La Come Libros is a testament to the power of books to open doors and transform lives. Written by Vilma Nohemí Aguilar de León and Elda García Galindo, the book narrates the story of a young woman who finds refuge and a way to understand the world through reading. The pages reveal not only Vilma’s experiences but also those of many others who have found in books a tool for resistance against lived experiences of poverty.

The book was presented at two special events: a virtual presentation on February 26, attended by participants from various countries, and an in-person event at the Casa de la Literatura Peruana in Lima on March 5. Both events reinforced the mission of ATD Fourth World to combat poverty through culture.

Authors and their story

Elda García is a teacher and a member of the ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps since 2011. Her work has taken her to various communities in Guatemala, her native country, as well as France and Peru, where she has promoted educational and reading projects. “Meeting Vilma and her community allowed me to discover a reality of struggle and resistance, which I felt was important to share through this story,” she explained at the presentation.

Vilma Aguilar discovered her love for books at ATD’s Street Library in the Guatemalan community of Escuintla. ” La Come Libros reminds me of who I am and what books have done for my life,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of books in her childhood and her struggle for access to culture.

Elda also shared how the idea of writing the book emerged:

“It all started when Vilma said, ‘I would like to write a book.’ From there, we decided to write together, capturing her experiences with reading.”

The Virtual Presentation: A Space for Connection

The event, moderated by Beatriz Monje, a Volunteer Corps member of ATD Fourth World Mexico, highlighted the transformative power of reading and ATD Fourth World’s efforts. Elda mentioned that La Come Libros addresses issues like young people’s challenges in accessing decent work, books, health, and education. She concluded her remarks by thanking Guillermo Díaz, the illustrator and the third Guatemalan contributor to the book.

Vilma shared that her interest in reading began when she started borrowing books, fondly recalling the surprise she received from ATD Fourth World—a gift of three boxes of books to lend out—which allowed her to explore literary universes such as “The Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and many others. “Books inspire us, accompany us during tough times, and help us,” she expressed.

Her passion for reading led her to become a facilitator at her community’s Street Library, sharing stories with children and youth. “To keep stories alive, we must read with our hearts,” she affirmed.

Together, Elda and Vilma took time during the presentation to read a passage from the book. Later, guest commentator Mily Acuña shared her testimony on the importance of books in the community: “Books shouldn’t just reach children and youth, but mothers too. If we read, our children see us and imitate us. Books create habits and help us prepare for the future.”

The event continued with comments from Carolina Escobar, who shared her perspective on the book, opening the floor for audience questions and comments, resulting in an enriching dialogue about the role of literature in social transformation.

Presentation at Casa de la Literatura Peruana

On March 5, the book was presented in Lima, with participation from Sandi Muchari, a librarian and reading promoter, who analyzed the story for its testimonial value: ” ‘La Come Libros‘ tells Vilma’s story but also represents many communities fighting for equal opportunities through culture.” José Montero Campos, a writer and editor, noted that the work reflects resistance and highlights the importance of literature as a vehicle for change.

About 20 people attended the event, exchanging reflections on the significance of reading in impoverished communities. Elda García’s participation allowed for deeper exploration of the book’s message and its connection to ATD Fourth World’s mission.

A Book to Inspire and Transform

The story of La Come Libros now begins its journey toward community libraries and readers worldwide, aiming to inspire children, youth, and adults to discover literature’s power in their lives.

As Carolina Escobar concluded during the virtual event: “Elda and her friends brought books, and with them, Vilma could visit other worlds. This book demonstrates how reading can construct memory and bring forth stories that would otherwise remain untold. The story concludes by demonstrating how one book can ignite many stories, because each and every one of us is a story. It is an exercise in profound love, radical tenderness, and justice.”

For more information about the book’s distribution, contact .