The "Book Lady" Visits the Students of 2A & 2B

     It all started with an unexpected request last month from a dear friend who I had the privilege of working alongside as her teaching assistant for over two years.  Every February, her school celebrates Catholic School's Week, and there is a special theme for each day.  One day, during this year's Catholic School's Week, is set aside as a, "Career Day", where the students from grades Pre-K to 8th learn about different careers from individuals in the community. My friend asked if I would come to her classroom to discuss my work as a journalist, and to bring along a story (or two) to read to the students.  I was surprised, honored and jumped at the chance of being able to tell the children a little bit more behind the person who they know as, "The Book Lady." :)
       So, I knew right away that the tale  I had to bring along with me just had to be special.  As I looked through my bookshelves, the bold-faced title of author Debbie Ridpath Ohi's "Where Are My Books?"and the whimsical illustration of a little boy peering underneath his bed just peaked my interested.

     So, on this sunny morning, I returned to a place that brought me a lot of joy.  As I waited for the children to arrive back in the very same classroom where I watched with great admiration and witnessed the influence that a truly dedicated teacher can have on the lives and minds of young children every day, I was flooded with memories.  Warm memories of being lucky enough to help children to learn and develop a love of reading filled me with emotion.
     Then, at that moment, the door opened quickly, and the fast footsteps of little feet entered the room. I was greeted with a mixture of curiosity and smiles as I began to introduce myself and interact with the children.
      "Did you ever loose a book?" I asked.  Instantly, over 30 little hands went straight up in the air.
     "How did it make you feel?"
      "Sad," said one little boy in the first row.  "Because, it was my favorite."
    "But, " I posed the question, "how would you feel if you took good care of your books, and left them in the same place every night, only  to wake up in the morning to find that they were gone?"  Opened mouths and silence were visible all around the classroom.  As I read the story, the underlying messages of a little boy named Spencer, who is filled with the wonder of reading;  of why we should always take care of books, as well as the importance of sharing stories with others---mean a great deal to me. I would like to think that the students of 2A and 2B felt the same after hearing Debbie Ridpath Ohi's delightful read.
     A question and answer session soon began, and then, I took out a surprise.  I have been working on my very own children's story since March of this year, and it is almost ready to pitch to publishers.  And, what an opportunity it would be to be able to read a little bit of it to my future audience!  As I told the children about the events that inspired my story, and began to tell my tale, much to my surprise (which eased my nervousness in debuting my work), they all  listened quite intently.
     "Now, " I said to the children, "here's your assignment.  You  will get the chance to become writers of your own.  I'd like for each of you to write and draw pictures of your very own ending to my story.  Where and how will Papa find a new place for his family to stay for the winter?"  They seemed excited about the chance to express themselves.
     Before I departed, I couldn't leave them without sharing a story about a student who was in one of our classes many years ago, who left a huge impact on my heart.  This little girl entered our 2nd grade class being able to read only on a Kindergarten reading level.  She expressed no interest in reading, and would always sit in her library class with her arms folded tightly up her stomach with a huge frown on her face.  One day, I knew something had to be done, so I asked her what where some of the things that she liked.  "I like fish" she said.  So that day in library, we set out to find a book about fish that was in her current reading level.  On the walk back to the classroom, she wouldn't close the book, and read that story over and over.  I pointed to the computer area to the students and said that she went right over there, took her Accelerated Reader test, and scored a 100.  And, the next week, she took out a book about a shark.  And, passed her test.  The next week, she read about star fish. And, what did she do?  She passed that test in flying colors.  When she finished the 2nd grade, she was reading on a 3rd grade reading level.  A tremendous achievement for a little girl who would never pick up a book.  Reading what you love, what you like to do, is so important, especially for a child.
        So, to the budding writers and illustrators in 2A & 2B, remember-- reading can take you anywhere, and by becoming a better reader, you will be able to reach your dreams and your goals. I will be back, as promised, in a months time, filled with great anticipation to hear and see your very own ending to my story.
     

      And, a message for all the special teachers like Mrs. Toledo-----never cease in holding those little ones hands, opening their minds and continue to touch their hearts, just like you did for my own son.