial inequality and book banning, using her poetry for activism [2][6] - Gorman's poem being banned in a Florida school highlighted concerns about children's right to read and learn [7][8] - Reports indicate over 10,000 book bans this school year, a more than 200% increase from last school year, raising concerns for children's rights [9] Empowerment & Community - Gorman's new children's book, "Girls on the Rise," emphasizes community, allyship, empowerment, inclusivity, and facing fears [2][3][4] - The book celebrates young women and girls, inspired by Dr Christine Blazy Ford's testimony, aiming to empower them to speak their truth [5][6] Poetry's Role - Poetry is seen as a critical language for expressing shared humanity and hope, especially during protests and national moments [12][13] - Gorman aims to use her poetry to inspire the country to return to love, legacy, and connection [16] Future Aspirations - Gorman expressed her ambition to run for president of the United States in 2036, driven by a desire to address policy issues and make a difference [13][15]