Poet and Author Darren J. de Leon reads from his new YA book “The Hoops and Crosses of Mt. Vernon” as part of the San Francisco International Flor y Canto Literary Festival.

Rey Rey, a 15-year-old Chicano teenager, navigates the complexities of growing up in the barrio. He finds himself caught between the dangerous world of violence and drug abuse, and the world of social justice and creative expression. The "hoops and crosses" of his life represent the challenges and burdens he faces as he grapples with gangs, education, alcohol and drugs, religion, assimilation, and his growing socio-political awareness. The Hoops and Crosses of Mt. Vernon is Rey Rey's journey of survival, as he learns to maneuver through the road signs of both the hood and the world of adults.

Author Darren J. de Leon draws from his own experiences to guide readers through Rey Rey's story. The narrative is a collection of short stories, reflections, and poetry that vividly illustrate the choices many young Chicano males encounter. This is de Leon's first YA Lit book, and he brings his award-winning poetic voice to the page. de Leon is a poet, the founder of the San Francisco avant-garde spoken word ensemble Los Delicados: Poetas del Sol, and a radio and podcast producer.

This event is part of the San Francisco International Flor Y Canto Literary Festival which happens in La Mision Friday June 20th-Domingo June 22nd. For a complete schedule of events go to the Instagram page; sfflorycanto