Support Chicago Teen Book Writing Project

Support teens from Chicago’s South Side as they write a children’s book!

About our book:

Our story is about a young girl who faces the trials and tribulations of growing up with severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). Following our young lead as she grows into a teenager, learning how to gain a foothold on dealing with her condition through school and daily life. This story highlights the everyday physical and emotional struggles those with eczema endure. Along the way, she learns how to manage her mental health and gain confidence as she grows into a young woman and basketball star.

About our team:

Our team is composed of four driven teens from the south and southwest side of Chicago. As a group coming from all different backgrounds and neighborhoods, we are able to bring together all of our strengths and experiences to form our project.

Authors Note:

“My idea for creating this book comes from my personal experience with eczema. Eczema has controlled most of my life starting at the age of 3 months. From bumps and rashes to open wounds and leathery skin, eczema and I have grown up together. Although eczema is a physical condition, there is a hidden mental health struggle that I believe should be expressed and represented. In the medical world, eczema is only a cosmetic issue, not a necessity. This has caused my family great hardship when it comes to merely afford medication to keep me in school and out of the hospital. This book should bring us one step closer to changing the way eczema is looked at, socially and medically.” -Noah Rivera

Where the Money Will Go:

At this point, around ⅓ of the way into our book creating process, we are raising money for the pre-publishing expenses necessary to continue to bring this project to life. These expenses include supplies for the teens to write, illustrate, and get inspired to create this book. Some expenses we’ve had are as follows

Funds raised past goal will go toward food and drink for meetings through winter and to future publishing costs. 

Produced and supported by Southwest Creative Studio - Community Engagement and Mentorship Program

Producer: Cena Loren

Project Director: Allison Burke