advocacy/volunteering

Celebrate the power of words by reading aloud and sharing stories! Go to litworld.org for inspiration.

  I would like to add my voice to those congratulating Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan for winning the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote and protect girls’ rights to education. Seventeen-year-old Malala, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, is the youngest person to ever win the Nobel Prize…. Read more »

Enjoy this update of a previously run post ~     Do you know that the first Sunday after Labor Day is National Grandparents Day? This special day is meant to celebrate the important bonds between grandparents and grandchildren. You can mark this day in whichever way suits your family best. Grandparents might give and/or… Read more »

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Nili Yelin, A.K.A. the Storybook Mom. A Wilmette resident and NU graduate, Nili is known throughout the Chicagoland area for her interactive style of storytelling and ability to communicate her passion for literature to her listeners. She has an extensive background in performing and developing her own… Read more »

  I recently read—and enjoyed—the novel, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, a sweet homage to independent bookstores. Given my long-standing love of bookstores (and libraries), it’s not surprising this story resonated with me. I still have fond memories of the book sellers of my youth: the erudite sales staff at Kroch’s and Brentano’s,… Read more »

The other day a book came to my attention that is just perfect for me. Actually, I think it might just be perfect.

Sadly today, the celebrated storyteller, poet and activist Maya Angelou passed away. She was a woman of great courage, strength and spiritual beauty who inspired many with both her words and actions.

Anyone who’s taken care of a baby or toddler know that they love to put things into their mouths. And books are certainly no exception. But what are they exactly sucking, chewing and teething on with their board books? Most likely, these books contain laminates, foils and potentially harmful glues—not a great addition to their… Read more »

Creative nonfiction is the fastest growing genre in children’s publishing. Simply put, it is non-fiction that reads like fiction. Although everything is factual and actual, these books neither look nor read like a textbook. Instead, you’ll find expressive, colorful—even lyrical— language employed. These stories feature a strong protagonist, interesting settings and an exciting narrative arc…. Read more »

 Some talk the talk Some walk the walk Sunday some took the plunge. I would do many things to promote literacy and to support the Chicago Special Olympics (my son was a coach when he was in Chicago), but taking the Polar Plunge definitely does NOT fall in that category. Fortunately, there are others, apparently… Read more »