Young Readers Week 2020
The Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child's Reading List
During the week of November 9th, the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child (GC-DWC) celebrates National Young Readers Week. The week is a yearly event that was co-founded in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. One of the goals of the GC-DWC is to support young learners and parents with reading programs for holistic childhood development. For example, in Haiti, the GC-DWC supports national efforts to increase literacy through a radio-based learning program and the Strong Beginnings initiative. Reading and writing is so important, especially in these unprecedented times surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Literacy allows young readers and caregivers to investigate current events, effectively communicate, and understand many of the issues facing our world.
To celebrate National Young Readers Week, we asked our team members to share their favorite children’s or young adult book and what they love about it.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
"Julián Is a Mermaid is about love and acceptance. I enjoy reading it to my toddler and discussing how we find unique and beautiful ways to express ourselves. Young readers will love Jessica Love’s organic, fluid illustrations and heart warming story.” -Dr. Nikhit D’Sa, Senior Associate Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning
Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
“CLICK, CLACK, MOO Cows That Type is not only fun to read (you can try out all kinds of animal sounds!) but it also provides a valuable lesson about working together and compromising so everyone benefits. Grown ups and kids will love the wit and humor infused into this story.” -Kate Schuenke-Lucien, Director of Haiti Initiatives
Josephine’s Imagination
"Meet Josephine, a Haitian girl who explores a new talent and shares it with others at the marketplace. Filled with imagery, and symbolism Josephine invites you to explore the tropical island of Haiti." -Dr. Anasthasie Liberiste-Osirus, Associate Director of Language and Literacy Education ACE Haiti
Les Taïnos, the First Habitants of Haiti
"Follow Higuana and Haïno as they adventure through the challenges of the arrival of new settlers. Come explore Les Taïnos, the first habitants of Haiti!" -Dr. Anasthasie Liberiste-Osirus, Associate Director of Language and Literacy Education ACE Haiti
Gavriel and Jemal: Two Boys of Jerusalem by Brent Ashabranner
"Gavriel and Jemal: Two Boys of Jerusalem is a hopeful story of two boys facing big challenges. This story invites young readers into a thoughtful conversation about the power of young people and hope." -Dr. Neil Boothby, Director of the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child.
We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates
"I love Sesame Street. We have been using this book to talk about how we all are more alike than we are different." -Dr. Nancy Rydberg, Research Specialist
Young Readers Week is a fantastic opportunity to promote literacy all around the world. To learn how the GC-DWC is working to promote literacy and holistic childhood development, visit the resources tab on our website. You can also view this video from Director of Haiti Initiatives, Kate Schuenke-Lucien about how parents play a major role in encouraging young readers.
