"The best part of meeting the authors was to actually talk to them and hold a normal conversation with them. I have met an author before; it was in school. It kind of made a difference but they really didn’t inspire me like the authors I met with Write to Read. What made me change and get off probation was meeting Julie Posadas."

* Student


"Reading the books provided by the library when I was incarcerated helped me realize the mistakes I have made and how to learn from them. I didn’t read a lot before I was incarcerated but once I got to juvenile hall I had so many books to choose from I was convinced to read and read. I read so much that I didn’t really notice how much time I had to serve. If there were no books in the hall I think I would have been a lost cause. I went to the library more after leaving the hall and I now enjoy reading."

Hannah, student

* Staff

"My students, who have taken part in the WRITE TO READ Tutoring program, have made such extraordinary academic gains that it makes me proud to be their teacher.

The average student at Camp Sweeney makes significant progress academically, usually at least two grade levels during their stay here. However, the students who participate in the tutoring program make an amazing four-year academic leap.

hese incredible advances show up all over the student's work. What was once a chore to read now becomes a pleasure. The prolific amount of reading that these students do is astounding; they are always with a book in hand. It pleases me no end to see how eager these students are to continue this is amazing process."

Sean Dmyterko, Teacher.

* Tutor

"I am a senior at the University of California, Berkeley. I am studying chemistry and intend to continue my studies in graduate school next year. Tutoring has been an invaluable experience for me. I have tutored teenagers and taught college level classes in the past, but for the first time, I stepped out of my comfort zone and really did something positive with these students. I feel like our efforts were put towards students that really needed our assistance, and rarely do I feel this way. Believe it or not, this program doesn't just benefit the students at Juvenile Hall. I believe most of us have developed a greater sense of awareness in today’s legal system and a deeper understanding of the troubles underserved youth have to face."

Dick, Tutor

* Author

"I am an author and a photographer and had the pleasure to come into Alameda County Juvenile Hall on three occasions and speak to the youth. I have lectured nationwide and in numerous settings. As I work with at-risk youth, my goal is to not only reach as many young people as possible but to affect any single child or teen that I can with my photos and interviews. This was clearly the case during the lectures in Alameda County.

All the students showed such interest. They gave me the kind of feedback that is not only informative, but that helps me to continue the work that I do. Many of the young people had read my books before the class and lecture. They were interested in the stories of the youth, the text and photographs. They learned about youth who may be in a similar situation and how they made a positive change in their life. They found out what it was like to be an author and photographer and I believe it inspired them. And they gave me great inspiration as well.

I cannot give enough praise to the value this program brings to the young people in Juvenile Facilities. They are reading -- cover to cover -- material which educates them. Bringing authors motivates them to read new books. The books, authors and inspirational stories are vital in helping them to make positive changes in their lives."

S. Beth Atkin. Voices from the Fields: Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Stories; Voices From the Streets: Young Former Gang Members Tell Their Stories Santa Monica, California.

* Events

THE VISIT WITH MICHAEL ERIC DYSON WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF...

-- "I don't think it could have gotten any better."

-- "I wish he would have stayed longer because he was giving some real knowledge."

-- "He brought us something to eat."