Every year at this time, I reflect on my life – especially the people and things for which I am most grateful. This year I am most thankful for a healthy family, a comfortable home, wonderful friends, experiencing the world again, and, best of all, new granddaughters.
As I look at our new little one, I can’t help but think of all that lies ahead for her. I feel grateful for so many things that have changed since I was her age. As a literacy specialist, mother and grandmother, one change that I’m most appreciative of is the diversity of books available to children today.
So, my gratitude list continues:
- I’m grateful that children today have the opportunity for a much broader collection of books to read and to help them learn about themselves and the world.
- I’m grateful for the publishing companies for providing diverse books that allow readers of all ages to begin to understand other races, religions, cultures, genders, preferences, political persuasions… diversity in every way.
- I am truly grateful for the authors like; Peter H. Reynolds, Oge Mora, Monique Fields, Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson, Erica Silverman, Heather Gale, Monica Clark-Robinson, Traci Sorell, Jason Reynolds, and Joanna Ho. These and so many other authors write books that make us rethink what we know, who we are, and what we believe, do, and value.
- I’m so grateful for the teachers who bring these books into the classroom so their students might envision, create and experience a more tolerant, understanding community.
- I am most grateful that, because of these authors and teachers, children today will experience literature in such a way that they not only find themselves in books but also learn about so many others as well.
Wishing you a a wonderful holiday weekend filled with the people and things for whom you are most grateful.
What a BEAUTIFUL post. Thank you, Patti.