Mendez Reading Club turns these high schoolers into page yearners

Author Luis Urrea, right, meets at Mariachi Plaza with members of the Mendez High School Reading Club, who are currently reading Urrea’s novel “Into the Beautiful North.”   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Authors Luis Urrea, right, and Luis Rodriguez share stories from their literary careers with members of the Mendez High School Reading Club at an event sponsored by Libros Schmibros, a lending library and bookstore.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Author Luis Rodriguez signs a first-edition copy of his book, “Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.” for a member of the Mendez High School Reading Club at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the Mendez High School Reading Club make their way down 1st Street toward Mariachi Plaza for a presentation by authors Luis Urrea and Luis Rodriguez and poet Marisela Norte.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the Mendez High School Reading Club listen as author Luis Urrea answers questions about his literary career.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Poet Marisela Norte reads one of her poems to members of the Mendez High School Reading Club.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)