INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis organization is working to provide young men with the tools they need to survive.

It starts with books. Youngsters to YUNGSTARs, nicknamed Y2Y, aims to donate 500 books to young people.

For some young men, the absence of male role models and limited exposure to different perspectives can create challenges in their personal and academic growth. That’s why Y2Y stepped in with hopes to make changes.

The books, written by Indianapolis author and youth mentor Aaron Smith, include 20 chapters for a 20-day program to teach daily life skills and increase reading and comprehension skills. Smith said, “A lot of kids are not reading. They’re scrolling. They’re playing video games. They’re scrolling. So, this book gives them the opportunity to read. They enjoy reading this book because it’s in their language.”

The book uses real-life examples to promote positivity and accountability.

Last summer, Smith mentored kids who were involved in carjacking. He helped them turn their lock-picking skills into a locksmith business. Helping them figure out how to use skills in a legal way to reduce the pipeline to prison is the goal.

“The book just gives them ways to transform what they already do that’s in a per se ‘bad fashion’, but show you how to do it the right way.”

Smith says the book also helps them with decision-making skills against peer pressure; helps them come up with a routine, think outside of what they know; and set attainable goals beyond NBA or rapper careers.

As Smith sees it, it’s important to guide the youth. “Let’s not stop just for Black History Month. Let’s continue throughout the year.”

Smith is handing out the books to any young man he comes across. The goal is to donate 500 books. So far, he’s shared 300. He’s asking people to buy a book, then he will donate it. The book drive ends Friday.

“When we donate the books we donate it in your name, saying ‘Hey, Miss Jackson donated this book to you.’ That’s the way people can help is by going online and donating.”