Guided by Chaos
As a board member and sailing instructor with Sailability of Greater Tampa Bay for over a decade, I’ve spent countless weekends with the incredible kids from the local Sheriff's Youth Ranches. These kids—every one of them—hold a special place in my heart. They’re smart, creative, and full of energy (sometimes a little too much!). Let’s just say if you're not paying attention, that energy can go sideways real fast. It’s why they need strong role models and thoughtful guidance.
The books on this shelf have a bit of a reputation. They’ve often been labeled “inappropriate for the age group” in schools and libraries because they include things like graphic violence, underage drinking or smoking, drug use, or other kinds of mischief. But here’s the thing: I believe these stories have real value. They come with strong moral takeaways—if we give young readers the right context.
Rather than shielding kids from life’s tougher subjects, I believe in helping them process what they’re reading. That’s how they learn to make thoughtful, informed choices. These stories spark conversations and, when shared with care, they can guide kids toward better paths—not away from them.
