Books are my friends.
I love getting lost in a good book. I explore new worlds. I learn so much (from nonfiction and fiction). I escape to someplace exciting when life gets too hard (2020, anyone?)
My love of reading is what took me into the world of tutoring in elementary schools. I want kids to love reading as much as I do. Reading is vitally important for a person’s future as well—being able to read on grade level by the start of fourth grade is the biggest predictor of whether a child will graduate from high school. I am so sad that COVID has sidelined me from tutoring this year.
But what I can do is support others who teach kids and help them develop a love of reading. One of the most dedicated teachers I know is Emily Marks. She teaches English at La Academia—The Partnership Charter School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Almost all her students are from low-income households.
The school has no library and Emily LOVES to give her students access to books. So she’s created a Mystery Check-Out Day for her eighth-grade students. Each student will receive a book wrapped in brown paper (hence the mystery). After reading it, they can keep it or switch it for another.
But they will only get the books if Emily’s project gets fully funded.
My husband Les and I have made our donation. Now I want to encourage you to jump on board and help push Emily’s fund over the top. Simply click on the picture and it will take you to Emily’s Donors Choose page.
Let’s get books into the hands of Emily’s class! When the project becomes fully funded, you can consider choosing a project close to your home through the Donors Choose site.
Then go read a book—
and remind yourself what a privilege it is to be able to do so!
When I was in school, I enjoyed reading books in the classroom library. At home my parents had to force me to put down the book I was reading to do my chores. It’s now 50+ years later, and I’d still rather read than do housework any day! I hope you find something you like to read and that you follow that interest throughout life.
The previous comment was a message to Emily’s students; it showed up here in error. Thank you, Carol for letting us know about this opportunity. Now back to my book!
I’ll be sure Emily gets your comment for her students! Thank you, Janet!
There is nothing like a book to lift your spirits when you feel sad. In a few pages, you can be anywhere in the world, at any time in history, and meet many interesting people. Who wants to watch TV? It thinks for you. Besides, you can do a much better job telling the story in your mind.
You are right! Books are amazing therapy, Joan!