As a retired librarian this post warms my heart. I read a novel a day for decades. After my mother retired she read one a day and “2 on Sunday” to quote her. When my nieces and nephews were kids 50 years ago, they always got books from me for Xmas and birthdays.
I had forgotten about "D'Aulaires" Book of Greek Myths"! I remember having borrowed it from the public library as a child and loving it. So many of my mental images of the Greek myths came from here, but I had forgotten that this was the source!
Your column brought back those long-buried memories of enchantment and wonder, and I immediately bought a copy for my son and my young granddaughter. He has been introducing her to the Odyssey, and I know they will love reading this one too! Thank you, Amy!
I’ve been an avid reader from a young age. I loved the Nancy Drew series and eagerly awaited each new book. One of the most memorable books that I read in probably 5th or 6th grade was Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers. It was about her daughter who had Down Syndrome and died at a very young age. It was the first time I was aware that some children were born with special needs. Dale gave these children a voice and felt privileged to be her daughter’s mother. Fast forward 50 years and I’ve helped raise my great nephew from birth. He was born with special needs and is now 16. I love him dearly and am thankful I get to share my life with him. I think this book helped me to become a person to fulfill this role.
I love this! Several of my friends created a book club in memory of my son Andrew who loved to read. Every year at Christmas time, I pick out a book that Andrew had guided me to to be given out to the people who were important in Andrew's life. This is done at this time of the year because Andrew loved Christmas & his birthday was on 12/28. He would have been 22 years old this year. He was killed when he was 9 years old. The books are well received by the recipients. It's a wonderful way to honor Andrew's memory. It's a win-win for everyone involved!
My aunt lived 3000 miles away but came to visit when I was young. She took my siblings and me to a local bookstore and allowed us each to pick out a book which she then bought for us. I chose "Black Beauty" and it quickly became my favorite book of all time. Sixty-five years later I still have the book! I just put three of the books mentioned in your article on hold for me at my local library.
Love this topic! In my family books or gift cards to favorite book stores are coveted Christmas gift. So many books are important, but the most for me was Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I identified completely with Meg Murray.
The most fun I have ever had with books was when I taught preschool for a few years. I still miss reading to the kids. When they would leave to go to kindergarten, I would buy them their favorite book to take with them. I am still in touch with many of their parents and see Facebook posts of them going to college. I hope the books played a part in them loving learning and how they are moving into their futures!
Hi Matthew -- one way to do this would be for teachers to print this out and send it home in kids' backpacks, or though an email to parents, encouraging them to start this tradition (a wrapped book on the bed so its the first thing a child sees in the morning). At my tiny little rural alma mater, we worked with our local literacy volunteers to make sure that every student received books of their very own to take home. As you know, an alarming percentage of American families have NO BOOKS in their households, and the testimonies tell how vital access to books is.
Thanks for including me, Amy!
Your literacy origin story is so great. Thank you for your generosity in telling it.
I love this every year! Books are such wonderful things. Also, I’m a huge Sherman Alexie fan so I’m so grateful he was a part of this post! ❤️
As a retired librarian this post warms my heart. I read a novel a day for decades. After my mother retired she read one a day and “2 on Sunday” to quote her. When my nieces and nephews were kids 50 years ago, they always got books from me for Xmas and birthdays.
Holy smokes. A novel a day??!! That is my dream for my own retirement.
I love this every year! ❤️
I had forgotten about "D'Aulaires" Book of Greek Myths"! I remember having borrowed it from the public library as a child and loving it. So many of my mental images of the Greek myths came from here, but I had forgotten that this was the source!
Your column brought back those long-buried memories of enchantment and wonder, and I immediately bought a copy for my son and my young granddaughter. He has been introducing her to the Odyssey, and I know they will love reading this one too! Thank you, Amy!
I’ve been an avid reader from a young age. I loved the Nancy Drew series and eagerly awaited each new book. One of the most memorable books that I read in probably 5th or 6th grade was Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers. It was about her daughter who had Down Syndrome and died at a very young age. It was the first time I was aware that some children were born with special needs. Dale gave these children a voice and felt privileged to be her daughter’s mother. Fast forward 50 years and I’ve helped raise my great nephew from birth. He was born with special needs and is now 16. I love him dearly and am thankful I get to share my life with him. I think this book helped me to become a person to fulfill this role.
I love this! Several of my friends created a book club in memory of my son Andrew who loved to read. Every year at Christmas time, I pick out a book that Andrew had guided me to to be given out to the people who were important in Andrew's life. This is done at this time of the year because Andrew loved Christmas & his birthday was on 12/28. He would have been 22 years old this year. He was killed when he was 9 years old. The books are well received by the recipients. It's a wonderful way to honor Andrew's memory. It's a win-win for everyone involved!
Merry Christmas to you & your family!
Kathy
Oh my goodness I just ordered the myths book. I can see so many of the illustrations in my head; I can't wait! Thank you!
My aunt lived 3000 miles away but came to visit when I was young. She took my siblings and me to a local bookstore and allowed us each to pick out a book which she then bought for us. I chose "Black Beauty" and it quickly became my favorite book of all time. Sixty-five years later I still have the book! I just put three of the books mentioned in your article on hold for me at my local library.
Love this topic! In my family books or gift cards to favorite book stores are coveted Christmas gift. So many books are important, but the most for me was Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I identified completely with Meg Murray.
The most fun I have ever had with books was when I taught preschool for a few years. I still miss reading to the kids. When they would leave to go to kindergarten, I would buy them their favorite book to take with them. I am still in touch with many of their parents and see Facebook posts of them going to college. I hope the books played a part in them loving learning and how they are moving into their futures!
Inspiring work Amy. Would love to do something similar in my local rural elementary.
Hi Matthew -- one way to do this would be for teachers to print this out and send it home in kids' backpacks, or though an email to parents, encouraging them to start this tradition (a wrapped book on the bed so its the first thing a child sees in the morning). At my tiny little rural alma mater, we worked with our local literacy volunteers to make sure that every student received books of their very own to take home. As you know, an alarming percentage of American families have NO BOOKS in their households, and the testimonies tell how vital access to books is.