Troubled Kids Need Jesus Too
Troubled Kids Need Jesus Too is set in the late 1970s and early 1980s and tells the story of a young boy growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by gang culture, violence, drugs, and judgment, while searching for belonging and direction. Told through the eyes of the child who lived it and the man who reflects on it now, the memoir traces a journey shaped by pressure, loss, and the quiet internal boundaries that kept certain lines from being crossed.The book does not glorify street life or poor decisions. It tells the truth about them. Faith becomes a turning point not as an escape from the past, but as a commitment to move forward with responsibility and purpose. Although the story is set in an earlier time, the inner struggles it describes have not changed. Questions of belonging, influence, identity, and choice continue to shape the lives of young people today.
Who this book is meant to serve
Youth
Young readers often see their own experiences reflected in the story. The book offers reassurance that mistakes do not define the future and that faith, responsibility, and support can open a different path forward.Parents and caregivers
Parents often read this book to better understand the internal struggles behind difficult behavior. It offers perspective on how faith, boundaries, and consistent guidance can shape change over time, especially when frustration or fear has taken hold.Youth ministers, mentors, educators, and youth leaders
Those working directly with young people use this book as a reflection tool and conversation starter. It supports honest discussion about accountability, consequences, and grace, without minimizing the seriousness of harmful choices.
About the Author
Larry D. Veal, Sr., known professionally as Larry “Coop” D. Veal, is an author, comedian, and humanitarian whose work has consistently centered on youth, community, and personal responsibility. A graduate of Paine College, he was recognized for his leadership and service during his college years, including roles with student government, the NAACP, and campus media.Veal has spent decades working with young people through mentoring, faith based initiatives, and community programs focused on prevention and guidance. He founded Be More Positive Enterprises Inc., which helped establish community based mentoring efforts within Gwinnett County schools and earned national recognition for its impact. Drawing from lived experience, faith, and service, his writing reflects a commitment to reaching young people who feel overlooked and to those who believe change is possible through care, accountability, and hope.
Contact the author
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