Brazilian educator, author and motivational speaker Marcos Lopes will discuss his book “War Zone” Saturday at the Waterford Public Library and on Wednesday in Old Lyme at the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.

Growing up in the most dangerous ghetto in Sao Paulo, Lopes was kicked out of school at 16 and turned to dealing drugs. After his best friend was murdered, Lopes went back to school, got his degree and started teaching at the same school that had expelled him years ago. Lopes also co-founded the nonprofit Project Hope for troubled youth.

“War Zone” is a cautionary and ultimately triumphant memoir of his experiences that resonates anywhere.

Marcos Lopes, 2 p.m. Saturday, Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford; free; (860) 4445805