Ashley, Pre-K Teacher

Do you have any memories from when you were learning to read?

I always wanted to read really badly, so I was kind of a pest, constantly asking "What does this say?" about every sign or awning or note that I saw. One day, it just clicked and I read "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" aloud in full. My mom was in shock and I felt like I had performed some kind of magic trick! I've been buzzed by reading ever since.

What advice do you have for young readers?

If you think reading is not for you, think again! There's so many different kinds of stories, genres, and materials out there to read. Try a graphic novel or an instructional piece, a cookbook or a biography, magazines or fan fiction... There is something out there for everyone. There has to be a book about a kid like you, who feels and thinks and looks like you... And if there isn't, it sounds like you have a book to write!

What was one of your favorite childhood books?

"Bridge to Terabithia" will never leave my soul.

Anything you are reading now?

I am currently reading two books! I just started "Girl, Woman, Other," by Bernardine Evaristo, which is a piece of fiction that follows the lives of twelve different characters. It is an experimental novel with no punctuation! The second book I'm reading is called "Be Water, My Friend," by Shannon Lee, which is about the philosophical teachings of Bruce Lee from the perspective of his daughter. It's a beautiful invitation to grow you into being your best self.

Also, that stack behind me is my To Be Read pile... You can never have enough books!

Jen, K/1 Teacher

Do you have any memories from when you were learning to read?

There is a family story that goes like this: One Christmas morning when I was three years old, I opened my first present, which was a book. Apparently, I opened the book and sat down under the tree and wasn't interested in any other presents. (I wish I remembered the name of the book!)

What advice do you have for young readers?

Make time to read everyday. You will find that it can be both relaxing and exciting. The more you read, the easier (and more fun!) it becomes. Don't give up!

What was one of your favorite childhood books?

That's an easy one! "Where the Wild Things Are," by Maurice Sendak. I loved the part in the beginning when Max's bedroom slowly turns into a jungle. And I loved the part in the middle when the Wild Rumpus starts. Then I loved the ending when Max finds his supper waiting for him. To. me that meant that his mother still loved him (even when he was naughty). I guess I loved the whole thing!

Anything you are reading now?

I just finished "Cloud Cuckoo Land," by Anthony Doerr. It's an epic novel that tells several stories across many eras—from the streets of Ancient Constantinople to a futuristic spaceship traveling to a distant planet. All the characters are connected by one thing—a book!