Changing the narrative around youth justice is central to transforming the system itself. Too often, stories about young people in the justice system have focused on mistakes instead of potential, on punishment instead of growth—or they go unheard. Storytelling is central to our work: it allows us to uplift the voices of those closest to the system and inspire a more just, compassionate, and restorative approach to youth justice. 

From transformative memoirs to thought-provoking fiction, many books and authors have impacted the OYCR community. We sought recommendations from probation officers, social workers, community leaders, advocates, and young people—including some who have experienced incarceration firsthand. Across every conversation, one theme emerged: stories have the power to open minds, challenge perspectives, and inspire reflection and change. 

As a Man Thinketh 

Author: James Allen 

“This is a book that’s helped me as a human in this world and helped me dive deep and look at my inner self and help in my transformation.” 

—Tommy Morris, County-Based Organization (CBO) Capacity-Building Initiative Co-Chair and The California Wellness Foundation Program Officer 

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook 

Author: Bruce D. Perry 

“Written by a social worker, this book has different case studies and focuses on establishing empathy for every single person that walks through your door. Some of the stories can be trauma-triggering, so you have to be in the right mind space… I always refer back to that book and remind myself to know the story first before we decide which action we’re going to take.” 

—Marysol Medina, Rite Track Youth Services Program Director 

Ese to Master Jefe: From street gang life in South Central Los Angeles to U.S. Navy Master Chief 

Author: Raul R. Ramos 

“Raul R. Ramos came to one of our summit presentations. The book talks about the life he had in a gang, then how he became this individual in the Navy. It’s very emotional. The population that saw this presentation was paying a lot of attention to it, because it just brings you home.” 

—Elizabeth Sais, Imperial County Interim Chief of Probation 

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom 

Author: Don Miguel Ruiz 

“I gave this book to my son when he was 10. He was like, ‘What does this mean?’ But he kept the book and now he can always go back to it and look at it. Whenever he has some challenges, he reflects on that book.”  

—Cristian Franco, State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (SACJJDP) Vice Chair and Motivating Intergenerational Leadership for Public Advancement (MILPA) Policy and Program Coordinator 

Long Walk to Freedom 

Author: Nelson Mandela 

 “When I was faced with a life sentence and questioning myself in juvenile hall, I started to read books. Nelson Mandela’s story about serving 27 years in prison and then becoming the president of South Africa was inspiring. I didn’t know when I was going to get out, but years later I would become what I was reading in the books.” 

—Kent Mendoza, SACJJDP Chair and Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) Director of Policy 

We Are Dancing for You: Native Feminisms and the Revitalization of Women’s Coming-of-Age Ceremonies 

Author: Cutcha Risling Baldy 

“This is a book about the revitalization of the flower dance, or our women’s coming of age ceremony, and how it impacts our youth and mental health. That’s one of our primary programs for our young girls here—learning the values that come from that ceremony.” 

—Shaylynne Masten, Two Feathers Native American Family Services Mental Health Clinician & Project Specialist 

Who Moved My Cheese? 

Author: Spencer Johnson 

“This is a motivational book. There are four mice that are looking for happiness, and they have to go through a maze. They show how people can be fearful of change in life, and how that change could be an open door for opportunities and personal growth… My mentor gifted me this book [when I was promoted in my last job]. It’s such a good book.”  

—Maribel Carvajal, Imperial County Supervisory Probation Officer 

Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype 

Author: Clarissa Pinkola Estés 

“I have always loved fairy tales and folklore. This author uses fairy tales and stories throughout many cultures in the world and gives it a psychoanalytic breakdown. It’s really about how women have been over-domesticated and [about] patriarchy. Over time, it helped me find myself and get my kids safe and get myself safe. It’s a deep book.”  

—Jessica Nowlan, Reimagine Freedom President