Walter Dean Myers was just appointed to be the national ambassador for young people’s literature. Myers grew up in Harlem, a high school dropout, and the son of an illiterate man. Today his gritty realistic fiction is popular among young readers.
I heard Myers interviewed this morning on NPR. He says that today reading is more important than at any time. With the decline of manufacturing jobs, reading and reading-related skills are a must. Reading is not optional. It is necessary.
One of the most striking things he spoke about was his belief that parents, grandparent, and caretakers need to read to children—from birth. My blog followers know how strongly I believe that.
Listen for yourself. Here is the link:
http://www.npr.org/2012/01/10/144944598/to-do-well-in-life-you-have-to-read-well
I heard about Walter Dean Myers becoming the New Ambassador for Young People's Literature. I've been waiting for his speech. Thank you for the link.
ReplyDeleteI read his book Somewhere in the Darkness years ago. I remember it being an eye opener and it included some scenes that were a little uncomfortable for me to read even as an adult. I liked the book and felt more aware of the world when I finished reading it. My memory fails me as to all the details. It is actually sitting by me at this very moment waiting to be reread. I also just ordered one of his new picture books, We Are America A Tribute From the Heart.