I love stories about books and children. What a wonderful inspiring gift you have given these children. Growing up in the fifties, my best friend and I walked to our neighborhood library at least once a week and more in the summer. We lived next door to each other and spent many summer days reading on her porch or mine. Now, having been friends for 73 years (since we were five) we still talk about books and what we are reading. The gift of reading lasts forever!
I believe fostering the love of reading is the greatest gift anyone can give - especially since it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of circumstances. As a child my mother took us to the town library every week to exchange one set of treasures for another. (She later became a librarian there, and would end up so absorbed in her work she’d have to be admonished to stop whistling!)
I still have the note in my wallet from her with the list of books she thought my 6 year old stepson would enjoy ♥️.
Thank you for your recommendations. I’m going to check out the “I Survived“ series for my grandson. Sounds perfect for him. In turn, I highly recommend “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney. My now 27 year old daughter (a preschool teacher) still says she’s her inspiration. 😘
Hi Dana -- when my husband Bruno and I were just getting to know each other, we were talking on the phone and he told me about these beautiful cottages he was building. "Do you know the Miss Rumphius book?" He asked.
I looked to my bedside table: "I have it right here." I told him. And I did!! LOVE Barbara Cooney.
... also Dana -- make sure you vet the Survivor books you choose. A couple of them were too intense, I thought. But I would have loved the entire series when I was nine.
Re: Free Range Kids. When I was 9 or 10 years old in Jefferson City, MO in the 1950's, on a cold snowy day I shoveled snow for a neighbor and he may have given me a quarter and after my mother anted up (probably) another quarter, she turned me loose to catch the city bus to downtown by myself, I watched a movie and got popcorn and caught the bus home afterward. All by myself. Thanks, Amy, for triggering that memory. What a lucky kid I was and weren't we all if we're of a certain age.
This is awesome! I was a preschool teacher for 7 years. My favorite thing was to go to the library each week and pick out books for the next week’s theme. Then when they “graduated” to preschool or kindergarten, I gave them a copy of their favorite book that we read in class. I am still in touch with many of their mom’s. They are in college now, but I still treasure my time with them!
Such a great gift from you. I have a strong feeling some of these former students will crop up again in your life -- with a solid memory of you -- and their special book.
The two meanest teachers I thought I ever had were Miss Steiner in junior high school and Miss Weir in high school. After the PA announced that President Kennedy had died, Miss Weir insisted we take the history test that was scheduled that afternoon, even though there were students sobbing uncontrollably. But when I got to college, these were the two teachers who proved to actually be the best, who insisted on proper grammar and sentence structure and who taught me how to write a term paper the way all professors want to read. Thank you for sharing about Mrs. Jones. Wonderful memories of wonderful people.
Although making everyone take their test on the 3rd of November really does seem sort of harsh, I wonder if Miss Weir believed that clinging to the routine would be best for all of you. Imagine what those young teachers were going through on that day ...!
Amy, your post resonated with me, as I have lived in my hometown for almost 60 years and haven’t returned to my grade school for probably almost 50. I think I need to pay them a visit!
I smiled at your teacher-crush moment because, as a dreamy-eyed 5-year-old, I told my mother that my kindergartner teacher had “the most beautiful legs….” 🤩😍
One other note: I can’t be the only reader who thought of the atrocious Pawnee, IN city hall murals in “Parks and Recreation.” 😄
Hi Judy... my daughter Emily and I howled over the Parks and Rec compilation of awful mural references. I'll share it soon. (And yes -- this mural just goes to show you that Amy Poehler really NAILED it.)
Once again, your post inspired some happy tears and so many good memories of my own. I love that you gave the students books! I haven't been in either of my elementary school in many years since they are in Glendale, NY, and I have lived in Indiana for 55 years after graduating from Valparaiso University. But I have many vivid and mostly happy memories of both schools (P.S. 91 - k-4th and Redeemer Lutheran 4th-8th). When I was in third grade, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Rossman, had me come in and read to her class once a week while she worked at her desk. At first I read the books she suggested, but eventually she allowed me to bring in my own books. Animal Stories was one of the second graders' favorites! What a kick! Not surprisingly, I became an English teacher and continued to read to my middle schoolers and even my high schoolers.
Hi Amy, it sometimes feels like second grade was just yesterday, other times it was so long ago. Time can be so relative. I continue to enjoy your thoughts/columns.
What a fun thing to do for the kids! This definitely is a very good example of why it's better to give than to receive. I can feel the happiness you felt when the kids called you the book lady! Thank for sharing this story with us!
My kids went to the same grade school as I, and had the same 2nd grade teacher, Mrs Sick. Flaming red hair and looking very glamorous to my 6 year old eyes. She was probably all of 22 years at the time. Caring and strict. School was easy for me, I was a lucky kid!
Wow, you really took me back to grammar school, and my love for reading. I distinctly recall the book fairs we had, and there were so many books to choose from. Getting a stack, and then taking them home and reading them. It was my favorite time of the school year! Our library often had reading based games, and for one of them I won first place! I vividly remember reading every single Nancy Drew book in the series; the Hardy Boys and then when I was a little older all the Zane Gray books. Reading continues to take me places I'll never go, and consider things I ordinarily wouldn't think about. I'm so glad you visited your school and best of all, were remembered! Thanks to Mrs. Jones, we have gotten to know you!
Every time I see the books offered in book fairs these days I am absolutely appalled. Most are absolute garbage. Do I sound judgy? I spent 39 years as a librarian in a public library…25 of those years as the children’s librarian. There are so many quality books that appeal to children…and those that Amy selected qualify!
On a different note…recently when I went to our local post office I saw Goodnight Moon stamps and I had to buy them. I haven’t read that book in probably 25 years and can still recite it.
Honestly Janet, I had a hard time finding what I thought would be the right books through Scholastic. LOTS of bad books! But you can really see how the blockbusters break through. Overall, they seem to just be better books.
Even when my 40 year old daughter was going to Scholastic book fairs there were bad books…so many based on cartoons, etc. Today the fairs feature lots of non book options…aaaagh! I just love the fact you bought each child a book. I’m going to a baby shower in a couple of weeks and hope the baby likes the book I bought!
Oh, that's really sad. I wonder if the books being offered today are connected with advertising and kickbacks. I can't think of any better person than a librarian to help with book selection. You have guided a lot of young readers in your career, and I thank you for that! My reading was heavily influenced by a public library librarian. Since I can't thank her, I thank you!!
I love stories about books and children. What a wonderful inspiring gift you have given these children. Growing up in the fifties, my best friend and I walked to our neighborhood library at least once a week and more in the summer. We lived next door to each other and spent many summer days reading on her porch or mine. Now, having been friends for 73 years (since we were five) we still talk about books and what we are reading. The gift of reading lasts forever!
Last week I took some time to read on the porch. Wow -- I think that is just about one of life's greatest quiet joys.
Right now sitting on my front porch watching a new septic system being installed! Not very quiet😂
Haha -- I hear you. But ah -- the sweet smell of success.
Amy, this is one of your best posts ever.
I believe fostering the love of reading is the greatest gift anyone can give - especially since it can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of circumstances. As a child my mother took us to the town library every week to exchange one set of treasures for another. (She later became a librarian there, and would end up so absorbed in her work she’d have to be admonished to stop whistling!)
I still have the note in my wallet from her with the list of books she thought my 6 year old stepson would enjoy ♥️.
Thank you for your recommendations. I’m going to check out the “I Survived“ series for my grandson. Sounds perfect for him. In turn, I highly recommend “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney. My now 27 year old daughter (a preschool teacher) still says she’s her inspiration. 😘
Hi Dana -- when my husband Bruno and I were just getting to know each other, we were talking on the phone and he told me about these beautiful cottages he was building. "Do you know the Miss Rumphius book?" He asked.
I looked to my bedside table: "I have it right here." I told him. And I did!! LOVE Barbara Cooney.
Gives one a romantic chill!!! I’ve always LOVED those cottages - now I love them even more ♥️
... also Dana -- make sure you vet the Survivor books you choose. A couple of them were too intense, I thought. But I would have loved the entire series when I was nine.
I definitely will. Tx Amy.
Re: Free Range Kids. When I was 9 or 10 years old in Jefferson City, MO in the 1950's, on a cold snowy day I shoveled snow for a neighbor and he may have given me a quarter and after my mother anted up (probably) another quarter, she turned me loose to catch the city bus to downtown by myself, I watched a movie and got popcorn and caught the bus home afterward. All by myself. Thanks, Amy, for triggering that memory. What a lucky kid I was and weren't we all if we're of a certain age.
This is awesome! I was a preschool teacher for 7 years. My favorite thing was to go to the library each week and pick out books for the next week’s theme. Then when they “graduated” to preschool or kindergarten, I gave them a copy of their favorite book that we read in class. I am still in touch with many of their mom’s. They are in college now, but I still treasure my time with them!
Such a great gift from you. I have a strong feeling some of these former students will crop up again in your life -- with a solid memory of you -- and their special book.
Thank you for the reminder of the simple things in life are important.
The two meanest teachers I thought I ever had were Miss Steiner in junior high school and Miss Weir in high school. After the PA announced that President Kennedy had died, Miss Weir insisted we take the history test that was scheduled that afternoon, even though there were students sobbing uncontrollably. But when I got to college, these were the two teachers who proved to actually be the best, who insisted on proper grammar and sentence structure and who taught me how to write a term paper the way all professors want to read. Thank you for sharing about Mrs. Jones. Wonderful memories of wonderful people.
Although making everyone take their test on the 3rd of November really does seem sort of harsh, I wonder if Miss Weir believed that clinging to the routine would be best for all of you. Imagine what those young teachers were going through on that day ...!
So fun to re-visit those old haunts.
A year ago I re-traced the walk from junior high to my old house. So many memories bubbled up, so I called it my Sentimental Journey.
Miss Johnson, my 1st grade teacher, encouraged me in my creative writing. I did feel seen and valued by her, and I'll never forget it.
Amy, your post resonated with me, as I have lived in my hometown for almost 60 years and haven’t returned to my grade school for probably almost 50. I think I need to pay them a visit!
I smiled at your teacher-crush moment because, as a dreamy-eyed 5-year-old, I told my mother that my kindergartner teacher had “the most beautiful legs….” 🤩😍
One other note: I can’t be the only reader who thought of the atrocious Pawnee, IN city hall murals in “Parks and Recreation.” 😄
Hi Judy... my daughter Emily and I howled over the Parks and Rec compilation of awful mural references. I'll share it soon. (And yes -- this mural just goes to show you that Amy Poehler really NAILED it.)
How wonderful!
gosh, golly how sweet.
Once again, your post inspired some happy tears and so many good memories of my own. I love that you gave the students books! I haven't been in either of my elementary school in many years since they are in Glendale, NY, and I have lived in Indiana for 55 years after graduating from Valparaiso University. But I have many vivid and mostly happy memories of both schools (P.S. 91 - k-4th and Redeemer Lutheran 4th-8th). When I was in third grade, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Rossman, had me come in and read to her class once a week while she worked at her desk. At first I read the books she suggested, but eventually she allowed me to bring in my own books. Animal Stories was one of the second graders' favorites! What a kick! Not surprisingly, I became an English teacher and continued to read to my middle schoolers and even my high schoolers.
Wow -- I love that your teacher had a 3rd grader reading to 2nd graders. A very good and enjoyable lesson for everyone.
Hi Amy, it sometimes feels like second grade was just yesterday, other times it was so long ago. Time can be so relative. I continue to enjoy your thoughts/columns.
What a fun thing to do for the kids! This definitely is a very good example of why it's better to give than to receive. I can feel the happiness you felt when the kids called you the book lady! Thank for sharing this story with us!
I could not love this post more! Thank you dear Amy.
Delightful memories, thanks.
My kids went to the same grade school as I, and had the same 2nd grade teacher, Mrs Sick. Flaming red hair and looking very glamorous to my 6 year old eyes. She was probably all of 22 years at the time. Caring and strict. School was easy for me, I was a lucky kid!
Wow, you really took me back to grammar school, and my love for reading. I distinctly recall the book fairs we had, and there were so many books to choose from. Getting a stack, and then taking them home and reading them. It was my favorite time of the school year! Our library often had reading based games, and for one of them I won first place! I vividly remember reading every single Nancy Drew book in the series; the Hardy Boys and then when I was a little older all the Zane Gray books. Reading continues to take me places I'll never go, and consider things I ordinarily wouldn't think about. I'm so glad you visited your school and best of all, were remembered! Thanks to Mrs. Jones, we have gotten to know you!
Every time I see the books offered in book fairs these days I am absolutely appalled. Most are absolute garbage. Do I sound judgy? I spent 39 years as a librarian in a public library…25 of those years as the children’s librarian. There are so many quality books that appeal to children…and those that Amy selected qualify!
On a different note…recently when I went to our local post office I saw Goodnight Moon stamps and I had to buy them. I haven’t read that book in probably 25 years and can still recite it.
Honestly Janet, I had a hard time finding what I thought would be the right books through Scholastic. LOTS of bad books! But you can really see how the blockbusters break through. Overall, they seem to just be better books.
Even when my 40 year old daughter was going to Scholastic book fairs there were bad books…so many based on cartoons, etc. Today the fairs feature lots of non book options…aaaagh! I just love the fact you bought each child a book. I’m going to a baby shower in a couple of weeks and hope the baby likes the book I bought!
One teacher commented: "It's like the book fair, only everything is free!" That made me feel good.
Oh, that's really sad. I wonder if the books being offered today are connected with advertising and kickbacks. I can't think of any better person than a librarian to help with book selection. You have guided a lot of young readers in your career, and I thank you for that! My reading was heavily influenced by a public library librarian. Since I can't thank her, I thank you!!
That’s really sweet, Heidi! Thank you!