As 2017 comes to end, I like to reflect back on the year. It gives me an opportunity to really think about what made an impact on me. This year, there were many stories that touched my heart. The year was hard on a lot of people, with the hurricanes and fires, and so much bullying. But some amazing people and companies came forth with their messages and made a difference. I wanted to share these stories with you. I've also put their Twitter handles, so you can follow them too.
These first stories made some national headlines. Starting with one that I can watch over and over because I just am so moved everytime I see it. It’s librarian rock star, John Schumacher. Just watch this clip and you will see his infectious love of reading and the impact it has on the kids he meets all around the country. @MrSchuReads
The next story that caught my eye was the New York Public Library along with Brooklyn and Queens forgiving the fines of children. What a decent gesture, and such an important one. Providing kids continued access to books, what could be more important?
Every spring, many of you know I do an event for Poem in Your Pocket Day. I love Poetry and love to get kids excited about it. So this story really spoke to me. I was watching the PBS News Hour and saw Author Jason Reynolds share how poetry can entice young readers. It was magical and moving. @JasonReynolds83
A cat lover I am, so seeing this story about Max the library cat go viral, just made me smile. Someone on Twitter even made this cat his own library card! So I had to have it on my list.
@MyCoolCatMax
Through my Twitter community of literacy advocates, I’ve met some of the most amazing and collaborative teachers, librarians and companies. Here are some stories or events that I found powerful or just pure fun this year.
My good friend Shannon McClintock Miller did a post about the public service announcement that Burger King did about bullying. You all know I don’t do ads on my site, but I just have to tip my hat to a big commercial company on delivering such a powerful message. @Shannonmmiller
Another highlight was being contacted by teacher Sean Forde, who is working in Milan, to help create two stories for #WorldReadLouds. Different teachers and authors read a page from a popular picture book. This brought people together to spread the joy of reading across continents. @Sean4D
Geek Club Books brought to light a very important topic. They asked many authors and actors to activate their voices for autism by spreading a message of acceptance and inclusion and speaking out about bullying. I was fortunate to be asked to participate. @GeekClubBooks
I’ve met all of the sponsors of my writing contest through social media connections. What would I ever do without these amazing and generous companies that help fill classrooms with much needed books?
Mackin Educational Resources really inspired me this year when I saw how they used their voice for the the Hurricane relief to the teachers in Texas and Florida. @MackinVIA
I also loved seeing Cantata Learning promoting “Loud Libraries”. Changing the perception of what can happen there. @CantataLearning
And Tales2GO with their blogs posts that help teachers and librarians with so much valuable information and research resources about the value of audio books. @Tales2GO
I know there were so many, many amazing stories out there this year, but these are the ones that really touched me. It may be in part because I feel like many of the these people have become my friends, though we’ve never met. But that is the positive power of social media isn’t it? I’ve had a very positive experience because I am in a wonderful and supportive community.
I’ll leave you with this happy story and video to close out my year of memorable moments! It is from Brinda Adhikari, one amazing mom. Wouldn't we all love a bedtime story that was this much fun!
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