A New York Times bestselling author visited three United ISD campuses, discussing Louder Than Hunger, his fictionalized book based on his personal battle with anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression.
The charismatic acclaimed author and literacy advocate, John Schu, visited Lyndon B. Johnson 9th Grade, United High School 9th Grade and Juan Roberto Ramirez Middle School in December. Students had read his memoir and were eager to meet him personally.
The book features Jake, who is spiraling out of control in the 8th grade, and he takes food away from himself because there is The Voice in his head constantly telling him he is disgusting. Jake is hospitalized for a year and the reader follows him as he acquires the tools he learns to silence that devastating voice.
“Louder Than Hunger is destigmatizing so much of what we think about disordered eating and obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety and depression,” Schu said. “Psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists are reading it side by side with their clients.”
During his own personal battle, he said musical theater helped him “get to the other side.”
“Poetry and bookstores and libraries … and I really am living, walking proof of how stories can affirm our stories and experiences. And stories can be the perfect prescription in that moment,” Schu said.
During Schu’s presentation, the author gave out books to students who were thrilled to receive them. After the talk, students stood patiently in line to get their books signed.
Ramirez Middle School Librarian Laura Gonzalez-Ortiz met Schu while attending the Texas Library Conference.
“After hearing him speak about his personal journey and the meaning behind his book Louder Than Hunger, I immediately knew that our students would be inspired by his message. I felt it was important for them to read his book and experience its powerful message firsthand,” said Gonzalez-Ortiz.
Students enjoyed his book and his visit.
“John Schu was AMAZING! He inspired me not only with his book but with this presentation,” said Jose Castillo, a student at LBJ 9th. “It’s important to bring more authors like him to schools. He was so funny and interesting. His generosity extended to my teacher. He went out and bought her a Taylor Swift book which meant a lot to her.”
UHS 9th grade student Nereyda Farinas said, "I felt as if Mr. Schu spoke to us with his heart."
At Ramirez Middle School, the resounding echo was that Schu's story was deeply impactful to their own lives.
Student Damian Juarez said, "I have never met an author in my life, but was so excited to finally meet one, thanks to Mr. Schu's visit to our campus. It was a huge honor to meet him, especially because his book taught me so many life lessons such as learning to love myself and the people around me."
Gonzalez-Ortiz said it was important for UISD students to connect with authors like Schu because his personal story and the messages in his books can inspire and empower them.
“By engaging with authors, students see the value of their own voices and experiences, and they can better understand how literature can reflect and address real-world issues,” she said. “Connecting with authors helps foster a love for reading and learning while also encouraging students to envision themselves as writers and storytellers. Mr. Schu did just that - he inspired all those who had the wonderful opportunity to hear his story. His story resonated deeply with both students and adults, giving our students hope for their own lives.”
She added that the novel is an essential read for students and anyone seeking to better understand mental health.
“Additionally, it reminds students that bullying is never acceptable, that being a true friend matters, and highlights the importance of being kind and supporting one another,” Gonzalez-Ortiz added.
Schu lives outside of Chicago and has made a career out of advocating for the people and things he cares about most: kids, books and the people that connect him. He has won many awards for the eight books he has written and shares his love of reading with countless educators and students around the world.
Students at Ramirez Middle School eagerly participate in Schu's presentation
Schu autographs books at United High 9th Grade
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