Young authors make their voices heard in Somerville

By George P. Hassett

    Behind door 530 of the Mystic Valley Housing Development a dozen Somerville teens sit around a table and reach for the right words. They share the same creative spirit as every other writer to grasp the pen, from James Joyce to 2Pac.
    But their experiences are intensely unique – they live in Somerville in 2005. And each Monday night they learn how to express what that means through poetry and prose with the Books of Hope Program.
    “This program is an experience every kid should have. It allows you to put your voice out there and be heard,” said 15 year old Matthew Dell’ Isola, a three year veteran of BOH.
     Books of Hope (BOH) began in 1999 to help young people in Somerville realize their true potential through the process of putting words to paper, said BOH Director Manson Kennedy.

    Since that time BOH has published 83 books by 93 young authors in genres such as poetry, fiction, self-help and autobiography.
     Putting the pen to the pad and creating prose and poetry is the perfect way for young people to learn about themselves, said Kennedy.
    “Writing touches every aspect of our lives. When these kids write without a focused goal and in an open-ended manner, they come across some fascinating self-discoveries,” he said.
    Reynalee Santana, a 16 year old author of two books, said her writing has helped her to get through some trying times.
    “Writing is the best way for me to get my feelings out. I had a friend and a family member pass away around the same time. I was upset, but coming to the program and writing helped me work through it,” she said.
     She said her new book is entitled “Inevitable” because “my writing was meant to happen.”
Kennedy said his pupils’ work can be lighthearted and carefree but also serious and contemplative.
     “A lot of the writing is very personal and intense. In the discussions we work out how to cope with the traumas some of the young people in Somerville have gone through. Kids have contemplated suicide, dealt with an OxyContin epidemic. The discussions eventually lead to managing and coping. The kids are always supportive of each other, I have never seen the kids not back up one of their own,” he said.
      Aside from the emotion involved in writing, the young scribes learn the mechanics of the craft.
     “One day we crossed the street and went over to the river. We looked out on the water and wrote about what we saw, heard, touched, smelled and felt,” said Tamara Suttle, Co-Director of the program.
      Yet, BOH’s goal does not stop with the written page. After writing their pieces, the students learn about publishing and how to design the layout of their work. Then they perform in front of an audience.
      “We have hosted reading events at Porter Square Books. At first it was hard and I would get nervous, but now I get up on stage and just say what I have to say,” said Dell’ Isola.
     The final component of the program is when the young authors sell their work. They may be new to the literary world but their work sells to children and adults because of its authenticity, said Kennedy.
     “These kids have a following among their peers in the projects because they tell it like it is. Young people recognize how truthful the work is. And the books give adults a chance to understand what kids are thinking about,” he said.
     But the biggest benefactors of the books are the authors themselves, said Dell’ Isola. They are the only ones who get to experience that wondrous joy of writing that has fascinated men and women for centuries.
     “To me, writing is more than just putting words on paper, it goes deeper than grammar and spelling. It is about putting your feelings, emotions, heart and life on paper. There is no right or wrong way to do it, just be you and let the pen flow,” he said.