Recently I heard about a first-year teacher who provides daily snacks for her first-grade students. I was simultaneously proud of her and heartbroken for her situation. And I couldn’t help but wonder about the state of her classroom library because, if she is using her money to buy snacks, she most likely is not buying books. Writing is just one half of the equation. As Kidlit authors, we also have to care about the children for whom we write. Our readers. Who cannot learn or read if their tummies and their classroom libraries are empty. I might not be able to fix the world for all young readers, but I can make the world a better place for one classroom full of first grade boys and girls and their teacher!
For 2019 I have adopted this teacher. I will be sending her books every month. If you would like to partner with me and bless her students with a picture book or early reader, please contact me for details.