Value to students

I am an elementary school counselor in South-Central L.A., about one mile from where Tookie grew up. I have been reading Tookie’s books to my third- and fifth-grade students since they came out. They have been quite helpful. The students are really interested, and the books initiate a lot of discussion about choosing friends and other choices that we make. Even some of the teachers participate by sharing their own experiences.

I don’t know enough of the details about his case to know whether he is guilty, but his books are excellent.

Linda Rieger

Los Angeles

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The fact that Stanley Williams refused to be interviewed because of past slights by the L.A. Times indicates to me that he still harbors hostilities to society. This quadruple murderer was a violent lawbreaker on the outside, allegedly continued his gang life while incarcerated, and has established himself as a great manipulator. I wish the murder victims could send a letter to the editor regarding this report and Williams. He is where he belongs -- on death row awaiting his date with death. I’ll pray to God to forgive him. Williams should too.

Leonard Munoz

Whittier