Sharing the Magic of Books

Seven-year-old Kaleb once wasn’t able to speak. His autism prevented him from focusing on anything for more than a few seconds and it was hard for him to sit in one place. We worked with him at Head Start to learn how to communicate through sign language and picture charts—but it wasn’t until Kaleb received two special books from First Book.org that his silence was broken.

Thomas the Tank Engine and Sponge Bob immediately became Kaleb’s favorite books, and he brought them back and forth between home and school. He would sit and listen while the books were read to him, and he even engaged himself in the process by looking at the pictures and touching the pages. Eventually Kaleb started making sounds as he pointed to the pictures. These sounds slowly evolved into words and he began to say the names of the books’ trains and characters. Today, Kaleb’s teacher says that he still loves books, and she continues to use books from First Book to motivate Kaleb to speak. As they sit together reading, Kaleb will often take her hand and say the characters’ names as he points to the pictures.

“Thanks to the books we’ve gotten from First Book, my autistic son has found a link to language,” said Kaleb’s mom. “Having access to wonderful, colorful books, that I cannot afford to buy on a fixed income, is a blessing to my children.”

First Book gives the gift of reading to children who otherwise may not have their own books. As a manager of a child development and Head Start center, I have been fortunate enough to experience first-hand the difference that First Book makes in the lives of children. Books enable these children to enter a world where their imaginations reign and the impossible is possible. In this world, children like Kaleb are empowered to find their own voice.

Sadly, many of America’s children have not yet been granted this opportunity because they do not have books that they can call their own. With your help, First Book can change this. Support First Book today to give more children the chance to experience the power of reading.

Camilla Shive is a retired high school teacher and current Manager of the Child Development and Head Start center in Metcalfe County, KY.

Editor’s Note First Book has provided more than 70 million books to kids in need, but millions more are waiting. For more information, go to www.firstbook.org.