What do you think?
Rate this book
Kids Off the Block: The Inspiring True Story of One Woman's Quest to Protect Chicago's Most Vulnerable Youth
"What can I do?"
That was the question Diane Latiker asked of herself as she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence. Her answer started small, inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But over the years it grew. With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens.
In this powerful, energizing book, she tells her incredible story to men and women who are sick of sitting behind their keyboards watching the world crumble and are ready to do something to make a difference. Through doubt, financial strain, and deep grief over lives lost, Diane has never lost her faith that God called her to this life-transforming work. In these pages she'll show you that God is calling you to do something too. Maybe something that feels small . . . definitely something that will change the world.
That was the question Diane Latiker asked of herself as she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence. Her answer started small, inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But over the years it grew. With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens.
In this powerful, energizing book, she tells her incredible story to men and women who are sick of sitting behind their keyboards watching the world crumble and are ready to do something to make a difference. Through doubt, financial strain, and deep grief over lives lost, Diane has never lost her faith that God called her to this life-transforming work. In these pages she'll show you that God is calling you to do something too. Maybe something that feels small . . . definitely something that will change the world.
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 1, 2020
This book didn’t meet my expectations. Actually, I found it rather hopeless. The majority of the book chronicles her efforts to gain computers, recording equipment, basketball equipment, or funding of some kind or other for her organization. All mixed with heartbreaking stories of violence and death and the occasional story of success. If I had gone into this expecting a book about a secular charity, I would have found it interesting and motivating. But I requested this book assuming it would present the ultimate answer to violence, hate, and murder. Because it was promoted by Christianaudio, I expected at least a brief presentation of the Gospel. Instead, I found it to be a book completely focused on improving the economic and social wellbeing of the children, the social gospel.
I’ll just walk you through my reactions to the book as I read it.
She is incredibly brave. She throws herself between gun-wielding gang members. She refuses to leave a neighborhood despite being shot at or besieged by rival gangs and puts her life and everything she holds dear on the line to save others.
But – Her behavior towards her husband is terrible. It’s not just that she doesn’t ask him if he wants to open his home host, everyone, from the neighborhood. She sells his belongings after being directly told not to do it. She constantly goes against his wishes. Early on, this pits the survival of her marriage against the survival of her organization. The tension only resolves after he decides to come on board with her plans. She does mention briefly praying for this to happen, but as she tells the story, she always acts first and just hopes that he will learn to live with it. Everything has to be her way.
Lives are being transformed. She has managed to provide a safe place for children to hang out for hours each day. There they can bring their worries and find a listening ear. She does her best to keep the violence away.
Still, for a large part of this book, it sounds as if she is the only person attempting to help these children. But as we get farther on in the story, we find out that she is partnering with numerous other charities. They may not have been doing exactly what she was doing, but she seems to dismiss everyone who is not doing exactly what she wants as not-caring. She eventually learns to stop trying to force people to help her, and she does learn some delegation skills as the story draws to a close. So, she seems to get easier to work as the story goes on.
Most importantly for me though was the complete lack of Gospel. She points to the Lord as the source of her success. She also mentions praying, mostly alone, and once with the children. Once, only once, in the whole book is the Bible quoted. “Faith without works is dead.” That’s it. There’s not a verse about God’s love for every human be they black, white, rich, poor, young, old, victim, or murderer. Never once, according to this book, does she explain to anyone that certain actions aren’t just bad decisions or a waste of an opportunity; they are sin against a holy God. She never points anyone to Christ’s eternal forgiveness and redemption of their souls. Actually, there is more in this book about her efforts to excite the kids about her favorite politician than any efforts to teach them about Jesus, the about the Savior of their souls. So even if she gets these children off the streets and into successful careers, they are still facing a Christless eternity. That made this a hopeless and Christian book. It was robbed of the Gospel's true power for change.
Lisa Reneé Pitts is a wonderful narrator. She reads as if she is simply telling you her own story. Her tempo and tone make for a delightful listening experience.
The book captured my attention, but the lack of an eternal message left me saddened.
I received this as a free audiobook ARC through NetGalley and RB Media and Christianaudio. No favorable review was required. I wish I could have written a more favorable review, but these are my honest opinions.
I’ll just walk you through my reactions to the book as I read it.
She is incredibly brave. She throws herself between gun-wielding gang members. She refuses to leave a neighborhood despite being shot at or besieged by rival gangs and puts her life and everything she holds dear on the line to save others.
But – Her behavior towards her husband is terrible. It’s not just that she doesn’t ask him if he wants to open his home host, everyone, from the neighborhood. She sells his belongings after being directly told not to do it. She constantly goes against his wishes. Early on, this pits the survival of her marriage against the survival of her organization. The tension only resolves after he decides to come on board with her plans. She does mention briefly praying for this to happen, but as she tells the story, she always acts first and just hopes that he will learn to live with it. Everything has to be her way.
Lives are being transformed. She has managed to provide a safe place for children to hang out for hours each day. There they can bring their worries and find a listening ear. She does her best to keep the violence away.
Still, for a large part of this book, it sounds as if she is the only person attempting to help these children. But as we get farther on in the story, we find out that she is partnering with numerous other charities. They may not have been doing exactly what she was doing, but she seems to dismiss everyone who is not doing exactly what she wants as not-caring. She eventually learns to stop trying to force people to help her, and she does learn some delegation skills as the story draws to a close. So, she seems to get easier to work as the story goes on.
Most importantly for me though was the complete lack of Gospel. She points to the Lord as the source of her success. She also mentions praying, mostly alone, and once with the children. Once, only once, in the whole book is the Bible quoted. “Faith without works is dead.” That’s it. There’s not a verse about God’s love for every human be they black, white, rich, poor, young, old, victim, or murderer. Never once, according to this book, does she explain to anyone that certain actions aren’t just bad decisions or a waste of an opportunity; they are sin against a holy God. She never points anyone to Christ’s eternal forgiveness and redemption of their souls. Actually, there is more in this book about her efforts to excite the kids about her favorite politician than any efforts to teach them about Jesus, the about the Savior of their souls. So even if she gets these children off the streets and into successful careers, they are still facing a Christless eternity. That made this a hopeless and Christian book. It was robbed of the Gospel's true power for change.
Lisa Reneé Pitts is a wonderful narrator. She reads as if she is simply telling you her own story. Her tempo and tone make for a delightful listening experience.
The book captured my attention, but the lack of an eternal message left me saddened.
I received this as a free audiobook ARC through NetGalley and RB Media and Christianaudio. No favorable review was required. I wish I could have written a more favorable review, but these are my honest opinions.
September 4, 2020
If I was to describe this book in one word, it would be phenomenal. Diane Latiker, founder of Kids off the Block, tells an inspirational story of how she took action to make a difference in her community when no one else would. She takes you on a journey as she describes how Kids Off the Block went from talking with her daughter and her daughter's friends in the living room to a non-profit organization that has helped more than 3,000 teens in Chicago escape the gangs and the violence. Diane is honestly the most selfless person I have met. She sacrificed so much and worked so hard to protect the youth in her community from going down the wrong path. Even in the face of adversity and tragedy, Diane rose above it all, determined to keep helping the kids. Her book brought me to both tears of sadness and joy as she tells her story in its entirety, not holding anything back. Our world needs more people like Diane who's altruism is unparalleled. After reading her book, I have hope that no matter how bad the circumstances get, as long as we take initiative, work hard, and most importantly never give up, change will prevail. I strongly recommend this book to anyone. It is a great read, and its messages are powerful. Thank you so much for all that you do Diane. You are truly an incredible role model and hero!
September 12, 2020
One woman's quest to try to keep kids from Chicago from making the wrong decision when it comes to life and death situations. She opened up a center, much to the chagrin of her husband, but prompted by God and her Mother to assist in saving the lives of our youth. This woman is the true definition of a hero. This was truly a remarkable and inspiring book
September 1, 2020
#Kids off the Block # by Diane Latiker is a true story. #Kids off the Block# is an inspirational nonfiction Christian story. # Kids off the Block# is a nonprofit organization started by Diane Latiker. This organization is in a troubled Chicago neighborhood. There are many gangs and troubled kids in that neighborhood. She opened her home to influence and help these kids be successful and not go down the way of the gangs. The kids did their homework with her . They shared their troubles with her. She fed them. She became very close to so many of these kids. Many of the kids were involved in gun violence and drugs. She helped more than 3,000 at risk kids. This story is so very inspiring. She felt God called her to help these kids and set up this nonprofit organization. She showed the kids she believed in them. She won the CNN Hero award. It is wonderful Diane is making a difference in our troubled world. Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. I commend Diane for all she has done and all she is continuing to do for these troubled kids in Chicago.
September 1, 2020
As a pastor that works with children and youth this book intrigued me. I did not know when I started this book that I would be crying by the end of it.
Diane’s story inspires me. There are days that I wake up and I don’t want to continue. Things are hard and I want to call it quits, but like Diane, God has go it. Too often we try to do things on our own and not allow God to lead.
If you feel stuck and not sure how to continue in what you are doing, read this book not as a way to feel down about yourself and what you are doing, but that you can be inspired to do greater things.
I am inspired by the hope and honesty that Diane shows again and again in her stories. Each of the kids that she mentions by name I felt that I knew and wanted to help. What Diane is doing is empowering young people to make a difference. Thank you Diane for your hard work and dedication to make a difference, I hope that I can be that to my community as well.
Diane’s story inspires me. There are days that I wake up and I don’t want to continue. Things are hard and I want to call it quits, but like Diane, God has go it. Too often we try to do things on our own and not allow God to lead.
If you feel stuck and not sure how to continue in what you are doing, read this book not as a way to feel down about yourself and what you are doing, but that you can be inspired to do greater things.
I am inspired by the hope and honesty that Diane shows again and again in her stories. Each of the kids that she mentions by name I felt that I knew and wanted to help. What Diane is doing is empowering young people to make a difference. Thank you Diane for your hard work and dedication to make a difference, I hope that I can be that to my community as well.
September 2, 2020
Diane Latiker's devotion to the at risk youth in Chicago is nothing short of heroic. She goes into detail about the issues she continuously has to deal with when attempting to assist the youth. This is a great read and proves that one person can truly make a difference.
August 23, 2020
Gosh this book had me in tears and exhilarated all at the same time. Diane is amazing. God is AMAZING and He did it through her. Through her love, her sacrifice, her dedication. What a powerful story of just doing what you can where you are. I am SO GLAD I read this and learned about her and KOB. What an inspiration!
October 27, 2020
I received an ARC audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kids Off the Block tells the inspirational and heartwarming story of Dianne Latiker, a woman who welcomed hundreds of vulnerable teenagers into her Chicago home. Her story shows the impact that one person can have when they are willing to trust God and focus on the needs of others over their own. Diane did not have any special training or fancy programs when she started Kids Off the Block (KOB), she simply sat down with a group of kids and took the time to listen to what they had to say.
I was inspired by Diane’s perseverance. It is easy to overlook the fact that KOB took many years to grow into the successful program it is today. In reality, starting up KOB was a slow and discouraging process. For years, Diane had to make decisions and sacrifices without knowing exactly how they would pay off. Many times, she was denied for grants and other funds that would enable her to do the work she wanted to.
I was also inspired by her willingness to step into tough situations. She never shied away from loving the types of kids that most people avoid. At times, she threw herself into dangerous situations and even in front of guns for the sake of her KOB kids. She doesn’t just preach that all people are equal and worthy of love, but bravely lives it out.
Throughout the book, Dianne frequently mentions that God called her to start KOB and love these kids. Even though she mentions God often, there is no mention of teaching her kids about the Bible or gospel message. Even though this book is marketed as a Christian novel, the focus of the book is more about meeting physical and emotional needs, rather than spiritual needs.
Kids Off the Block tells the inspirational and heartwarming story of Dianne Latiker, a woman who welcomed hundreds of vulnerable teenagers into her Chicago home. Her story shows the impact that one person can have when they are willing to trust God and focus on the needs of others over their own. Diane did not have any special training or fancy programs when she started Kids Off the Block (KOB), she simply sat down with a group of kids and took the time to listen to what they had to say.
I was inspired by Diane’s perseverance. It is easy to overlook the fact that KOB took many years to grow into the successful program it is today. In reality, starting up KOB was a slow and discouraging process. For years, Diane had to make decisions and sacrifices without knowing exactly how they would pay off. Many times, she was denied for grants and other funds that would enable her to do the work she wanted to.
I was also inspired by her willingness to step into tough situations. She never shied away from loving the types of kids that most people avoid. At times, she threw herself into dangerous situations and even in front of guns for the sake of her KOB kids. She doesn’t just preach that all people are equal and worthy of love, but bravely lives it out.
Throughout the book, Dianne frequently mentions that God called her to start KOB and love these kids. Even though she mentions God often, there is no mention of teaching her kids about the Bible or gospel message. Even though this book is marketed as a Christian novel, the focus of the book is more about meeting physical and emotional needs, rather than spiritual needs.
April 9, 2024
Latiker has a passion and love for teens that's inspiring to read about. There were some heartbreaking stories here that made me cry.
Most of the book details Latiker's attempts to get funding. The later chapters talk about all the different awards she's won. It was pretty self-focused, in a bad way. She does admit some of her faults, at least, but other times, she seems to defend them. She treated her husband very poorly and never really acknowledged that as wrong.
I was mostly frustrated and disappointed with the lack of the gospel in this book, though.
The book was very much focused on the author and her organization and it was repeatedly stated that Latiker and/or KOB “saved” and “transformed” these teens. But that's actually what Jesus does, through the work of the Holy Spirit. The author mentions God a few times, and gives all the credit to Him at the end (though that seemed like an afterthought), but her focus definitely seemed to be trying to change the kids’ behaviors through her own efforts. Sadly, this kind of work won't last. Only God's work and salvation is eternal.
Latiker seemed more enchanted with politicians and celebrities than with Jesus. So, I appreciated the peek into the urban life in which there's violence, gangs, drugs, poverty, etc., but I was left more sad and discouraged than uplifted.
Note: I did really appreciate that rather than including actual profanity when it occurred, Latiker simply mentioned that someone cursed. Too many writers think they need to use the actual expletives for “authenticity.”
Most of the book details Latiker's attempts to get funding. The later chapters talk about all the different awards she's won. It was pretty self-focused, in a bad way. She does admit some of her faults, at least, but other times, she seems to defend them. She treated her husband very poorly and never really acknowledged that as wrong.
I was mostly frustrated and disappointed with the lack of the gospel in this book, though.
The book was very much focused on the author and her organization and it was repeatedly stated that Latiker and/or KOB “saved” and “transformed” these teens. But that's actually what Jesus does, through the work of the Holy Spirit. The author mentions God a few times, and gives all the credit to Him at the end (though that seemed like an afterthought), but her focus definitely seemed to be trying to change the kids’ behaviors through her own efforts. Sadly, this kind of work won't last. Only God's work and salvation is eternal.
Latiker seemed more enchanted with politicians and celebrities than with Jesus. So, I appreciated the peek into the urban life in which there's violence, gangs, drugs, poverty, etc., but I was left more sad and discouraged than uplifted.
Note: I did really appreciate that rather than including actual profanity when it occurred, Latiker simply mentioned that someone cursed. Too many writers think they need to use the actual expletives for “authenticity.”
March 4, 2021
Diane has a fantastic voice and her passion is so clear. I want to hear more about neighbors helping neighbors and what kind of neighborhoods are struggling with different things than I do. Statistics can give us some perspective on what’s happening in other communities. Stories help us connect with those statistics. Behind the numbers and graphs are the lives of real people and that is where we learn what and how we can make a difference in the world. Please read the words Diane is sharing, the stories that become more than statistics
July 20, 2021
I finished this book and gave thanks that there are women like Diane Latiker in the world. She is awesome and has made such a difference to the lives of young people in her community. It isn’t all beauty and success but ultimately her journey is full of hope and promise. Mrs Latiker started inviting difficult kids into her home to hear what the issues were in her neighbourhood with guns and drugs and violence. She then made efforts to help and actually change things rather than just give lip service to the issues.
The changes involved sport and education and listening. The difference was phenomenal but then so is Diane Latiker. One particularly feared teenager appeared at the basketball court and swore while playing. She sent him away. The other kids were astonished that she stood up to him. He came back the next day and swore, she sent him away. Eventually he came to her and apologised saying everyone in his home and area swore and it was just a reflex. She stood her ground and he stopped swearing around her. The small changes added up and she partnered with other charities and big organisations - L’Oreal especially come out of this well - and appears on TV and all sorts. But under it all she succeeds in having the young people see they have alternatives to prison or death or poverty.
The world is a better place for having people like Diane Latiker in it and I applaud her.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review
The changes involved sport and education and listening. The difference was phenomenal but then so is Diane Latiker. One particularly feared teenager appeared at the basketball court and swore while playing. She sent him away. The other kids were astonished that she stood up to him. He came back the next day and swore, she sent him away. Eventually he came to her and apologised saying everyone in his home and area swore and it was just a reflex. She stood her ground and he stopped swearing around her. The small changes added up and she partnered with other charities and big organisations - L’Oreal especially come out of this well - and appears on TV and all sorts. But under it all she succeeds in having the young people see they have alternatives to prison or death or poverty.
The world is a better place for having people like Diane Latiker in it and I applaud her.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review
September 21, 2020
Kids Off the Block
The Inspiring True Story of One Woman's Quest to Protect Chicago's Most Vulnerable Youth
by Diane Latiker
Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Kids off the Block through Baker Books and Netgalley:
Diane Latiker asked herself what could she do when she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence.
Her answers started small, by inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But it grew over the years.
With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens.
If you are looking for a powerful, energizing read. The story of a woman who became tired of sitting behind their keyboards, as they watched their world crumble away, and decided to do something about it.
I get Kids off the Block five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Inspiring True Story of One Woman's Quest to Protect Chicago's Most Vulnerable Youth
by Diane Latiker
Baker Books
Christian
Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Kids off the Block through Baker Books and Netgalley:
Diane Latiker asked herself what could she do when she watched the teens in her Chicago neighborhood succumb at an alarming rate to gangs and gun violence.
Her answers started small, by inviting ten kids into her living room to talk about their struggles and dreams. But it grew over the years.
With the help of God, her family, and many other people along the way, Diane's Kids Off the Block morphed from a personal crusade to do what she could into a nationally known program that has helped more than 3,000 at-risk Chicago teens.
If you are looking for a powerful, energizing read. The story of a woman who became tired of sitting behind their keyboards, as they watched their world crumble away, and decided to do something about it.
I get Kids off the Block five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
September 21, 2020
What a remarkable true story of the life of Diane Latiker. What I loved most was her tenacity and faith. The combo made for a one of a kind story of her starting KOB. Even when no one else believed, she persisted. Even when no one else understood, she persisted. Even when the numbers and time and heartache didn’t make sense, she persisted… and look at her now! The Lord has continued to carry her, even in the hardest of seasons. He has used her to bless the lives of many of Chicago’s most vulnerable youth, and He continues to do so because of her faith and dedication to the call.
I had the pleasure of listening to this book on audio, narrated in Diane’s own voice. What a joy to hear the emotion and passion straight from the woman herself!
This is a remarkable story that highlights the power of what one person can do to make a difference in the world. Her utter selflessness and joy make this story a delight to devour. Diane’s influence will ripple into future generations for many decades to come.
Thank you NetGalley and Baker Books for the opportunity to enjoy this book on audio. All opinions are my own.
I had the pleasure of listening to this book on audio, narrated in Diane’s own voice. What a joy to hear the emotion and passion straight from the woman herself!
This is a remarkable story that highlights the power of what one person can do to make a difference in the world. Her utter selflessness and joy make this story a delight to devour. Diane’s influence will ripple into future generations for many decades to come.
Thank you NetGalley and Baker Books for the opportunity to enjoy this book on audio. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2024
2.5 stars. It wasn't terrible, in fact I flew thru it in less than a week even tho I've been in a bit of a reading slump. But towards the end, Diane seemed really self entitled despite all the good she did. She even admitted at the end to nominating herself for an award... not even for the recognition it would bring the program but for making herself feel like "you're worth it". That made me cringe a bit and kinda roll my eyes. Would've loved more mention of the gospel and her trying to bring these kids to God. But 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
April 19, 2021
Great book. Throughout the whole book, Diane gives the glory to God. It is an inspiring book for all who believe in our children. We must always know we are all God’s children, no matter our race, nationality, socio-economic level or what community we live in. God is calling all of us to the mission field. You will not be disappointed if you read this book about a how a lady through her faith changed lives and a community.
November 26, 2020
I am in awe of this lady and the way God worked in her life to work in kids lives.
A touching and inspiring book of one ladies "call" from God to "do something" to help troubled kids.
Her courage to stand up to some mighty tough kids and keep going is inspiring.
A touching and inspiring book of one ladies "call" from God to "do something" to help troubled kids.
Her courage to stand up to some mighty tough kids and keep going is inspiring.
April 3, 2022
Diane Latiker tells the cold truth. She expresses the ups and downs, and never gives up.
This is a testament to her faith and her convictions.
I read the print book while listening to the audiobook.
This is a testament to her faith and her convictions.
I read the print book while listening to the audiobook.
March 12, 2021
I’m so glad I read this book! What an extraordinary woman and group of young people.
April 27, 2024
A truly powerful read if you take a small step in the works- it really makes a difference!
October 30, 2020
Diane Latiker, in Kids Off the Block, shares the true story of how she listened to the voices of God and her mother and started "doing something" for the kids that were hanging around her house. Her house happened to be located on a forgotten block in an under-resourced neighborhood in Chicago. Many Chicagoans had given up on her neighborhood, her block, and these kids. But not Diane Latiker. She turned her small house into a safe place for kids to land - a center with homework help, a music studio, basketball, and even dance space (when they could find it). Gaining acceptance as a non-profit and gaining recognition to attract supporters was not, and is not, easy. But Diane Latiker never ever gave up. And today, Kids Off the Block has served thousands of Chicago's young people and continues to do so. In the book, Diane shares story after story after story. Her passion, vision, and voice represent not only her own journey as the founder and leader of Kids Off the Block, but each young person's life and journey who we come to know through the stories in the book. Diane has given us the gift and privilege of having names, faces, and personalities - real people, real kids- behind all the statistics we hear on the news. And this is one of the crucial keys to real change. Stories over statistics every single time.
Much thanks to the publisher, Baker Publishing, for providing me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Much thanks to the publisher, Baker Publishing, for providing me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews