“She is seven years old, and has been shuffled around to several locations over the past six months. She had been in and out of several different school districts, and is very frustrated over leaving her friends and her family. I was able to find several [First Book] books on her level — some for fun and some with a life lesson. When I gave her the books, she looked up at me and said, “I don’t know if I’ll be here long enough to read all of these and give them back.” I shared with her that these books were for her to keep, and they now belonged to her. She carried those books around with her everywhere she went. I would always see her sitting in a corner to read. She may not have the best of everything, but she was able to use her creativity and imagination to transport her to the world of books. She has since left the shelter, taking with her a backpack full of books. She and her mother recently called me to share that she made the honor roll and received an achievement for reading.” - Ellen, Volunteer
(Source: firstbook)