Books of Hope Authors

The Books of Hope authors are primarily young people from ages 14 to 22. These are some of the authors and excerpts from their books.

Florence "Fluffy" Bergmann

Florence "Fluffy" Bergmann is the Director of the Mystic Learning Center, Inc., and has worked in this position for the past twenty years. The Center provides school age childcare, youth development, and parental involvement activities. When Fluffy is not hard at work, she says, "I enjoy camping, nature, and attending bluegrass music festivals."

Life in the Projects, Vol. 1, "Along the Banks of the Mystic" (1999)

...even though sometimes we'd have pancakes for dinner, we never went hungry. And even though sometimes (Mom would) sew our outfits by hand for summer, we always were clothed and clean. And even though we didn't have money to buy fancy things, or go fancy places, she gave us all she had.

Leon David

My name is Leon David. I was born in Haiti. My childhood memories of the naturalistic scenes of my homeland inspired me to conjure up this story. Leon is available for speaking events. He can be contacted at leondavid03@hotmail.com.

When They Suffered the Drought (1999)

Now the people whose skin was of a darker color were in conflict with those whose skin was white. Those with white skin were blaming the colored for the rage of the sun. They could not comprehend why their skin was becoming burned and red. This once great, perfectly beautiful country became ugly with war. Brother was fighting against brother for a grain of overcooked rice. And the country became divided.

Marie St. Louis

My name is Marie St. Louis. I live in Mystic Projects in Somerville, Massachusetts. My favorite song is "Living Dangerously", written and sung by Barrington Levy. This book is based on a real story about a friend of mine. I write poems. I never thought I would write a book. This is the first book I have ever written. I am planning on writing more books in the future. Marie is availabe for speaking events.

With My Eyes on the Prize (1999)

Darkness hit the sky. Colorful lights exploded all over the streets of New York City. It was December 25th, Christmas Day, the day my father was killed by my mother. I walked the streets for hours, trying to understand what I was feeling. It was kind of the happiest day of my life, as if the lights had finally been turned on in my house. And yet, I felt like I was still stumbling in the dark.

Roldenson St. Louis

Hi, my name is Roldenson St. Louis. I live in the Mystic Projects. I am 16 years old. And tell me I ain't good-lookin'.

The Trio (1999)

IN THE DEEP, DEEP FOREST live the people of the village of Tamika. In this village, there are three warriors - Leonithis, Sonnydayus, and Kilous. They fight for all mankind. They are called, "The Trio".