MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Gun violence continues to impact people of all ages across the Memphis area, and a local fifth grader is hoping to be a voice for change.

Ben Williams, an 11-year-old who attends Grahamwood Elementary School, believes every child deserves to feel safe.

Williams wants to make the world a better place, a place where kids don’t have to fear gun violence. “It’s a traumatic experience for children and no one wants that to happen.”

Now, thousands of people will hear about his dream in a new book, “Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts” by national Civil Rights activist Ruby Bridges.

According to Scholastic Incorporated, the book is a compilation of letters from concerned young students across the country about various issues including bullying, racism, and gun violence.

“I hope that I can help change gun violence. Even though you can try to change kid’s point of view about gun control, you still need to change the adults’ point of view,” said Williams.

Grahamwood Elementary School S.T.E.M. Coordinator Sylvia Albert says nearly two years ago she had all students at the school write a letter on issues they want to change.

“Children are very innocent, and they will say anything. It’s important that they know that someone can help them change the world,” said Albert.

Out of the 900 letters, Albert narrowed it down to 10, and Ben’s letter was chosen by Ruby Bridges herself.

He was nine when he wrote it.

“When you hear a child say, ‘We need to be safe,’ they are speaking loud and clear,” said Albert.

This may not be the last time we hear from Ben.  He says he wants to be a writer when he grows up. “I learned that anyone can change the world no matter where you come from or how old you are.”