On “Read Across America Day,” our nation recognizes the value of literacy to our democracy. We celebrate the books that inspire our children to dream big, expand the limits of their understanding, and explore diverse perspectives and cultures through the eyes of others. We also honor educators, parents, librarians, authors, mentors, and everyone who fosters the power of reading, to open doors of opportunity and build greater awareness about the complex world around us” (2023, Read Across American Day Proclamation).
Read Across America is always an enjoyable time for educators and community leaders to bring smiles to students’ faces and stretch their minds by sharing great literature. This effort reinforces the joy reading can bring and the exposure that a book provides. (“Oh, the places you will go.”)
Dr. Lorraine Peeples, an achievement specialist for the grant, is shown reading The Good Egg by Jory John and Pete Oswald to a group of 3rd grade students at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Elementary School. The students thoroughly enjoyed it. More importantly, they enjoyed having the opportunity to converse with an alumna and former teacher of the school who encouraged them to strive every day for success. The doors of opportunity are open to everyone; and if she can succeed, they all can. And, what better career to have than that of an educator!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” Dr. Seuss