“It’s special because not only of who YOU are, but also because it’s National Volunteer Week!”
April is National Volunteer Month, which has always held a special place in the hearts of Team READ USA because it occurs every year during READ USA Book Fair season – a time when volunteers *quite literally* multiple the impact of our mission and work.
Last week in particular was National Volunteer Week, and to celebrate, Dr. Rob Kelly, our President & CEO, shared a special message with our volunteers:
“To see the kids light up with joy because of the work that you’re doing… you’re giving kids hope, you’re giving them possibility, and you’re helping us support literacy progress.” In short, our volunteers make our work and specifically our READ USA Book Fairs possible, and we are forever grateful!
Watch Dr. Kelly’s full remarks above. And, if you haven’t been to a READ USA Book Fair yet, you have one week left to experience the magic and fun!
NOW is the time to JOIN US as a volunteer!
Speaking of gratitude, we wanted to recognize one of our foundational READ USA Book Fair sponsors: JB Coxwell Contracting.
When we recognize donors who “adopt” an elementary school, it’s donors and community supporters like JB Coxwell who truly demonstrate their embrace of a school, a project, or a community need. The JB Coxwell team lives and delivers upon its mission of “Faith. Family. Work.” – and Team READ USA is immensely grateful for their ongoing support of the students at Crystal Springs Elementary School!
There is ONE WEEK LEFT of READ USA Book Fairs, so sign up today to join us as a volunteer before Friday, May 9!
Get to Know: Nancy Burnett, Book Fair Lead Volunteer
Nancy is on the right at Beauclerc Elementary’s Book Fair.
As our READ USA Book Fairs continue, we are thankful for the opportunity to continue showcasing our fabulous Book Fair Lead Volunteers!
After 40 years in the business world, Nancy wanted to, “…spend the remainder of my life serving my heavenly father and my community. A friend of mine referred me to AmeriCorps and told me it was a great organization to work with, and it was.”
As an AmeriCorps member, she served in a four-year, part-time program with Communities in Schools’ reading program, working with children who were struggling to read.
“I had the pleasure of working in Northside schools with children in the 2nd and 3rd grade. It was a great experience, and I will always be indebted to Mrs. Carolyn Lynn, the Director of AmeriCorps as she gave me the opportunity to really grow as an individual,” Nancy shared.
During her AmeriCorps service, Nancy was also a Big Sister to eight different children and worked as an advocate for children in Nassau County in the Guardian Ad Litem Program. She then served in a paraprofessional role with Duval County Public Schools and then as a substitute teacher.
“You can see I have a great love for children and watching them reach new heights in their learning. The READ USA Book Fairs have been an awesome and amazing experience. I am tired at the end of the day, but it is a nice kind of tired, because once again I get to see the smiling faces of these children when they receive their new books and learn they belong to them forever. It is my love for these children and serving them that keeps me young and spry. I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to work with READ USA and hope to continue as a volunteer when the need arises.”
We are so grateful to you for volunteering your time with READ USA, Nancy! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to children across Northeast Florida – it is volunteers like you who inspire us every day!
Get to Know: Tammy Evans, Book Fair Lead Volunteer
Team READ USA is so lucky to have so many people who are passionate about education, literacy, and books serve as our fabulous READ USA Book Fair Lead Volunteers – and Tammy Evans is certainly one of them!
Tammy pursued elementary education as her major in college, though she took a different path post-college and became a corporate trainer. “I already had that innate ability to teach and help people learn,” shared Tammy. She left the corporate world in 2018 and joined her husband’s small business, running digital marketing and human resources for his auto repair company – but her passion for education never left her.
For five years, Tammy volunteered with the ReadingPals program through United Way of Northeast Florida. “I stumbled into that because I love books and kids,” Tammy said. When that program ended, she looked for a similar outlet to make an impact, and “I came across READ USA, and the more I read about the organization and looked into, I just loved how it started and the mission. It speaks to me: putting learning and books right into kids’ hands. Last year, I did my first READ USA Book Fair, and I was hooked!”
“There’s something about seeing a kid’s face when they get to choose the book and it’s THEIR book. I have a library at my house, and they are MY books! I loved the Book Fair experience so much that I volunteered at 12 Book Fairs last year. Part of what I love is that you get to go into a school you’ve never heard of and meet children you never would have had an opportunity to meet. When you see a kid come in there who looks a little lost or overwhelmed, you want to help them: ask what they like…pictures, sharks, whatever it may be… and tell them you get to choose books you like! And when you can help them find a book that lights up their face – it’s just amazing!”
We 100% agree, Tammy! We are so grateful for you and your passion for students, learning, literacy, and books – thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing to volunteer your time with Team READ USA!
Children’s Book: The Boy Who Loved Words by Roni Schotter
Illustrated by Giselle Potter
The Boy Who Loved Words is a wonderfully imaginative story that shines a light on the beauty of language, the spark of curiosity, and the importance of embracing what makes us unique. The story centers on Selig, an unusual boy with an extraordinary passion—not for stamps, coins, or action figures, but for words. Not just any words, either—he collects rich, vibrant, and sometimes odd ones such as loquacious, tintinnabulation, and cacophony. He stores them in his pockets and his mind, repeating their sound and meaning, though he isn’t entirely sure what he’s meant to do with them.
As Selig grows older, he begins to feel uncertain about the value of his unusual interest. Seeking answers, he sets off on a journey of self-reflection. Along the way, he meets a lyrical, mystical tree spirit who encourages him to use his love of language to help others. Inspired by this encounter, Selig begins to share his beloved words with those around him, offering just the right word at just the right moment. Through this process, he learns that his love of words can bring comfort, inspiration, and joy to others, giving his passion a newfound purpose.
Roni Schotter’s storytelling is rich with rhythm and wordplay, filled with lyrical phrases that reflect the very heart of the book. Her writing not only introduces children to new vocabulary but also helps them understand the emotional power that words can carry.
Giselle Potter’s illustrations elevate the story with a distinctively whimsical style. Her artwork is slightly surreal yet full of warmth, emotion, and charm. Using soft, muted tones and expressive, stylized characters, she creates a visual world that feels both magical and familiar, perfectly reflecting the imaginative nature of Selig’s journey.
The Boy Who Loved Words is a thoughtful, inspiring, and joyfully written book that encourages children to follow their passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. With its rich vocabulary, engaging story, and artful illustrations, it is an excellent resource for educators and parents.
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Parent Education Corner: Using Poetry to Increase Comprehension
Using poetry to increase comprehension is a great way to engage students in reading while improving their critical thinking and analytical skills. You can use poems daily accompanied by comprehension activities and questions to deepen your child’s understanding.
Comprehension Activities with Poetry
Submitted by Judy Howard, READ USA Michael Ward & Jennifer Glock Literacy Institute Senior Director
Do you have any questions or ideas for the Parent Education Corner? Anything you’d like to learn? Let us know here!