Love of Literacy Luncheon committee members (in front) Penny Kosinski, Bettina Young, Chiara Clark, (in back) Gina Brody, Cristy Fimiani, Sylvie Bergeron, Kristin Calder and Megan Mulry. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
The chairwoman of this year’s Love of Literacy Luncheon can’t wait to meet guest speaker Kate DiCamillo, the 2014-15 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, chosen by the Librarian of Congress.
Not only is the mother of five currently reading the author’s acclaimed fable The Magician’s Elephant, she and her family also read Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux together.
“When I found out it was her, I was super-excited,” Bettina Young said. “Her books raised my children.”
DiCamillo will take the stage March 12 at the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s 24th annual fundraiser. The New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Medal winner follows an impressive list of past speakers, including Brad Meltzer, Ann Patchett and Pat Conroy.
“I’ll probably just stand there and hug her like an idiot,” Young said. “Which is a good thing, because there’s a lot of authors I don’t want to hug.”
The 54-year-old Gulf Stream resident, whose children are ages 14, 16, 18, 25 and 27, said her goal in chairing the nonprofit’s biggest benefit is to emphasize the sense of community that reading fosters.
“We still, even as adults, read books together,” Young said. “It just makes for a huge amount of communication between the family.”
March marks “Read Aloud Month,” and the coalition is participating in the national campaign that aims to build awareness of the impact reading aloud to youths of all ages — 15 minutes each day — has on intellectual development, increased testing capacity and a deeper understanding of the world.
“I read Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures aloud to my children,” said Kristin Calder, the coalition’s CEO.
Calder said DiCamillo’s presence at the podium during the event will shine a spotlight on the significance of children’s literature and how it improves lives.
“Here’s two relevant Kate DiCamillo quotes,” Calder said. “ ‘Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty; it should be offered as a gift,’ and ‘The best way for children to treasure reading is to see the adults in their lives reading for their own pleasure.’ ”
The Coastal Star: Why do books — especially children’s books — matter?
Bettina Young: Books are the door to education. Read to a child, and they will always want more. Children’s books encourage them to use their imagination, to create instead of having everything created for them.
CS: Can you explain how your children’s lives changed through reading?
BY: Reading has bonded our family. They are a part of something exciting. It leads to conversation and growth. We have many family favorites that will always be a part of their lives.
CS: How avid of a reader are you?
BY: I love books, all books. I will read anything that is suggested to me. I just need more time.
CS: What do you think about a recent report that found children in families who read aloud more likely will become frequent readers?
BY: Sometimes, as an adult, it’s hard to “get into” a book. For children, it can be even more difficult to get started. By reading aloud, the child becomes curious about the outcome and wants more. The passion is ignited. They find that they can’t get enough.
CS: How does the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County connect the community?
BY: By collaborating with schools, libraries and other community organizations to share resources, coordinate efforts and provide programs for adults, children and families. When people find independence from reading, they are able to grow and pass it to those around them, friends and family. This connects all of us.
If You Go
What: Love of Literacy Luncheon to benefit the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
When: 11:30 a.m. March 12
Where: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
Cost: $125
Information: Call 279-9103 or visit literacypbc.org
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