Generating youth dialogue through the literary arts: A citywide youth health collaboration in the U.S.

Abstract

A process and outcomes evaluation was conducted of a citywide literary-arts initiative designed to reduce stigma, amplify underrepresented narratives, and generate dialogue about violence. Over 4 months, students in 85 middle schools read a novel addressing mental health and violencerelated themes. As a collaboration between a public school district and public library system, the program's classroom activities emphasized dialogue, while coordinated library events supported community engagement. Students completed pre/postsurveys (total n = 1487); school program leaders (n = 39) and public librarians (n = 14) completed postsurveys. Half of student respondents reported personal encounters with violence. Most said the novel influenced their thinking; students with personal experiences of violence reported greater influence than those without. Highest rates of dialogue were seen among students who read the novel in full, and over half of postsurvey respondents wanted more dialogue opportunities. Leaders and librarians indicated that the program was smoothly integrated with existing curricula, but also offered recommendations for improved processes. Findings suggest that this intervention

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“…It was also revealed that students appreciated the book, found it influential, discussed it with friends, and wanted even more opportunities to engage with the content. Findings and recommendations that will bolster OBB and support similar community-wide reading programs are detailed in a peer-reviewed journal article in Journal of Community Psychology ( Golden et al, 2022 ) and in a comprehensive report delivered to stakeholders in BCPS, EFPL, and the T. Rowe Price Foundation.…”