Litzi

 
Litzi.jpg

Litzi

Litzi was a sophomore in high school when she became a published author. She has been a Reach tutor for three years. She loves reading, writing, as well as working with children, which is why she loves working for Reach.

“During this experience I realized that my story impacted everyone I came across. To have college students and professors admiring me because I continue to persevere shows me that despite my age I'm teaching those older than me that everyone's story matters." - Litzi on a book tour to Denison University in Ohio

BOOKS BY LITZI

Humans of Ballou
Quick View
Humans of Ballou

Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.

The students of Ballou High School know a different Washington, DC than do the more than 18 million tourists who visit our nation’s capital each year. They live in Southeast DC, across the Anacostia River, and the tour buses don’t go through their neighborhoods. Some travel guides explicitly call the communities East of the River “areas to avoid.” Even some residents of the District don’t often visit Wards 7 and 8, as the river acts as not only a literal boundary, but a metaphorical one. The bridge that should connect these two Washingtons is all too rarely crossed.

The statistics about poverty or crime or violence in this community tell such a limited story, and it’s not the only story to tell. Those statistics should not build a wall that hides the humanity on the other side. Young people grow up in these neighborhoods, often too quickly, facing adult challenges too young. But they also grow up as all young people do: with joy. With talent. With pride. With love for their families, both biological and chosen. With style and humor and ambition and charm. For them, Southeast DC, and their own Ballou High School, is more than the headlines that others write -- it is home. And for the educators who work with these young people every day, they know that the stories we tell--and hear--about ourselves make all the difference.

  • ISBN: 978-1945434006

  • Age: 12+

  • Lexile: 830L

  • Page Count: 88

  • Published: 2016

Flutterbugs: The Story of Spice & Cabbage

by Artrise, Darrin, and Litzi of Reach Incorporated

Cabbage and Spice are two caterpillars who become friends but are forced into different schools and lifestyles when one grows up to be a moth and the other a butterfly. In their insect world, butterflies and moths are taught to hate each other-- butterflies are “spectacular” and loved by humans, while moths are seen as pests. Will the two be able to overcome these barriers and remain friends?

  • ISBN: 978-0996927406

  • Age: 4-9

  • Lexile: 590L

  • Page Count: 40

  • Published: Fall 2015

How To Grow Up Like Me
Quick View
How To Grow Up Like Me

Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.

"Your Story Is Your Strength." This is the mantra that emerged from a six-month writing project at Ballou High School in Washington, DC, in which eleven dedicated freshmen and six determined seniors told their stories of ambition and struggle in what came to be known as The Ballou Story Project. Together their poignant, powerful voices come together to tell a collective story of How To Grow Up Like Me, a kind of instruction manual for determination, grit, and daily acts of hope and courage.

  • ISBN: 978-0692309568

  • Age: 12+

  • Lexile: 770L

  • Page Count: 88

  • Published: 2014

Khalil's Swagtown Adventure

by Kyare, Za'Metria, and Litzi of Reach Incorporated

Story: Khalil is tired of hearing his parents fight. As they scream, he retreats to his closet and writes a letter to his future self, dreaming of escape. To his surprise, this future self – called Bruh – shows up to provide support. Together, they visit a fantastical place called Swagtown and learn how families can communicate better.

Story Behind the Story: These teen authors knew that kids need to see themselves and their own struggles represented in the stories they read in order to know they are not alone. They also like things that are outlandish and wacky! This story is a smart and fun combination of both.

  • ISBN: 978-0692300800

  • Age: 4-9

  • Lexile: 540L

  • Page Count: 42

  • Published: Fall 2014

AUTHOR VOICE

RECOGNITION