One of the leading Chicano writers in the country with 14 published books in memoir, fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, and poetry, Luis J. Rodriguez will discuss his prolific work.

Rodriguez’s master work, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., is a 1993 memoir of gang life. With more than 300,000 copies sold, this book garnered a Carl Sandburg Literary Award, a Chicago Sun-Times Book Award, and was designated a New York Times Notable Book.

It became a stage play by the Cornerstone Theater Company, showing in Los Angeles from 2003-2005 to 6,000 high school students. Written as a cautionary tale for Luis’ then 15-year-old son Ramiro — who had joined a Chicago gang — the memoir is popular among youth and teachers.

The event is co-sponsored by the Latino Writers Collective.