Burst Into Books Headquarters
119 E. 107th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
(Roseland)
The busiest part of the Ave was 111th to 115th, but many would measure the Ave from about 103rd through at least the Home Store at 118th. The Ave was a Chicago neighborhood edition of the Bedford Falls Main Street in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” stuffed with neighborhood shops and anchored by Gately’s Peoples Store at 112th, a miniature version of Marshall Field’s majestic department store on State Street in the far away land of the Loop. Roselanders seldom bothered with Marshall Field’s and the Loop. What did anyone need that you couldn’t get on the Ave? Besides, it was a pretty long trip downtown on the IC, by bus, or driving on Chicago’s most dangerous expressway, the Dan Ryan.
Cate Plys’s Roseland, Chicago: 1972
According to the Burst Into Books website, “Literacy and resources for children from 6 months to 18 years old! We celebrate diversity through books, authors, and storytellers from all walks of life. Our mission is to inspire young readers to discover the magic of books, share their own stories, explore meaningful conversations, and—most importantly—have fun along the way! Whether it's through our vibrant literary festival, fun-filled family events, creative writing workshops, book giveaways, or engaging online programs, we offer endless opportunities for your kids and families to get involved, be inspired, and spark great conversations! Dive into the joy of reading with us! Since 2018, we’ve impacted over 30,000 young readers and have distributed over 60,000 books!”
Former Reader, Chicago Tribune, and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Cate Plys undertook a major project in 2021 to tell the story of Roseland, circa the 1970s. Her online serialized novel, Roseland, Chicago: 1972, explores the city's alongside historical commentary. The site features daily news archives, Mike Royko analysis, and detailed notes on the era's politics and geography. It leverages every modern technological advantage, like digital maps and photos, to illustrate the story. In the opening chapter, the omniscient narrator summarizes, “Steve Bertolucci’s life was irrevocably shattered by this thing that may or may not have been a wad of chewed-up gum, and later the Cubs, in 1972. He was ten years old. Just a little ten-year-old kid with wavy black hair, dreamy dark brown eyes that were always a bit too big for his face, and a nose that had recently achieved the same distinction. A little kid growing up in Roseland, on the South Side of Chicago. This is his story. Everyone else is a bit player, except Roseland.”
Poet Nate Marshall was born at Roseland Community Hospital and wrote about the neighborhood in his collection Wild Hundreds. Brooks Prepatory High School (250 E. 111th Street) is in the neighborhood. Styx front man Dennis DeYoung grew up in the neighborhood, along with other founding members; the band recorded a song called “Earl of Roseland.” Forrest Gump Director Robert Zemeckis also grew up in Roseland.
