When being different is what it takes to be strong . . .

Dante Vega has lived most of his seventeen years accused of being different, non-conformist, and problematic. Dante is a Puerto Rican rocker in a rapper-controlled world. And in every high school across the island, that means only one thing: Loser. Dante is "the outsider," "the loner," "the freak." He is also creative, intelligent, and kind. But unfortunately for Dante, being a teen rocker in Puerto Rico means being part of the minority who receive the majority of school-yard harassment.

Puerto Rican youth culture is at war with some of the island's brightest, most interesting kids. I invite you to join me for a night of fellowship and praise as we share stories of struggle, persecution, marginalization, and the challenge of being a young adult in a troubled world.

Dante's quest is the story of a life threatened, but ultimately saved. Come join me as I read excerpts from Dante's inspiring story A DIFFERENT KIND OF WEIRD.

. . . and when being strong is what it takes to be different.