SAS-SAF: The Power of a Book

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Today marks the kick-off of another great week of Share a Story, Shape a Future (SAS-SAF), with the theme this year being Unwrapping the Gift of Literacy.  I absolutely love the theme because as the hosts explain it, the theme is two-fold:

• The ability to read IS a gift ... one that lasts a lifetime; and 
• Literacy is a gift we can easily give to and share with someone else ... with minimal cost.

Doesn't that just make complete sense to you?!?  Those hosts are smart ones!!  :)

As in the past two years of SAS-SAF, I will be sharing my thoughts about the daily posts and I also intend to share my thoughts on the "Writing About Reading" prompts that are posted.  I love to be able to keep the great information available right here on the blog, where I can quickly reference the information, as well as share those articles that strike a chord with me with my readers.  It is my way of sharing a little literacy love!

Today's topic focuses on The Power of a Book.  Articles focus on the effect on children that receive books for the first time as well as the intangible impact books can have on an individual.  (Boy, many of us know that latter feeling, right?!?)  You can click on the link above for the full extent of the articles, but here are a few that I would  love to share a thought or two on . . .

• From the first co-host, Carol Rasco, we discover the physical gift of the book.  From Rasco's experience of sharing books with children through her organization, Reading is Fundamental, as well as hearing from others from First Book and Breaking the Chain, we get to relive the excitement that a book can bring to a child . . . how their eyes light up, how books give them their "big chance," and how their dreams can begin with just one book.
• From the second co-host, we go less tangible, but "deeper" . . . Donalyn Miller (aka The Book Whisperer) explores how a book can change a child's life and make those dreams come true!  All I can say about this one is that it literally brought tears to my eyes.  Wow!  This women gets me and my love for reading and has put it into words better than I have ever been able to do!  And, if you want something even more powerful, then read about this teacher's experience!

I must say . . . This was a great kick-off, probably the best yet!  SAS-SAF just keeps getting better and better every year, and we still have four days left!!