December is an exciting month. Children of all ages are getting ready for the holidays and a break from school and classes. (I know my son is in countdown mode.)
It also signals the end of a year and the start of a new one.
And (drum roll!) on January 5, a newly appointed National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will begin his or her term. The announcement will be made at the Library of Congress. Jon Scieszka will end his highly successful term as the first ever U.S. ambassador.
As far as I’m concerned, every adult should be an ambassador for books for young people — especially at this time of year.
After all, it is the season of giving, so why not give stories? They come in lots of forms, can be factual or fictional, are found in books — and lots of them are available in audio. They can be read, told, or listened to together. Most important, these are the gifts that keep giving long after the holiday has passed.
Holidays are made of memories. Memories are made of stories. So share a story; make a memory. Reading Rockets has some book suggestions to get you started.
And stay tuned to find out who will be our next National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature!
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
December 4, 2009