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[CCBC-Net] Off Topic/ Book Drive
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From: Marilyn Palowitch <marilynpalowitch>
Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2005 15:44:53 -0700
I'm reminded of the emotional story of the people of Venezuela after the devastating mudslides of 1999. At the 2001 Reading the World/USBBY, and again at the 2002 CLNE, Carmen Diana Dearden spoke of the overwhelming loss and then, the rebuilding of, community. I could never repeat this as eloquently as she stated, but what I came away with was an affirmation of community being as life-giving as elements of food, water, shelter. When they had nothing else, they read - together - people reading-aloud to other people, sharing story.
We know: stories root us, our own stories and those we share, and they weave the web of our community. They pass the time when we are sick and divert our attention when we are sad. We celebrate their heroes and see the possibility in ourselves.
Katrina has shredded the web of the communities affected. It is not too early to begin to form community, even now, while they wait for food and water. Along with books, how can we help them share story? Who is available to visit shelters and read to the children? And to the teenagers and adults? Who will provide them paper and pencils to record their own stories of courage and loss?
I have imagined what it would be like to show up at the Astrodome and say I want to read to the children. Would they think I was crazy? Or would they let me in?
Yes, they need books, now. And they need people to read to them when they are too fatigued to read themselves, or cannot read for any other reason. They need something to share while they wait. And I'm afraid the waiting is going to be long. Can't we help with stories?
I'm into the book drives...thank you for the postings. Not as convinced I can make a difference by showing up at the Astrodome, but what would Carmen say?
Marilyn Palowitch
"reading-aloud to children of all ages"
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Amy Tsaykel Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 12:05 PM To: ccbc-net at lists.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: [CCBC-Net] Off Topic/ Book Drive
Norma Jean makes a good point, but once folks are housed in their shelters (where they will likely be for some time) the victims' mental states and quality of life could be much improved with an on-site mini-library. I am just thinking here....
Amy Tsaykel Writer/Editor Children's Book Publicist www.aeditorial.com
Amy Tsaykel Creative & Editorial Services http://www.aeditorial.com
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Fri 02 Sep 2005 05:44:53 PM CDT
Date: Fri, 2 Sep 2005 15:44:53 -0700
I'm reminded of the emotional story of the people of Venezuela after the devastating mudslides of 1999. At the 2001 Reading the World/USBBY, and again at the 2002 CLNE, Carmen Diana Dearden spoke of the overwhelming loss and then, the rebuilding of, community. I could never repeat this as eloquently as she stated, but what I came away with was an affirmation of community being as life-giving as elements of food, water, shelter. When they had nothing else, they read - together - people reading-aloud to other people, sharing story.
We know: stories root us, our own stories and those we share, and they weave the web of our community. They pass the time when we are sick and divert our attention when we are sad. We celebrate their heroes and see the possibility in ourselves.
Katrina has shredded the web of the communities affected. It is not too early to begin to form community, even now, while they wait for food and water. Along with books, how can we help them share story? Who is available to visit shelters and read to the children? And to the teenagers and adults? Who will provide them paper and pencils to record their own stories of courage and loss?
I have imagined what it would be like to show up at the Astrodome and say I want to read to the children. Would they think I was crazy? Or would they let me in?
Yes, they need books, now. And they need people to read to them when they are too fatigued to read themselves, or cannot read for any other reason. They need something to share while they wait. And I'm afraid the waiting is going to be long. Can't we help with stories?
I'm into the book drives...thank you for the postings. Not as convinced I can make a difference by showing up at the Astrodome, but what would Carmen say?
Marilyn Palowitch
"reading-aloud to children of all ages"
-----Original Message----- From: ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu
[mailto:ccbc-net-bounces at ccbc.education.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Amy Tsaykel Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 12:05 PM To: ccbc-net at lists.ad.education.wisc.edu Subject: [CCBC-Net] Off Topic/ Book Drive
Norma Jean makes a good point, but once folks are housed in their shelters (where they will likely be for some time) the victims' mental states and quality of life could be much improved with an on-site mini-library. I am just thinking here....
Amy Tsaykel Writer/Editor Children's Book Publicist www.aeditorial.com
Amy Tsaykel Creative & Editorial Services http://www.aeditorial.com
_______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net
Received on Fri 02 Sep 2005 05:44:53 PM CDT
