This year’s “Grow Your Own Library” was a big success! The goal of this project was to allow every student in the school to select one free book from a selection of diverse titles. We talked about the benefits of having diverse books of our own and how collecting, reading, and sharing books with friends and family is such a wonderful step in creating a life-long reading habit.

Each student presented the book they chose to their class. They proudly introduced their chosen book’s title, author, and the reason for their selection. It was wonderful to see their smiles. Each child then wrote a thank you letter that expressed their gratitude.

In library class, we learned about another children’s book award:

The Schneider Family Book Award. The award is given by the American Library Association and recognizes authors and illustrators and their excellence in the portrayal of the disability experience in literature for youth.

Students read All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything, written by Annette Bay. Schneider Family Book Honor 2021

An inspiring true story of Jennifer Keelan, the activist whose participation in the Capitol Crawl at just eight years old encouraged Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.